I'm sure this has been asked before, but I'm new here, and only a sophmore. What is the secret to good songwriting?

depends on what you consider to be good and what your goal as a songwriter is... do you want to be known as someone who writes good songs or do you want to write songs that will make you into a rock star?

I think you have to write songs that come out your heart. I like to write at night, because then, my mind is full of stuff. But you can always write about anything. I think the secret is to write something personal, or something you feel is important to let people now!

Well I sholudn't comment on this. My lyrics are quite mediocre. BUT, I find the best lyrics are writen when you are hit with a sudden idea of inspiration. Depends though, I am starting a band and I show one of them all my lyrics. He pretty much says the ones he like's and a trash the rest. I've writen over 20 songs in the past 10 days and we only kept 7. But, they are my best so. I like alterative lyrics. THEY'RE FUN!!

Have you tried hallucinogens? The risks are relatively low, and the potential benefits are enormous! If you're lucky, your initial investment on a few hits of PCP could pay off a thousand-fold! Just ask The Beatles.

Maybe drugs aren't your thing. Have you considered plagiarism? All you need is an old, obscure poetry book. Then steal away! No one will know.

Let me know if my ideas help. Good luck!

Goo goo ga joob

I'm the vocalist/Songwriter/Back up guitar for my band and i say that good song writing always comes from the heart....find your quite space and think....like poetry.....it's easy when you put your mind to it.

The more you know - NBC

I have written a few songs, Mainly novelty ones, There was one that I wrote that I thought was quite good, It was called 'Retail Therapy' it was about how people spend to much money on things they don't need and someone else could use the money better, It was pretty cheesy but sounded good. I performed it in front of the school with my band 'Something that dissolves in Milk' and it got alright feedback from people. We mainly do covers now.

I'd never would play in front of my school. Only rap and hip hop is appreciated for the most part.

The secret to good songwriting is listening to and studying the best songs, and having something passionate to communicate. Beyond that, it mostly depends on your own creativity and talent.