What key elements comprise a timeless song?
First, a strong melody. Then it needs a good hook that’s easy to remember. People usually remember the hook first before they know what the rest of the song is about. And third, the writer’s lyrical content must have a lasting message, no matter what the song is about. One striking element of your songwriting is your skillful use of metaphors. Bob Dylan drew attention to that when he called you “America’s greatest living poet.” Why are these important? Once I learned how to write songs, I recognized the fact that there are no new words. There are also no new notes on the piano or guitar. And there are really no new ideas. So you have to work within the framework of what’s been going on for thousands of years since language began. You have to work within that parameter. So the trick for me was to try and say the same thing differently. Do you ever get tired of singing or writing love songs? No, because love is such an important aspect of life. Love can be happy, sad, mad, cruel, hateful
