In America we have big issues with education - in impoverished communities especially. I work with Teach For All, and so we're encouraging more people to get into teaching.
John LegendRead
Some people start with the lyrics first because they know what they want to talk about and they just write a whole bunch of lyrical ideas, but for me the music tells me what to talk about.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects the differing creative processes in songwriting, emphasizing that for some, music inspires their lyrics.
John Legend highlights the contrast between songwriters who begin with lyrics based on a theme and those, like himself, who allow the music to guide their lyrical expression. This emphasizes the importance of musicality in the songwriting process, suggesting that the emotions and stories conveyed in music can lead to deeper and more authentic lyrical content.
Themes
SongwritingMusicLyricsCreativityInspiration
In practice
Example use cases
In a songwriting workshop, this quote can be used to inspire participants to explore different approaches to writing.
More from John Legend
All quotes βHip-hop is one of the most free art forms there is. There's so many sounds you can use, so many things you can bring in. You never know, man. I bet years ago people would've never said they would hear me with Rick Ross, and we did four classic songs together.
John LegendRead
For me as a songwriter, I love when other people cover my songs.
John LegendRead
To have the chance to see your music be elevated and to have almost universally positive response to that music, makes me feel better every day. I feel more confident and inspired, and that's fun.
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Why wouldn't I help? What good reason do I have as a human being with power and a sense of empathy and morality, why wouldn't I do something?
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I wrote the song "Show Me" as a prayer to God asking simple, honest questions about life and death and why there is so much suffering in the world. As I grew with the song I realized I shouldn't limit these questions solely to God; I should ask those questions of others and of myself.
John LegendRead
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I never consciously place symbolism in my writing. That would be a self-conscious exercise and self-consciousness is defeating to any creative act. Better to get the subconscious to do the work for you, and get out of the way. The best symbolism is always unsuspected and natural. During a lifetime, one saves up information which collects itself around centers in the mind; these automatically become symbols on a subliminal level and need only be summoned in the heat of writing.
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