https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6iu6ezFnw4
Here is the hyperlink to a more recent song that I've put up on YouTube.
Like nearly everything I write, nothing seems to be finalized. It always feels like the music and lyrics are evolving and growing. It usually starts with a general impression or idea in one key and rhythm, and slowly develops into something entirely different than the original thought or idea. I think most things in life are like that though; we have an initial impression of what it 'will be' or 'should be', but somewhere along the line we look back and realize that everything has changed. The astounding thing about that however, is that after we start we have no control over where the art takes us. Its much like ecological life. Derived from a seed, most seeds are the same. Encapsulated inside are the ingredients for life in all its splendor. Over time the seed develops much like many other seeds, but at any given time begins to become like a fractal-wholly unique and individual.
The point of this, I'm learning is to simply go with the creative flow of things. Like the ebb and flow of the ocean, there will be times of expansion and filling, and there will be times of contraction and releasing. Trying to manufacture and contrive a piece, or fit a piece of art into a structure or shell that isn't designed to hold it isn't expedient in the least. It actually seems to be very, very destructive to the actual integrity of the creative process.
I've had nearly 5 different versions of this song, and it seems silly to not post the progress. See, what I'm going for is the progress rather than the perfection that I've envisioned in my head. At times it is very frustrating. Especially when we think that our piece HAS to fit a specific mold or it wont be the song that we heard by our muse- but in fact that is the antithesis of the process that produces results and progress.
If you find yourself struggling to break this destructive cycle of creative disillusionment, take a break. You can't always be in the expansion phase of creation, much like you can't always breathe in... sometimes you have to breathe our and release. Write about it. Set up a 'creative wish list' to help you identify what you are actually trying to create. Creativity is production, and in production there are many curveballs that must be accommodated. One of them is the point of decision where you either realize that the art itself is a 'living' and 'breathing' form, or you attempt for actualize a piece that just wasn't meant to fit into its form. Release yourself from the chains of creative perfectionism and you will begin to see yourself producing amazing results.
I've found this little trick to help me tremendously in my creative journeys.
HAPPY CREATING ALL!
