Thursday, September 02, 2004, 10:42 GMT
Roger,
Since you asked for female songwriters, I would like to add one of my favourites: Suzanne Vega. Some of her lyrics are really good examples of relatively plain, close-to-everyday language with a depth, using powerful poetic figures. You will tend to really appreciate them if you are more of an introvert, though.
Another suggestion: Sting. Same applies as above - at least for me.
Finally I think rap is good for those who want to learn the "language of the street", and also for exercises in understanding quick speech - however I feel that you will never really be able to use so much slang in your entire life as is there in some rap songs.
Since you asked for female songwriters, I would like to add one of my favourites: Suzanne Vega. Some of her lyrics are really good examples of relatively plain, close-to-everyday language with a depth, using powerful poetic figures. You will tend to really appreciate them if you are more of an introvert, though.
Another suggestion: Sting. Same applies as above - at least for me.
Finally I think rap is good for those who want to learn the "language of the street", and also for exercises in understanding quick speech - however I feel that you will never really be able to use so much slang in your entire life as is there in some rap songs.