Introduction

Over the years I've written a number of song lyrics/poems. Some have been lost, others have not passed the test of time, however a number of them do seem to not totally suck. This has been going on somewhat sporadically since high school. Generally, but not always, I think of these as "song lyrics" rather than poems, and I often have melodies in my head that go along with them.

The only time they've ever been "published" was when Bureau of Control was actively recording...you can click on that link to hear that project if you wish. Those lyrics will probably end up here at some point. When that project went dormant, the writing stopped for a number of years, but then mysteriously picked up again in 2008. Overall I'm not very prolific, but it comes and goes. I am going to start with the more recent material and work my way back. At any point I reserve the right to not post something if on further review I decide its completely awful. Feedback is welcome, of course, but be gentle...we song writers are a sensitive lot. No, I'm kidding...feel free to lay it on me.

I may or may not include some commentary on inspiration or meaning, but in most cases its not even clear to me. Something not fully understood triggers this stuff, and I often don't really have a clear, conscious meaning in mind when I write it. Interpretations welcome.

Finally, a word of warning: Some of these are more or less R-rated. If language, imagery or bad poetry offends you, turn back now. Yes Mom, this means you. :-)

Naturally, everything here is (c) Jeff Smith. You have to ask me if you want to include any of it in your "How Not To Write Poetry" writing manual.