I Love Turning People’s Lyrics Into Songs

The music video for this song was just released yesterday, and you can watch it here: “Following the Buddha’s Path”. In this blog, I’ll share the journey of creating this song, the tools and techniques I used, and why writing for others is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my career.

Revisiting a Longtime Collaboration

This was not my first time working with this client. Years ago, we collaborated on a song called “The Pacific Ocean Alliance”, which promoted world peace. That project received an incredible response, and it paved the way for us to partner again. You can listen to that song here: “The Pacific Ocean Alliance”.

For this latest project, my client wanted to create a song inspired by Thay Thich Minh Tue, a spiritual leader and teacher who made a pilgrimage through Thailand as part of his journey of “Following the Buddha’s Path.” Knowing that the song held deep spiritual and cultural significance, I approached it with the utmost care and creativity.

The Joy of Writing the Song

For me, writing the music is always the most exciting part of any project. This song was particularly thrilling because of its intricate structure—it ended up featuring five different keys. I’ve always enjoyed pop songs that modulate between keys, as it adds variety and emotion.

In “Following the Buddha’s Path,” the verses, chorus, and bridge each have distinct keys, and coming out of the bridge, I modulated the final verses and choruses up a half-step. This kind of dynamic key progression keeps the song fresh and engaging for the listener, while also challenging me as a composer.

Bringing the Song to Life in the Studio

Compared to when I worked on “The Pacific Ocean Alliance,” my home studio has undergone significant upgrades. With advanced tools at my disposal, creating the instrumental tracks—piano, drums, bass, and guitar—was much more efficient. Technology has truly transformed the recording process, allowing for greater precision and creativity.

One of the highlights of this project was working with Catherine Gale, a highly talented and well-known singer. Her vocal performance brought the song to life in a way I couldn’t have imagined. Her ability to convey both the spiritual depth and uplifting energy of the song was remarkable, and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out.

The Challenges of Sheet Music

While writing the song was a joy, the least enjoyable part of the process was creating the sheet music. This step involves meticulously transcribing the melody, chords, and lyrics, ensuring everything is perfectly formatted for copyright purposes. Ironically, this often takes twice as long as writing the song itself!

However, I recognize how valuable this service is for my clients. Having professionally prepared sheet music means the song can be easily performed by other musicians or vocalists in the future. Even though it’s a painstaking process, it’s a critical part of delivering a complete product.

Giving Clients 100% Ownership

One aspect of my work that surprises many people is that my clients retain 100% of the rights to the songs I write for them. If a song becomes a massive hit and generates significant royalties, I won’t see any of that income. For some, this might seem like a missed opportunity, but I see it differently.

I approach these projects as commissioned works. I’m paid for my time, effort, and expertise, and I find immense satisfaction in creating something meaningful for my clients. Whether the song remains a cherished personal project or reaches a broader audience, my job is to help bring my client’s vision to life.

In this particular case, my client even wrote a letter to the King of Thailand, encouraging him to listen to the song. Knowing that the song aligns with such a noble and spiritual purpose is reward enough for me.

Exploring a Range of Themes

While “Following the Buddha’s Path” and “The Pacific Ocean Alliance” were both rooted in messages of peace and spirituality, I’ve worked on a wide variety of themes over the years. From love and politics to humor and even beer, I welcome the challenge of bringing any topic to life through music—so long as it’s not offensive or discriminatory.

Each project allows me to step into a new perspective, whether it’s a deeply personal love ballad or a lighthearted ode to a favorite drink. This diversity keeps my work exciting and helps me grow as an artist.

Why I Love Writing Songs for Clients

Writing songs for others is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my career. Each project is an opportunity to collaborate, to tell someone else’s story, and to connect with audiences in a way that goes beyond my personal repertoire. I’m especially drawn to projects with positive messages that promote unity, love, and understanding.

That said, I’m open to a wide range of ideas and enjoy the creative challenge of adapting to different themes and genres. If you have lyrics or an idea for a song, I’d love to help you bring it to life. Visit LyricsIntoSongs.com to learn more and contact me for details.

Conclusion

“Following the Buddha’s Path” was a deeply rewarding project that combined creativity, collaboration, and purpose. From writing and recording the song to working with incredible talents like Catherine Gale, the experience reaffirmed why I love being a musician and songwriter.

If you’re interested in hearing the song, you can watch the video here: “Following the Buddha’s Path”. And if you’re inspired to create a song of your own, whether it’s about love, laughter, or a cause close to your heart, I’d be honored to help make it happen.

Music has the power to inspire, to heal, and to unite—and I’m grateful every day to play a role in that.