Writing lyrics

I want compose some songs for a solo bass singer (more specifically, myself). I feel that writing the music will be the easy part; I'm concerned about the lyrics. I can't think of any kind of subject that doesn't sound corny or overdone. I could try writing in another language (Russian, for example, seems to make even the most mundane of subject matter interesting), but I don't have a very deep understanding of any language other than English.

So, for those of you who write lyrics for non-operatic vocal pieces, how do you go about writing them? Where do you look to find subject matter?

If you wish to write and perform a song in a language you have no real understanding of - better find someone who speaks it well to guide you - in order to avoid making any awkward grammatic / pronounciation mistakes that will make you sound silly to those who understand that language.

On a different note - look at whatever inspires you.

Go to the beach, put on an emotional movie, watch the sun rise / set, listen to classical music, drink red wine, *anything* that gives you an emotional response.

But don't force it - if you're not in the mood, good lyrics won't come.

If you're on a tight schedule, or if you just can't seem to get a writing break... consider working with a writer (esp. good if you want to write in a language you don't understand, try finding a writer who does!)

Omri.

I'm no fan of foreign languages if you can't speak it. Omri's right.

If you're just looking for syllables, check out some Dada poetry (Hugo Ball's a good bet) or some victorian nonsense poetry (like Jabberwocky).

If not... I dunno. I don't do music with words...

You should not write something in a different language just to make it more interesting. It will not mean anything more and sound any more interesting than before. I would suggest that you do not write in Russian, it is an extremely difficult language to set. You can always look on the web for some free domain poems and set the one you like the best.