An Old Scab
Musical Meditation on Creativity's Struggles
Lyrics
I sit each morning
I engage in the act of sitting each morning.
Look at my empty notebook
I observe my blank notebook, devoid of content.
The room is quiet
The surroundings are hushed and tranquil.
The air conditioning sounds like rain falling
The noise from the air conditioning resembles the sound of raindrops.
Manic-depressive composer Robert Schumann
Reference to the composer Robert Schumann, who struggled with manic-depressive episodes.
When he could not write
During creative blocks, Schumann resorted to praying for inspiration.
He'd get down on his knees and he would pray for help
Describing Schumann's action of kneeling and seeking divine assistance.
It's not as bad as eating your own liver
A comparison to a severe situation, emphasizing the difficulty of the creative struggle.
But still, I'd like to think that there are better methods
Expressing a desire for more effective methods than the extreme metaphorical image.
I try to tackle the page that lay before me
Attempting to address the blank page lying in front.
But then I drift off and think about the concept of ben-wah balls
Distraction occurs as thoughts wander to the concept of ben-wah balls.
I rouse myself and I finish washing dishes
Interrupting the creative process to complete practical tasks, like washing dishes.
Make lists of errands
Engaging in organizational activities, such as making lists of errands.
Make all my phone calls
Completing necessary phone calls as part of daily responsibilities.
And then I pray for help
Returning to the act of praying for creative guidance.
But each time I try to make a fresh stab
Expressing an attempt to approach the creative process anew.
I end up just picking at an old scab
Instead of making progress, the speaker finds themselves revisiting past emotional wounds or problems (old scab).
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