AMA: “What inspires you to write songs?”

Aaron's Blog, Ask Me Anything

What inspires you to write songs?

Louise (Philippines)

Hi Louise –

I’m inspired to write songs by many things and it changes as I get older. I think I began writing songs (age 16) to express stuff going on inside of me that I couldn’t put into words. I wasn’t a very good communicator. Plus the culture I grew up in was reserved; nobody talked about their feelings. If you listen to my early albums you’ll hear a kid full of self-doubt and questions. I was motivated to write songs because of pain and insecurity. Emotional survival, really.

In my twenties I was inspired to write about the stuff people in their twenties write about. The big themes. Love lost. Love found. God, religion. Who am I? What do I believe? Regrets.

These days (I’m 40 now) I’m more interested in familial themes. My wife Heidi and I have four boys and we’re in the thick of raising a family. So I’m inspired by watching my kids see things for the first time. I’m inspired by simple things that kids remind you off. The other day my four-year-old said matter of factly, “It’s so hard to see in the dark.” That stuff makes me want to write a song!

As I’m writing you, I’m remembering this song I haven’t released. It’s called “Different Way” and it’s all about seeing life in a different way as we grow older. Here are the lyrics.

When I was born
I started seeing life in a different way
When they brought me home
I started seeing life in a different way
I went to school, learned the rules
And how the game was played
And I started seeing life in a different way

When I turned eighteen
I started seeing life in a different way
I went overseas
And I started seeing life in a different way
Soon enough, I found love
And everything had changed
I started seeing life in a different way

When I had a child
I started seeing life in a different way
Just to make him smile
I started seeing life in a different way
Now he’s grown up, we keep in touch
But with each passing day
I’ve started seeing life in a different way

When tomorrow comes
I’m gonna see life in a different way
When the day is done
I’m gonna see life in a different way
At my dying breath, when I’m laid to rest
Even far beyond the grave
I’m gonna see life in a different way

Simply put, Louise, “seeing life in a different way” is what inspires me. And it’s usually based around the season I’m in.

Thanks for the question!

Love,
Aaron

Have a question? Ask me anything here.