Page 15 - Jan InDesign

Simon Wright

Lyric Writing - The Art Of Simplicity

My final example is from one of the greatest living (Bridge)
lyricists, Nick Cave. What I like about this one is Now memories they fade
that it starts with a statement that’s all about hard And snow begins to melt
scientific logic, but then turns that round to feelings Dripping on my pillow
that are very tender and intimate. Apart, possibly,
from the word ‘interventionist’, there is nothing As the stars are fading out
overly complex about the words he used, and it’s I trace the steps
certainly not flowery language. Mine large, Your’s small
And the years roll back
Why there’s beauty in simplicity I can see it all

Not a dream, not a fantasy
Sometimes an artist’s greatest skill is in knowing Nor a trick of my mind
when not to show off the full range of their abilities.
It is in creating something that is both easily A moment captured
accessible but which also comes across as genuine A frozen snapshot
and emotional. I think it’s worth remembering that A perfect moment in time
when people are dealing with raw emotions, they
don’t tend to speak in elegant flowery language. (Instrumental solo)
Emotions such as grief or hate cause us to speak in
short sharp sentences, so replicating that in your
lyrics can help make those powerful emotions seem (Verse 3)
genuine. Footprints in the snow
That slowly will vanish
Here’s the full lyric for Footprints in the snow. Only we will know

That I was there
Footprints in the snow That you were there

That we kissed beneath the larch
(Verse 1) Beyond prejudice unfair
Footprints in the snow And that you said you loved me
Tracks that soon will vanish As I pulled you near.

No-one will know
That I was here Written by Simon Wright (with additional contribu-
That you were here tions by Josh Castagno)
Or that I felt your breath (February 2018)
As I pulled you near.
About Simon Wright
Simon is an Irish lyric writer who lives in Scotland.
(Verse 2) He collaborates with musicians across the world to
Spiderwebs that glow turn his lyrics into songs.
Perfect threads that glisten

No-one will know Check out his website www.LyricSlinger.co.uk
That we were here
Blue sky so clear and follow @TheLyricSlinger on Twitter.
And that you said you loved me
As I pulled you near.

www.writeawaymagazine.co.uk 15