Writing From A Different Perspective

I first learned the songwriting technique of trying different perspectives from a class that I took a number of years ago with an amazing songwriter, Steve Seskin.

Most songs are written in the 'first person.' The idea is when you're crafting a new tune, just try it in the 'second person,' and 'third person,' points of view.

See the difference that is made when the three points-of-view are applied to this line:

First Person: "I was a great man, living in an amazing time."

Second Person: "You were a great man, living in an amazing time."

Third Person: "He was a great man, living in an amazing time."

Apply all three to every song you write. Occasionally, you find one way fits better than your original idea.