Need a little help with my english.

[chrismichols]

Hi friends!

Being from Sweden english isn't my first language. I get by pretty ok though but sometimes when I write lyrics I get unsure with the way I build sentences.
Lyrically you can and should (in my opinion) play with the language and sometimes use it in ways it's not normally spoken or written.

Anyway, I just got stuck on a sentence I want to use but am unsure if it works.

The sentence is
"I was hurting bad so I had to find
A means to leave it all behind"

What I intend to say here is something like "I'm feeling so sad and my heart aches so I need a quick fix, I'll just go out drinking, that'll help me forget..."

Does it fly?

[cardell]

I think it's pretty close, but the word "means" is a little awkward to sing (in that sentence).

Stuart

[chrismichols]

Ok thanks!
It's exactly that word I'd like to use 'cause it sounds a little misplaced...yet gets the point through...
Or did you mean that the word "means" is awkvard to sing "vocally" speaking?

[Casey H]

"A means to leave it all behind" is grammatically OK but "A way to leave it all behind" would be more conversational and natural.

Casey

[chrismichols]

"A means to leave it all behind" is grammatically OK but "A way to leave it all behind" would be more conversational and natural.

Casey

Well, that's just awesome. Since I'm not looking for either conversational or natural I'm spot on

Thanks a bunch Casey

[mikeymike2000]

Well, that's just awesome. Since I'm not looking for either conversational or natural I'm spot on

With all due respect, I will second what Stuart and Casey said.

Unless you are writing a musical or a parody, (and even then you still want to follow the general protocol) songs are better received by 'inviting the listener in' with a natural and conversational approach. Intentionally going against the grain will in most cases produce a product that nobody can relate to and thus, not listen to or purchase.

Just trying to be helpful.