A guide to using classical rhetoric for writing songs that say what you want them to say Most people begin with a “reason” for writing and feel that much songwriting comes from the personal; we think of songwriting as something sacred, stemming from deep revelations and providing personal or communal healing. This is often the case. But there are times when the message of the song, the purpose, is the true goal. To write purposefully requires going beyond the reason and utilizing specific skills that make sure that purpose is accomplished.

We are all pretty much shaped by ages of traditions; they permeate our everyday existence, whether we know it or not, and thank goodness for that. With those tools available to us, we can concentrate on the job of communicating much more readily. These tools help songwriters especially when they are writing “on purpose” – when they have a specific point that they hope to consciously make.

Building on established literary conventions that go back to the ancient Greeks, Beyond Reason encourages the songwriter to use form to shape inspiration.
Is songwriting art? Is it inspiration? Is it craft? Is it alchemy and mystery? It is all of those things. But your inspiration is wide and expansive and creative expression needs a big toolbox.

After all, what is a great song? For most of us, it is one that achieves what it is we want it to do.