How long does it usually take you to write lyrics?

[John W Selleck]

Hi Everybody,

As I was writing another lyric today I started wondering about how other people write. My ideas for hooks and songs come from many different places that i call my muse. Sometimes she is kind and sweet and hands me a lyric that flows from the end of my pen as I am writing it. Sometimes she won't let me get to sleep until I have gotten back up and started writing what she gave me. Sometimes she wakes me from a sound sleep and if I don't get up and start writing, she makes the ideas disappear. Sometimes I wake with them. sometimes they hit me as I'm driving, or in the shower.

Most of the time, from the time I start writing, whether it be with a pen or keyboard, the basic lyric is on the page in 20-30 minutes. And yes, always rewrites. There are also times when I block, and can't finish a lyric. Sometimes I will come back and finish them a day or so later, sometimes it is months later, and sometimes not at all.

How does it work with you???

[Lisa Gates]

Hey John, my muse is never sweet or kind but all the other scenarios are true for me. Though I have to include the words that come and have no development...they sit on pages waiting for a co-writer to help make them a full lyric. I let them sit there because I don't force my writing...

You've hit the nail on the head with this post. Maybe someone can post some solutions to developing lyrics when the muse has vanished? LOL

[Philip Spillman]

If the flow is going I'll write my lyrics in one setting 2-3 hours or less.  At times I have to hammer away and it will be over several days to a week.  Very rarely is it longer than that.  I find my muse is my guitar and I just keep playing and the words come eventually in what I want to say.  I love the creative process, there is nothing like it.

[John W Selleck]

9 hours ago, Lisa Gates said:

Maybe someone can post some solutions to developing lyrics when the muse has vanished? LOL

You are right on the money with you can't force a lyric. They come out like garbage when you do.

When my muse goes on vacation, sometimes i put a random thought on paper, or on my screen and see where it takes me. That's what I did with the one I wrote yesterday- "Give My Soul Some Peace".

[John W Selleck]

5 hours ago, Philip Spillman said:

If the flow is going I'll write my lyrics in one setting 2-3 hours or less.  At times I have to hammer away and it will be over several days to a week.  Very rarely is it longer than that.  I find my muse is my guitar and I just keep playing and the words come eventually in what I want to say.  I love the creative process, there is nothing like it.

Sadly, I don't play anymore, but happily, my lyrics come without any music except a flow in my head. I have tried writing to others music but it just doesn't work for me. Dunno why but... And yes, I love creating, and sharing.