Meaning: Christopher Cross, a renowned musician, expressed his belief that MTV, the influential music television network, had a significant impact on the art of songwriting. This quote reflects the widespread perception among musicians and music enthusiasts that the emergence of MTV fundamentally altered the music industry and the way in which songs were written, produced, and consumed.

MTV, which stands for Music Television, was launched in 1981 and quickly became a dominant force in shaping popular culture. The network revolutionized the way music was promoted and consumed by bringing music videos into the homes of millions of viewers around the world. Prior to the rise of MTV, the primary means of experiencing music was through radio, live performances, and album covers. However, MTV's arrival marked a shift towards a visually-oriented music culture, where the visual representation of a song became just as important as the music itself.

One of the key ways in which MTV influenced the songwriting craft was through the emphasis on visual storytelling. Music videos became a powerful tool for artists to convey the message and emotions of their songs in a visual, cinematic format. As a result, songwriters and musicians had to adapt to this new medium, considering how their music would translate visually and capture the attention of viewers in a music video format. This shift in focus from purely auditory to audio-visual storytelling undoubtedly influenced the way songs were written and composed.

Furthermore, the commercial success of a song became increasingly tied to the quality and impact of its music video. As MTV gained more influence and reach, artists and record labels began investing significant resources into producing high-quality music videos to accompany their songs. This created a new set of considerations for songwriters, who now had to think about the visual appeal and marketability of their music in addition to its musical composition. The pressure to create visually compelling content may have, as Christopher Cross suggests, led to a decline in the meticulous craftsmanship of songwriting.

Another aspect of MTV's impact on songwriting is the potential for visual elements to overshadow the musical content of a song. As music videos became a primary medium for promoting songs, there was a risk that the visual spectacle and narrative of the video could overshadow the depth and complexity of the song's lyrics and musical arrangements. This shift in focus may have led to a decrease in the emphasis on intricate songwriting and musical composition, as the visual component took on greater importance in capturing the audience's attention.

In addition to the impact on the creative process of songwriting, MTV also influenced the commercialization and marketing of music. The network's extensive reach and influence meant that a successful music video on MTV could significantly boost an artist's career and propel a song to the top of the charts. As a result, songwriters and musicians had to consider the visual appeal and marketability of their music in addition to its musical composition, potentially altering the traditional approach to songwriting.

In conclusion, Christopher Cross's quote about MTV's impact on the songwriting craft reflects the profound influence that the music television network had on the music industry. The rise of MTV shifted the focus from purely auditory to audio-visual storytelling, leading to changes in the way songs were written, produced, and consumed. The emphasis on visual storytelling, the commercial importance of music videos, and the potential overshadowing of musical content all contributed to a transformation in the art of songwriting. While MTV undoubtedly brought about significant changes in the music industry, it is important to recognize that it also opened up new creative possibilities and opportunities for artists to express themselves in innovative ways.