Weather Songs

Looking out your window and writing a song about what you see is a very easy way to put some music together. Here are a few ideas you might try if you are stuck at home and want an excuse to write.

BAD WEATHER

Rotten weather is probably the easiest to write about. If you just really hate what is going on outside, let your listener know it in your words, choice of key/mode, the way you use chords and rhythms and in the type of instruments you use. If the heat is really getting you down, let us know how-that you can't go out and take a leisurely walk because the air conditioner is out in your car, or whatever the problem might be. This is another case where the more personal you make it, the more universal your feelings probably are, since most of us have experienced a similar problem and can relate. If the rain has washed out a bridge and you are worried about your neighbors, write that down. If the snow is making it so folks can't get up the hill outside your house, that is good, too, in a way, since it gives the audience a picture of just how bad things are outside. Try and find music that gives you the same feelings, and think about the sounds you are hearing or not hearing and try to imitate them somehow in your music. This is a great chance, too, to get out your sequencer and take some recordings of sounds you are experiencing during your bad weather-tires slipping in slush, mud spattering on the side of the road, the way the transformer outside pops and buzzes menacingly. Sure, there is always your standard rain and thunder sounds, but most of us have heard these-see if there is a way you can get these across in a more novel way, too.

GOOD WEATHER

Is it the kind of day that just makes you want to cheer? How does it do that? Is there a slight warmth or coolness that is invigorating you, and how? Try and describe just what you are seeing, feeling, hearing and so forth that is giving you that feeling, and create a picture for your listener, both with your lyrics and your music. Sure, you could just say "I feel good," but it really helps us if you let us know the whys and particulars. If it is a great night, let us see the stars or whatever you are looking at that makes it a really great night-for that matter, a cool rain or exciting needed rainstorm can be good weather, too-it all depends on your perspective, so let that come out in your writing.

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