In this era of therapy, Oprah, ‘having a positive attitude’, affirmations, ‘the secret’, even ‘the seacrest’, it’s common to think that one’s songs should also always be uplifting, have a positive ‘message’, a happy ending, etc.

Though there are many great songs of new love, hope, inspiration, most good songs are about trouble… struggle.  Just like in drama, if the singer or subject of the song is not having a problem, things can get very dull very fast.

Unlike a play or a movie, though, most songs are relatively brief.  They usually capture a moment of feeling, not a story arc (though some do).   Songs about moments of happiness and uplift can be fantastic.  Still, most songs contain some sort of conflict… which the writer should exploit to the hilt!

I think it’s a mistake to think that because the lyric of a song engages with a problem –  and if, in the time in which the song takes place, that problem remains unresolved – that the song will not be ‘uplifting’.  Think about songs you love.  I’d guess some of them are positive and directly inspirational.  But many of them probably define a moment or moments of trouble, pain, transition, uncertainty… and have helped you get through those times.  So, as writers, I suggest we not shy away from those areas, those subjects and feelings.

Songs that, musically and lyrically, define a moment of struggle for us in an evocative way, help us.  We identify and feel less alone with our difficulties.

Now I personally don’t think the purpose of songs – of art – is to ‘help’, at least not directly (though they do).  But if you believe that – and that’s certainly your prerogative – I suggest that, while writing, you still be willing to delve deeply into the pain of the situation and/or feeling that you’re writing about.  And remember – a thing of beauty can be and often is a portrayal of an ‘ugly’ thing.

Don’t immediately try to spin a positive message out of the hurt.  Stay with it.  I strongly believe this will usually not only help make a better song (which is my interest)… it might make a more ‘helpful’ song – because it’s more true.

And art is the fake thing that helps us feel the truth.