I was thinking- nay, pondering over how great it feels to be truly excited about something. Not the kind of mock euphoria you get when your favorite show comes on. And certainly not the kind of manic grin you give when assuring a small talker that things are going well. I'm talking flat out joy, tearing up at the thought, don't know what to do with yourself, ready to take on the world kind of excitement. Hopefully we've all been there a time or two but just as mysteriously as it appears it can vanish like viewing a mirage a step too close. You want it back immediately but your not sure how to get there. I paid my excitement some attention the other day and realized one thing (at least) that floors me and propels me at the same time: great songwriting. Yes, I will agree that this is simple and generally universal, but also a rarity to be sure. I was listening back to Ryan Adams' Love is Hell and became immediately aware that I haven't paid enough attention to these lyrics that I seem to sing unconsciously. As a side note, yes, I sing in the car; most unashamedly and unabashed. If you see me singing in the car as so many do, feel free to laugh or point because it will most likely go unnoticed; end side note. As a songwriter, when I experience songwriting at the top tier I generally have the urge to rush home and write some heresy of my own to add to the ever-growing pile. Will it ever be heard, distinguished, or even loved? In the moment it doesn't really matter. I don't pretend to know how to write good songs and I'd never feel comfortable teaching some workshop that boasted good technique. This moot point will not, however, dissuade me in those moments of excitement and inspiration from rejoining the marathon of writers in search of their perfect song. A few other mentions in the affecting me category as of late are: David Wilcox and The Brilliant Inventions (the new songs are killer; expect great things)

So that's one of mine, but I wonder what makes all of you sing? (sing=live with passion)


See you soon,

evan