Possibly above all else, you should avoid using vague and non-descriptive words when writing song lyrics. It pays to be specific, because it allows you to evoke strong and concrete images in your listeners’ minds.

CNN Confirms that JJ Cale, one of the truly great songwriters from the past 50 years, . Many of his songs — ones like “Traveling Light,” “Cocaine,” and “After Midnight” to name a few — were popularized by musicians like Eric Clapton, Waylon Jennings, Tom Petty, Carlos Santana and Widespread Panic. See his legendary performance of “After Midnight”