Mike,

My take on this subject is that the really great writers, Steele, Rutherford, Wiseman, Barnette (can never resist that one) do is take the ordinary subjects that happen in everyone's day to day lives but make them extrodinary.

Chain of Love: Written by Rory Lee
synopsis:
Woman breaks down on the side of the road on a stormy snowy night in her very expensive Mercede's. Ever had that happen?

Guy stops to help her. On his shirt is his name "Joe".

He changes her flat tire. She ask's "What do I owe you?"
he says: "Nothing, just don't let the chain of love end with you.

The Rich Woman goes to a diner to eat. A very pregnant waitress is having a tough time. The rich woman leaves a $100 bill for a $5 meal. $95 tip. With a note: "Don't let the chain of love end with you."

The waitress goes home after her shift. Gets in bed with her sleeping husband. Kisses him on the forehead and say's,
"It's gonna be okay Joe."

She was married to the guy who helped the rich woman who left the $95 tip, who helped her help the guy who helped her at the top of the song.

Strong story. Something we have seen and been probably on both sides of, every day life, told in a fresh interesting way, we didn;t see before.

90% of songwriting is a DUH!!! It's sitting right in front of us, just most people miss it. It is about the details.

2.7 seconds on a bull named Fu Manchu. Live Like you Are Dying.

"I've Had Moments." homeless guy saves someone from committing suicide.

The great songs are the reality based situations told from a different perspective.

That is what I try to do anyway.

MAB