Leonard Cohen's writing process: He wrote 80 verses of Hallelujah

TL;DR

The songwriter discusses finding inspiration outside of formal practice, the importance of silence, and the power of lyrics in songwriting.

Transcript

are you uh also practicing in your head sometimes now I'm not practicing as much I'm more always writing songs in my head so that's why I like silence that's why I love being in the empty hotel room and being alone or you know songs come to me while I'm showering or walking around doing the dishes or occasionally when I'm hanging out with friends o... Read More

Key Insights

• ☄️ Inspiration for songwriting can come from everyday activities and conversations.
• 🤫 Silence is important for allowing creative ideas to emerge.
• 🖐️ Lyrics play a significant role in songwriting and can have a profound impact on listeners.
• ❓ Some songwriters, like Leonard Cohen, go through extensive crafting and refinement processes.
• ❓ The songwriting process is unique for each individual and can involve combining lyrics, melody, and chords simultaneously.
• ⌛ Stephen Sondheim is an example of a songwriter who focuses on one aspect of the song at a time.
• ☄️ Some songs come together effortlessly, while others require more effort and experimentation.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does the songwriter find inspiration for songwriting?

The songwriter finds inspiration while engaging in everyday activities, such as showering, walking, or talking to friends. These moments spark ideas that can be turned into lyrics or musical concepts.

Q: Why does the songwriter value silence?

Silence is essential for the songwriter because it allows them to hear the songs that are already playing in their head. It helps them focus on the process of writing and bring out the clarity of their ideas.

Q: What is the songwriter's approach to crafting lyrics?

The songwriter believes that lyrics should be interesting and meaningful. They want their songs to be about something that matters, rather than just creating music for the sake of it. Lyrics hold immense power and can evoke strong emotions.

Q: How does the songwriter approach the songwriting process?

The songwriter's approach varies depending on the song. Sometimes, a song flows effortlessly, and everything falls into place. Other times, it requires more work to fill in the gaps and find the right words. The goal is to let the song develop naturally and authentically.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The songwriter finds inspiration for songwriting in everyday moments, such as showering, walking, or conversations with friends.

• The focus in songwriting has shifted from solely musical ideas to more lyrical concepts and interesting themes.

• Leonard Cohen's song "Hallelujah" is used as an example of the extensive crafting and refinement process that some songwriters go through.