Originally posted by noticingthemistake
I think the best lyrics are lyrics that tell a story that is very personal to author but everyone who reads them can relate to it. I know it's a cliche but most "love songs' fit this mold. Everyone has been in love, and even though the author has a different experience with love. People can still relate to it or most of what is said in the song.

I like reading short stories and poetry rather than other songwritters for inspiration.

I totally agree with you there, on both counts. And when you get right down to it, most songs are about love, in one way or another. Relationships, at least.

Also, I concur with you on the sources of inspiration. While I referenced a few other songwriters to show what I thought were great lyrics, I don't think that you should necessarily draw inspiration from them or any other songs. I've lent my new bandmate a couple of my classic poetry books for homework. I told him something along the lines of "a good writer should be a good reader", which is something I firmly believe in.