I wouldn't quite agree with Marc (and remember, I am not an industry professional). I think sound effects should be used only very sparingly, and only when the song absolutely requires it. Otherwise, you're cheapening the impact--and if it gets cheap enough, there's no point in doing it.

Since anything I write is going to end up being performed live, I eschew sound effects altogether, because they can't be replicated on stage. (There are exceptions. Our harmonica player actually found and bought a South American percussion instrument that imitates a bullfrog, for use in "The Frog Next Door." It's called--surprise!--a "ribbit.")

Joe

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