Moving from personal to universal

[Graham English]

Here's a technique I learned to give a song more universal appeal.

 

Say you start with a title. The title now must acquire a point

of view, an emotional attitude, a story line that pays off and

an appropriate form.

 

Here's the step-by-step process:

Personal->General->Particular->Universal

In other words, first, reduce your personal experience to a

general thought or emotion which the listener will understand.

Next, create particular circumstances that illustrate the

general thought or emotion. The result should reflect an idea

that is universal.

 

Be careful that a story isn't too private. Avoid leaving the

listener in the dark. Don't assume they understand, help them

understand.

[Addix Metzatricity]

Wow... Cut and dry, to the point.

 

Maybe that will help me. I'm at a neverending loss when it comes to lyrics.