Songwriters hunt for inspiration in many different places, often in the corners of their mind. Songwriters note childhood experiences, love and loss as great influences on the creative process. Often the more relatable the more impactful for the listener, however artists using poems as inspiration is a song-writing tradition that stretches from Bob Dylan (Beyond Here Lies Nothin’), Fleetwood Mac (Bare Trees), The Beatles (Golden Slumbers) and from a contemporary example ‘Back Street Martyrs’.
Researching these bands, there is a common link between the craft of creating a poem that conveys the message to the listener and the balance between complimenting the song and not over shining the important lyrics. Scottish pop band ‘Back Street Martyrs’ who define their sound as ‘Rhythm and Blue Collar’ carefully crafted the song ‘Leven The Vale’. The lyrics were written by Ian Morris Retson, who originally crafted a poem to be read at his 60th birthday, the poem reflects on life through childhood streets and tells the story of someone leaving their hometown, there are plentiful references to Scotland’s Vale of Leven, much like Paul McCartney’s reflections of Penny Lane or Springsteen’s view of ‘Asbury Park’. This track stands proud among other greats of song-writing as the heartfelt lyrics make this track relatable and perfectly sets the scene for the listener. Hometown nostalgia carries the songs message and it is a must listen for Scottish music fans.
