Expressing Emotions

The most important thing to know how to do when writing a song is being able to express your emotions as well as expressing yourself through them. Sometimes you find yourself automatically able to write/express your emotions without digging any deeper. Unfortunately, there are some occasions and emotions (such as love) that we find almost impossible to express, especially when writing them down or trying to develop them into a good song. Sometimes you might just have to say exactly what it is without the struggle of metaphors or figurative language. The following song by Nickelback demonstrates the use of just saying what is needed.

"Far Away" by Nickelback

Lyrics:

This time, This place
Misused, Mistakes
Too long, Too late
Who was I to make you wait
Just one chance
Just one breath
Just in case there's just one left
'Cause you know,
you know, you know

[CHORUS]
That I love you
I have loved you all along
And I miss you
Been far away for far too long
I keep dreaming you'll be with me
and you'll never go
Stop breathing if
I don't see you anymore

On my knees, I'll ask
Last chance for one last dance
'Cause with you, I'd withstand
All of hell to hold your hand
I'd give it all
I'd give for us
Give anything but I won't give up
'Cause you know,
you know, you know

[CHORUS]

So far away
Been far away for far too long
So far away
Been far away for far too long
But you know, you know, you know

I wanted
I wanted you to stay
'Cause I needed
I need to hear you say
That I love you
I have loved you all along
And I forgive you
For being away for far too long
So keep breathing
'Cause I'm not leaving you anymore
Believe it
Hold on to me and, never let me go
Keep breathing
'Cause I'm not leaving you anymore
Believe it
Hold on to me and, never let me go
Keep breathing
Hold on to me and, never let me go
Keep breathing
Hold on to me and, never let me go

To hear and see the video of this song, visit the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4y-RzVGrHg&feature=fvst

This Nickelback song is a great example of not using fancy figurative or metaphorical language to have a great song full of emotion. In the chorus he says "I love you" and "I miss you." I feel as though sometimes these sets of three powerful words are ignored and overlooked because of the misuse of them throughout the world. Clearly the writer of this song wants to show us that he wants to be with this girl/guy forever and doesn't necessarily need pretty language to tell us readers/listeners.

To help spur thoughts on your own emotions or enabling you to get them down, I'm going to give some helpful hints. Here are the suggestions:

Suggestions for helping express your emotions:

1. First and Foremost: Ask yourself how you've been feeling or how you've felt recently.

2. When you experience an emotion or think of an emotion that you are able to express the way you want, do not hesitate – write it down immediately!

3. Reflect on past experiences you may have had, and write them down. See what you have written down in order to help express yourself.

4. If you are unemotional or just aren't able to write down any of your own personal emotions, think about family and friends who have expressed theirs to you. You can even develop some great emotions from watching celebrities on the television.

Getting your emotions down on paper is the best way to start writing a song – no matter what the emotion may be!

(Not saying you shouldn't try your hardest to be creative and original but) If you find that you have written down your thoughts and experiences and still can't think of a great original way to express your emotions, try just telling it like it is. The great example of the Nickelback song should definitely help you manage that. Expressing your emotions can be tough because they are so personal. Sometimes writing down how you feel in the simplest form of words can make a song beautiful and famous.

-Amanda Bonbrisco