I have to admit that at this time I don't have a particularly academic approach to writing lyrics. I mostly write in solitary mode and I find it wonderful to be as honest and uncensored as possible with my ideas. Co-writing is great for sharing and expanding on your ideas and approach though, so I'd suggest go for as many ways to create if you get the opportunity.

I usually begin with a mood and really begin to tune in to that feeling. Next I take whatever instrument I have on hand - usually my trusty Maton CW80 (the same instrument that's travelled with me since I first began performing) I just let myself find sounds, chord progressions, a rhythm whatever comes to me and usually some words will start rolling. It's good to have something to capture the moment, so if you have a tape player, dat or anything portable or even a space where you can get your "sketches" without being pressured or precious then its ideal. I just let the thoughts and the words proceed and usually a theme or a subject will present itself.

For example. Over the years I have been reading and studying alot of the spiritual concepts relating to the power of thought and its ability to attract the circumstances and events in your life. (Recently this theme has been coming more into the mainstream with films like "What the Bleep" and "The Secret") I started on a groove and a few chord progressions which suggested a couple of distinct parts for the song. I start singing whatever comes into my head and write the words down this time because I dont have anything to record with and I wasn't planning to write a song...but anyway...that's ok, I have pen and paper and just go with it. Work for as long as there is "energy" for the creation as it were. I usually know when I have enough lyrics to edit later. Sometimes if I get interupted or if I lose the energy, I finish the session and go back later to try to recapture it. Just setting the intention to complete it later if it was a promising beginning. Sometimes you will be able to rework it, other times you may decide to leave it as a sketch. I have quite a few songs that I didn't finish until years later when the theme recurs, and I have a different or "graduated" take on it. Anyway, once you have some lyrics and few verses etc you can come back and edit to streamline your song for best flow of ideas and expression and fit for the music and rhythm and for ease of singing. I tend to like to minimise the number of words. But you will find your own preference and style as you continue along.

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