Once, in sixth grade, we were told to free write for 2-3 minutes. Just write anything that comes to mind, my teacher said, and if you get a pause or mental block, literally write "roadblock" on the page. I naturally feigned a pause in creativity to form sentences such as "I was running down the street when I accidentally tripped over a...roadblock."
Oh to have that swagger tonight.
I sit to arrange, color, and write lyrics for a song this fine pre-summer evening, and I find myself conflicted as to what I want the song to be. And, sho nuff, the song also sounds conflicted. My music often shifts gears, probably more than the average bear would like, but this song is sounding like The White Album if it were recorded by anyone other than the Beatles.
I want to pull the trigger on one direction. I want it to be edgy and daring. Alas, I keep hearing flutes and freedom music. The trouble is, the contrasting musical styles are meshing very well, but the juxtaposition of edgy lyrics and wishy wash is coming off like bad Linkin Park. The finished product will sound clean, but anything beyond a casual listen will reveal how completely nonsensical the lyrics are. What do I do? Where does my swagger come from?
The crazy thing is, I know I'll make it work. And I know I won't have to compromise the integrity of what I want. It's just funny how some nights it just flies off the cuff with ease, and nights like tonight I find myself crashing my musical car into a... roadblock.
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