Poetic Inspiration

As a poet, I find myself inspired by lyricists more often than traditional poets. There are the rare exceptions to this rule [e.e. cummings has my ♥], but for the most part, nothing gets me more jazzed up to write a rhyme than a set of well-worded song lyrics. So, as I sit in need of inspiration, I present you with my top three poetic role models:

1. Christina Aguilera. Perhaps my all time favorite, Christina's songs endlessly inspire me, particularly her 'Stripped' album. Full of heartache and emotion as well as brilliant phrasing.

Favorite Lyrics:
'I'm addicted to your allure and I'm fiending for a cure.' [Walk Away]
'My heart has been bruised. So sad, but it's true, each beat reminds me of you.' [Walk Away]
'Trying hard to fill the emptiness, the piece is gone, left the puzzle undone, ain't that the way it is?' [Beautiful]


Can't you just feel it? Brilliant.

2. Gwen Stefani. I ♥ Gwen for so many reasons: her style, her hair colors, her obsession with Asian culture, but mostly because of the raw honesty in her song writing. Her word choice and metaphors are flawless.

Favorite Lyrics:
'Take this pink ribbon off my eyes, I'm exposed and it's no big surprise.' [Just a Girl]
'I pacify problems with kisses and cuddles, diligently doubtful through all kinds of trouble, then I find myself choking on all my contradictions.' [Bathwater]
'As we die, both you and I, with my head in my hands I sit and cry.' [Don't Speak]
'I'm full of artificial sweetener, my heart's been deceitful.' [Artificial Sweetener]


[Yes, I realize this video contains none of the lyrics I've listed, but I love it for being the perfect example of Gwen's capability to write exactly what's on her mind. That, and the Alice in Wonderland theme. :)]

3. Mandy Moore. And no, I'm not talking about Candy. Her most recent album 'Wild Hope' flew way under the radar, but I think it's an absolute gem for simple yet poetic lyrics.

Favorite Lyrics:
'Well I put so much thought in the getting ready, now I know that was the best part. It's so easy to get caught up in what I'm regretting, forgetting what I got from a wounded heart.' [Gardenia]
'I'll miss the version of you who loved me and all that they don't see. You said you could be good, but somehow you're guilty and you're not even sorry.' [Ladies Choice]
'Lost inside of my head, empty side of the bed, I feel misplaced without you. I keep pushing the blues 'cause I don't want to lose what I loved about you.' [All Good Things]



Honorable Mention: Eminem. Surprised? I've always loved Eminem. Though he's not on heavy rotation on my I-pod [he should be, I just haven't downloaded him], I still feel that he really is one of the best of the modern day poets. And I say that without an ounce of sarcasm.