Meaning: This quote by musician Leo Kottke offers an insightful perspective on the difference between writing instrumental music and writing lyrics. Kottke suggests that writing an instrumental piece is more focused on aesthetics, while writing lyrics involves a deeper personal investment and vulnerability. Let's delve deeper into the meaning of this quote and explore its implications within the context of music composition.

When Kottke mentions writing an instrumental, he is referring to the process of creating a musical composition that does not feature vocal or lyrical content. Instrumental music relies solely on the interplay of musical notes, rhythms, and melodies to convey emotions, narratives, or atmospheres. In this context, Kottke suggests that the focus of instrumental composition is primarily on aesthetics. Instrumental pieces often allow the listener to interpret and connect with the music in a more abstract and subjective manner, as there are no explicit lyrics guiding the listener's emotional responses.

On the other hand, Kottke contrasts instrumental composition with the act of writing lyrics, which he describes as "putting yourself on the line" and a "much more expensive exercise." This implies that writing lyrics involves a deeper level of personal exposure and emotional investment. When an artist writes lyrics, they are often drawing from their own experiences, emotions, and perspectives, and presenting them in a tangible, verbal form. This process requires a willingness to be vulnerable and authentic, as the lyrics serve as a direct expression of the songwriter's inner thoughts and feelings.

Furthermore, Kottke's use of the term "expensive exercise" in relation to writing lyrics suggests that the emotional and psychological toll of crafting meaningful lyrics can be significant. The act of delving into one's own emotions and experiences to create authentic and resonant lyrics can be mentally and creatively taxing. This emotional "expense" reflects the depth of commitment and personal investment required in the creation of lyrical content.

In the broader context of music composition, Kottke's distinction between instrumental writing and lyric writing sheds light on the different dimensions of musical expression. While instrumental music can be evocative and powerful in its own right, lyrics have the potential to add a deeply personal and narrative element to a musical composition. The combination of music and lyrics allows for a richer, multi-dimensional storytelling experience that resonates on both intellectual and emotional levels.

From a listener's perspective, Kottke's insight prompts us to consider the varying impacts of instrumental and lyrical music on our own experiences and emotional responses. Instrumental music may prompt us to interpret and connect with the music in a more abstract and subjective manner, drawing on our individual perceptions and emotions. On the other hand, lyrics have the potential to provide a more explicit and direct narrative or emotional context, guiding the listener's interpretation and evoking personal connections based on shared human experiences.

In conclusion, Leo Kottke's quote offers a thought-provoking perspective on the creative processes involved in instrumental and lyrical music composition. His distinction between the aesthetic focus of instrumental writing and the personal investment required in lyric writing highlights the different dimensions of musical expression. This insight encourages both musicians and listeners to appreciate the unique emotional and artistic contributions of instrumental and lyrical music within the broader landscape of musical creativity and expression.