Overhauled is an understatement. I thought I had a decent grasp of creating
songs,  but I honestly am realizing how much of an amateur I really am. When
I was still living in Arlington I went to the library and picked up a book called
Writing Better Lyrics by Pat Pattison.

As I read through the first two chapters I put the book down and commented
to the air that I really felt immature in my song writing. I couldn’t get past the
first three chapters. It was so packed with content that I found absolutely
helpful. So many ideas were coming to mind about how to get better as a
songwriter and how to be intentional in crafting all the pieces so that they
complimented each other and worked to get the point across. I just ran on the
whim, chased the emotion that seemed to beckon me at the moment
and hoped to capture and articulate it in clear manner.

I have been blessed in my career thus far. God has allowed me to still create songs
that people have connected with and felt moved by, but I feel like I am just now
beginning to understand the mechanics behind crafting better songs.

If you have any aspirations of being a songwriter I highly recommend that you get
Writing Better Lyrics.

I’m not getting paid to endorse the book. I just really like it, and highly recommend it.

So I’ve been working on creating some new songs. And I wanted to start
sharing the progress of some of the new material. I have been fairly close-
handed about sharing the new stuff. But that’s just no fun because you and
I don’t get the benefit of having the shared excitement of watching it come
together, or the sinking feeling of watching it fall apart (that happens too!).

The new lyrics just started coming together here in the past couple of days.
This is what I have for the first verse so far:

That man could paint with his guitar
Stroke after stroke
Until the smoke rose
To a thick purple haze
When electric went from sidekick to star
Back in those days

Do you know who I’m talking about?

I have the incredible opportunity a privilege of going to
St. John’s Episcopal Church to be a part of their
Summer concert series on the lawn.

I’m excited to be able to do this outdoor show. Please come
and enjoy some music, bring some food and meet your
neighbors.

I look forward to seeing you there.