In February 2007, I went to Nashville for the NSAI Song Camp 101. For three full days I was immersed in the nuts and bolts of songwriting.
An artist has gotta be careful never really to arrive at a place where he thinks he’s at somewhere.
You always have to realize that you’re constantly in a state of becoming.
— Bob Dylan
No Direction Home: Bob Dylan.
Directed by Martin Scorsese. 2005. Documentary.
Being around other songwriters, having classes with pro writers, and hearing live music in classes and concerts was life-changing. Some of the best advice I received was when someone told me, “The only one who’s seen the world through my eyes is me. That is special and unique.”
In every class, as songs were played, I was brought to tears—overcome with emotion. The faculty concert at Douglas Corners was breathtaking. I experienced the power, elegance, cleverness, and sense of humor that experienced songwriters can bring to songs. Perhaps the most important thing I gained from going to Nashville was that my ears were forever changed.
. . . forever changed
After my first trip to Nashville—for Song Camp 101 in February 2007—my ears were changed. Before that trip, I had no idea what to listen for in lyrics. I had never heard live performances by singer-songwriters. The faculty concert, along with my visit to the Bluebird Café, showed me there was more to songwriting than what I heard on the radio. During the camp, I realized that my classical background gave me a very different perspective. I tried not to think of it as something negative. I accepted the fact that I would never have the same sensibilities of lyrics and melodies as someone with a guitar and a country or folk background. But where was I headed? I did not know.
After camp, I worked on rewriting several of my lyrics. That was a good process, but after a month I decided that some songs would just have to be what they were and I began writing new songs. I worked to become better with every new set of lyrics. It was difficult work and often frustrating. I found it hard (and still do) to balance plain language while using meaningful metaphors. And, don’t even mention storytelling! There are so many challenges.
There were other important things about that first trip to Nashville which I will describe in more detail in my next songwriting blog. It is hard to write with blatant honesty—but I want to have a record of this remarkable beginning to my journey. Maybe this will give courage to other people. There were many personal and musical challenges. Sometimes my inner dialogue and insecurities work against me. However, if I can do any of this . . . surely, someone else can, too.
Off to Song Camp 101
I had never made a trip by myself before I headed to Nashville on that cold, snowy Saturday afternoon (yes, it snows in Alabama sometimes!). I was uncomfortable driving long distances alone and would not know anyone there. But, somehow, I knew I had to do this. I would do whatever I needed to do—go beyond my comfort zone—to become a songwriter. There were no doubts in my mind that I was on this journey for a reason. This trip marked a new chapter for me.
I had managed to go through life without actively taking part in my own life—drifting along for years and years. Suddenly I was living and not letting fear, insecurities, or anything get in my way. Being older makes you realize that it no longer matters what anyone else thinks about you. You also realize that more days are behind you than are ahead. If you are ever going to start living—the time is NOW.
After that first trip to Nashville, not only were my ears changed, I was changed.
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Have you ever done something that symbolized a new beginning? What artistic experiences have you had that changed who you are?
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