The hottest Lyrics Substack posts right now

Pro-gun lyrics in American popular music are facing backlash.
Jason Aldean's music video was criticized for promoting violence and pro-gun imagery.
There is a double standard in the outrage over pro-gun lyrics in country music compared to mainstream rap songs.

Taylor Swift is considered a poet due to the depth of her lyrics and writing style.
Music has replaced poetry in modern times, but some heights of poetry are not always reached by music.
Taylor Swift's lyrical poetry, while not on par with traditional poets like Emily Dickinson, resonates with average listeners and has evolved towards a more confident and raw style.

The song 'July, July!' was written in 2001 and is based on personal experiences and reflections.
The lyrics of the song contain references to specific places and events in the author's life at that time.
The chorus of the song 'July, July!' pays homage to another band's lyrics and reflects the author's personal relationship experiences.

Nina Simone's art was a blend of vulnerability and vengeance in her singing.
Nina Simone's career and music reflected a battle between her desire to be a concert pianist and her role as a diva.
Nina Simone's honesty and self-awareness about her path question the idea of success, sacrifice, and the road not taken.

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Green Day's new album 'Saviors' presents a message of enjoying life's chaos and finding joy in the midst of madness.
The album reflects a theme of societal and political dysfunction, urging listeners to be their own saviors and find meaning in small moments.
Green Day's 'Saviors' is a blend of energetic rock music intertwined with social commentary, offering a nostalgic 80s throwback feel with enjoyable songs about relatable subjects.

Steely Dan got their name from William S. Burroughs and his book 'Naked Lunch.'
The band's name, referencing a dildo, symbolizes themes of transgressive art, masculinity, and falsehood in their music.
The dildo reference was a provocation that added to the band's contrary mythos and made them stand out.

Two acclaimed albums, Southeastern and Saint Cloud, by Alabama artists dive deep into sobriety themes.
Both Jason Isbell and Waxahatchee openly share their journey to sobriety through their music.
The albums reflect themes of transformation, moving forward, and personal growth rather than dwelling on victimhood and rock bottom experiences.

Writing what you know doesn't guarantee success in creative pursuits, as demonstrated by examples like Stephen King. People often prefer stories of magic and fantasy over reality.
Creative expression in various forms like painting, sculpture, and music requires a deep connection to the subject matter, but success and financial reward aren't guaranteed.
Songwriting is a personal and cathartic process, and it's essential to engage in it for personal fulfillment rather than for public performance or external validation.

Songwriting can be a valuable and rewarding practice that allows for creative expression and personal growth.
Embrace the amateur mindset in creative endeavors, allowing room for experimentation and the freedom to fail without the pressure of perfection.
Reflect on personal experiences and emotions as inspirations for songs, embracing simplicity and honesty in storytelling.