Songwriting Chronicles: Woman (Working Title)

Writing a song is a long and sometimes frustrating process. As I write this post I currently have about 26 different voice memos labeled Song Ideas. My latest idea was birthed out of a reflection on agency and independence. I don’t have an official title yet but the general idea is a song that focuses on how I wield my agency as a woman.

I spend a lot of time thinking about the woman I want to be. I think about how she would treat people, what type of clothes she wears and what emotions her presence would invoke.

The verses of the song focus on describing the woman I want to be and the chorus affirms that I am that woman.

Elegant, gentle and beautiful.

I think a big reason I wrote this song is I needed a reminder of what I am aiming for. Because becoming that woman is a really long process and knowing my goal gives me hope on the days where I make decisions that pull me back to the woman I used to be. I do my best not to sit in judgment of who I used to be but I am familiar with her and the mentality she had can’t come with me into the future.

I recently learned of a visualization exercise that has helped with the process of writing this song.

The idea is to imagine having a meeting with an older version of yourself. Envision them giving you advice, encouraging you, maybe giving you a hug. Imagine what they look like, how they smell. What type of clothes are they wearing?

These questions help you paint a mental picture of where you want to be. And every time I have done this exercise I walk away feeling a little more hopeful. The woman I will become is not far away, she lives in me.

Suffice it to say I am excited about the verse and the chorus of this song. The bridge however is what I need to nail down.

Right now the bridge is more focused on where I am now and doing my best to acknowledge the reality that I'm not where I want to be yet. Positing that reality in a positive light so that I keep forging the new and improved me. Although I believe the sentiment is in line with the theme of the song, I’m not sold on the lyrics.

So this song might be revisited later. There might be something I need to experience before I can fully finish this song from an authentic head space.

I am learning to accept that the songwriting process doesn’t have to happen overnight. Most songs have to simmer in the crock pot of your life before they are ready to be consumed. So while I wait I’ll share my process and maybe visit a different song idea.

What helps you write your songs? Do you start with a theme, a melody, or the percussion? I’d love to hear what your process is like!

Until next time,

Orianna Joy