Pat Pattison quotes:

Metaphors are not user-friendly. They're difficult to find and difficult to use well. Unfortunately, metaphors are a mainstay of good lyric writing-indeed of most creative writing. ...metaphors support lyrics like bones.

Don't be afraid to write crap - it makes the best fertilizer. The more you write the better your chances of growing something wonderful.

YOU CAN'T TELL UNLESS YOU SHOW FIRST. ... Showing makes the telling more powerful because your senses and your mind are both engaged.

Songs are your best teachers. I try to learn something from every song I hear

What is the character trying to say? Why? Be as specific as you can, using sense images that evoke something about the character. Try using the character's senses, even if the character is you.

Never let reality get in the way of truth