Typically when I think about writing the first thing comes to mind is a book, or ink on some sort of paper. Which is probably what the majority of people would say as well; and technically "Good Writing" all DOES start on a piece of paper. But does the final product always result as a book, news paper, or magazine article?
I know that music does involve writing, I mean quite a bit of music today contains lyrics. Before now I had never really thought to put music in the category of "writing" though, or at least the writing we would typically think of in an English class. When it boils down to it though it is exactly the same, with the same applied concept as "writing" that we normally think of. The only true difference is the way we receive the final form, or published piece of work. Generally you would flip a page, and maybe see a small visual to help entice your senses.
Music has the same intentions as writing. When taking in these pieces of work; either one for that matter. I believe everyone looks for the same qualities in a piece of literature as they do in music. Though many probably look for something that another person may not, it can still be applied to either form of "Good Writing". For me it is a no-brainer. I am looking to be entertained, something with good flow that is putting some sort of impression on ME the audience, by what the artist is trying to express through his words and music. Another key element for myself is can I form a connection with what is being presented to me, or does it speak to me in a way that will hold my attention. With music it is the sound, or tone if you will, that gives us that slight enticement to just keep on listening.
In 1997 the thing I love most was released into stores everywhere and heard all over the United States and probably other countries as well. It is the piece of culture we began to write about at the beginning of the year, that's right Matchbox 20's song "Back 2 Good". The story starts out with a man in a bar trying to pick up a strange woman at a bar. The way I have always perceived this is that he is looking for comfort in a strangers arms. The narrator (singer) goes on to explain that even though he may be with someone for the night, that really deep down he is still alone, and that not matter what he tries he is unsure of what to do to get things back to good for himself.
This is the best example of "Good Writing" for me. From the flow of the language to the tone and mood set by the artist, it is a consistent and meaningful piece of work. It is also easy to connect with for me because we have all wondered what has gone wrong in particular situations from time to time, with the same question bestowed upon us... how do we really get things back to good for ourselves. It makes me think, and makes me want more. In my opinion that is good writing.

Back to Good

At seventeen years old heartbreaks are a dime a dozen. Right around this time period I thought i was " in love", and that things would last forever with my high school sweet heart. I was wrong! The love of my life Jessica had other idea's for our future together, that meaning there was no future. But being young and having feelings like that is a difficult situation to be in, I was lost. A few nights after my heart being torn out I decided it was time to do my best to regain my hold on reality and try to find some way of moving on. So I did what any other young newly licensed teenager would do..... I took a spin.

Flying down the straight stretches and squealing tires through the curves was fun.... But needed something. Music, that was what I needed to complete my equation. I turned the radio up hoping for Chevelle, or Metallica. Instead it was quite opposite of that. It was a band I had heard many times and usually enjoyed their music on any happy occasion. "What the heck, we'll give it a shot" I thought to myself. I had not heard this song yet anyways.

The song opens with a slow, mellow, almost sad tone. This was great for me at the time, it was just how I had been feeling! Then Rob Thomas chimed in with the chorus and my attention was immediatley caught. "And everyone here, knows that everyone here is thinkin about somebody else. Well it's best if we all keep this under our heads. And I couldn't tell if anyone here was feelin the way I do... but I'm lonely now, and I don't know how to get it back to good." When I heard those words and thought on them for a moment, I suddenly became slightly relaxed and felt a sense of relief. Maybe I was not the only one who was feeling the way I did? I really was not alone!

The song "Back to Good" became one of my favorite songs of all time. I became an even bigger fan of the band, attending concerts any time they came to North Carolina. At one of Matchbox 20's events in Raleigh one evening the entire band spoke about this song and shared how each of the band members added to "Back to Good" from their own personal experiences in dealing with "hard-ships" and just really difficult times. Once I heard what they said and then played the song live it became very transparent to me that no matter how young or old we are, or whatever circumstances we may be battling through, many other people have some of the exact same things on their minds as well.

We all listen to music for many different reasons. Some to occupy time, others may just like a beat to a particular song. I listen to music to vent and to relate. Matchbox 20's song " Back to Good" influenced me at an early age to see that music is a beautiful way to let people know how you feel. Still today when I listen to that song it reminds me that we are never alone in what we feel and there is always a song to listen to.