Mike,

I have written over 600 songs, so I didn't go back and do a literal count. Also, about 150 are instrumentals. But, of those that have a lyric, I briefly glanced through about 70 - 80 of them. I came up with about a 60 - 40 ratio, positive to negative/sad, respectively. The ballads are probably 85% - 90% negative/sad. They are mostly love gone bad or human tragedy driven.

To the contrary, about 75% of the up-tempo songs are positive, life ias good type messages. of the up-tempo songs that are negative/sad, they are usually a mildly humorous take on love gone bad or a humorous event.

I think it is easier to write sad songs because they come with more powerful emotion and generally touch on subject matter to common to a greater percentage of the listener. it kind of parallels the film industry...sex, humor and tragedy are always good themes.

But, regarding my instrumentals, I can also also classify them as sad or positive. They are 65% - 70% positive.

I try to keep in mind, as I answer this, that the definitions of positive, negative and sad might differ a bit from one person another. Thus, I replied using my own definitions. I think my definitions are priobably pretty standard.

Interesting thread. Thanks for asking!

Alan

Last edited by Al David; 02/21/09 02:55 PM.