I find it fascinating that what is most “relevant, spectacular and powerful” (thank you Henri Nouwen for these insights) in this world is what is perceived as insignificant, mundane and humble: the cry of an infant in a manger; the courage of women who push through adversity as they and their respective partners bring life into this world; the offering of drink, bread and other forms of sustenance to those who have so little; a prisoner held unjustly and mistakenly in jail set free. I find strength in the simplicities of life that carry and convey the love and truth of the Divine.
How do these insights fit into poetry and songwriting? I think that creating songs that are simple, singable and memorable is a songwriting triad that will assist in bringing songs into communities for joyful and sometimes mournful, meaningful singing. Nothing that shakes the music-for-profit relevance scale. Nothing that flashes spectacular. Nothing that screams powerful. A simple lyric supported by a simple melody with a simple rhythm might not turn water into wine, but might just change the hardness and meanness of this world into gentleness and acceptance.
Three chords plus heartfelt words in three-four time is a very good medicine for our troubled world.
When writing a new song or poem, or revising one of them, consider aiming for the insignificant, mundane and humble and you will create something for yourself, and perhaps many other listeners, that is more than memorable.