What makes a Songwriter?

[Elliot Kane]

This is a rather interesting point that started to come up in another discussion. As it was off topic there, it seems like a good idea to me to make a new topic for it!

So: what, to you, makes a songwriter?

To me, there are really three terms we are talking about, here: composer, lyricist and songwriter.

The composer is the person who writes the music. The lyricist is the person who writes the words.

A songwriter, IMO, is someone who does both.

Would you agree or disagree? Why? And who are your favourite songwriters from any genre(s)?

[mihizawi]

Well... I agree, but there's also someone called arrenger.

I mean, of course, nowadays there are many people called songwriters who just write the lyrics. But, I would also think that there are many that actually compose the songs too, but with the help and guidance of someone who really knows music theory. Composing a decent melody isn't that hard, but making the harmonization and arrangement may be way harder,

I think that's the case of Hayley's co-written songs. Hayley writes the lyrics and composes the melody, but has someone there to advise her, correct her and eventually make the harmonization and arrangement. I say that basing myself on something she said in an interview about the way she writes songs. She said she just sings and eventually records herself in free and lost moments, such as while flying on a plane. Singing involves creating a melody, so, she is composing.

And, yes, there are those awesomely total musicians that make the whole thing by themselves. I am in a hurry, but I would mention now a great one, from Cuba, named Juan Luis Guerra.

Michal