DAvid:

ZEN? Undoubtedly--we are all ZENners here in this vale of tears, I believe (and he or she who is without ZEN will no doubt be the first to start casting stones when they read this).

Don't know what the pros think--I ain't one, and they've never advised me (that I know of). All I know I've learned from other people or on my own. That I'm willing to promulgate advice does not mean I have any professional credentials that should make you want to listen to it.

I agree with Truman (except that I usually allow myself a little more time--I mostly can't get a coherent thought out in 3 minutes, no matter how ruthlessly I whip the words, but have a shot at 3-1/2 to 5).

I don't ask my words to support a title. (If I ask 'em to do too much, they'll join a union.) The title for me is an afterthought--it's the quick-and-dirty shorthand label I'll assign to it *after it's all written* that is basically how I think people are going to request the song. That's all it is. "Concept" is one of them "fuzzy" words I try not to use--it's a bunch of facts with the fact part taken out.

Yes, people's perception of a song is subjective, because everybody's different and has a different frame of reference. I guess the job for the Master Wordsmith is to communicate an idea coherently enough that as wide as possible a range of other people will perceive the idea the same way you do (and yes, will appreciate it, and come back, and tell their friends, and give you money, &c.)

In my opinion, it is a lot of work, but also a lot of fun. Thanks for the opportunity to pontificate.

Joe

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