Am I A Songwriter?

Ever since our trip to Africa I have been writing songs…lots of songs. Four of them have made it into our regular sets and two more are on deck for their debut in the coming weeks. Last week someone introduced me as a Songwriter to someone else and I said “Well, I’ve written a few songs but…” Yikes, I feel like there is a weighty responsibility associated with the title of Songwriter. Songwriters are supposed to be insightful, worldly, confident in the message their words and music convey. Aren’t they? Also, Songwriters should know the mechanics of writing songs and be able to discuss the process. Shouldn’t they? I dread being asked how I write my songs. My usual response of “Um, I get an idea in my head and um, well, um, then I put some words and chords together and um, there you have it.” probably needs some work.

Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines Songwriter as “a person who composes words or music or both especially for popular songs”. Hmmm, I do compose words and music, now my songs just have to become “popular” then I think I will call myself a Songwriter!