Hits hard:
There are many times I hear a great song on the radio and think to myself "Man, I wish I wrote that!" But as songwriter I know that isn't possible. Songs are a culmination of experiences condensed into melody and lyrics with arrangements , production and orchestrations.
I can not write someone else's song because I have not been their shoes. My 5 senses have not felt what they felt or even by chance I didn't come across their story and then filter it through my understanding of it. I didn't work with the people they did to create it. Thus there song is unique to them and my songs are unique to me. But once they have released it I can cover it and make it my own, sometimes even making a definitive version.
I can't explain the joy of creating with others. My songs are great but when everyone adds their life experience to it , it becomes even better. Like stone soup everyone contributes turning it into chicken soup for the soul, musically. It's warms the heart and eases the mind. It makes you feel something.
I got a book to write lyrics in that says on the front, "music is life, write your own lyrics". For me I say "my music is my life, read and listen to my lyrics." If you want to really know me the listen to my songs. Then you will know.
When watching the new Amy Winehouse documentary I got to learn so much about her life and her music. As tragic as it was her music would not have been what it was without the tragedy. It is all reflected in her sound, in her mood, in her expression and in her lyrics. She emoted through every note. And that's how it should be. And if she said all she had to say and sang like it was her last then she gave it her all, body and soul! I hope I can do the same.