A simple lyrical challenge....

[twilsbach]

Further thought on this topic....Here are some opening lines I admire, and kind of strive to create the instant type of feel they portray:Tom Waits Please Call Me BabyThe evening fell just like a star, left a trail behind.Angie Aparo Sweet LorettaShe only dreams in black and white, she just can't seem to turn the color onMike Doughty American CarMy circus train pulls through the night/Full of lions and trapeze artistsI'm done with elephants and clowns/I want to Run away and join the officeand in-spite of it all, my favorite example of the "Well I" kick offBob Schneider Getting BetterWell I'm driving downtown in my big red Cadillacsipping on rice wine mixing it with similacfeeling the amazing flowof centuries in the afterglow Further commentary: I am getting absolutely nothing done today.

[ibanez468]

Quote:Further commentary: I am getting absolutely nothing done today.Mama said there'd be days like this!

[edteja]

I think they key to those opening lines you cite (and they are great) is that involve the listener in either an action or an image (wrap it right around your head) quickly. "Well I" is a hesitation, as much as anything. It doesn't convey much (although it has other uses). So if you are into vibrant imaging (seeing the world in black and white, or a circus train) you need to get to it. Not to mention that those are all quite fresh images--not startling, but attention getting.

[linziellen]

First line of "Wanderer" springs to mind and on close inspection of the lyrics there are a lot of "wells" in this song!"Oh well I’m the type of guy who will never settle down"Well those lazy guys!

[noeldowns]

Kinda like trying to find a new way to say "I love you" sometimes there is only one way to say exactly what you want to... And to make a point of not saying it that way ... only lessens the experience for the listener.... If it works... It's right