Joseph Tito: 'Writing songs is kind of like a wrestling match to me. You have to pin it down and make it do what you want it to do.'

Writing songs is kind of like a wrestling match to me. You have to pin it down and make it do what you want it to do.

Joseph Tito once said, "Writing songs is kind of like a wrestling match to me. You have to pin it down and make it do what you want it to do." At first glance, this quote may seem like a simple analogy to describe the process of songwriting. Tito suggests that writing a song is not a passive activity; rather, it requires a determination to control and shape the song according to the songwriter's intentions. The quote implies a sense of struggle and persistence, as if the song itself has a will of its own that needs to be tamed. However, beyond this straightforward interpretation, Tito's quote invites us to explore a deeper philosophical concept – the concept of artistic creation as a harmonious collaboration between the artist and their creation, where the work of art takes on a life of its own, requiring the artist to both lead and be led by it.In considering the analogy of songwriting as a wrestling match, we can understand that Tito is acknowledging the inherent challenges in the creative process. Writing a song is not a passive or effortless experience. It requires effort, skill, and determination to bring the writer's vision to life. The idea of "pinning down" the song suggests the need to assert control and shape it according to the writer's intentions. This sentiment resonates with all artists who have experienced the sometimes elusive nature of inspiration and the struggle to express their creative vision.However, what may seem like a battle between the writer and the song can also be seen as a profound collaboration. Tito's analogy implies that once the writer manages to "pin down" the song, a transformative exchange takes place. The song comes to life, gaining its own identity and momentum. It becomes a partner, leading and guiding the songwriter in unexpected directions. This idea challenges the notion of complete control over the creative process and suggests that true artistic expression emerges from a dynamic synergy between the artist and their creation.This philosophical concept can be further explored by contrasting it with a more conventional understanding of artistic creation. Traditionally, artists are seen as the masters of their craft, solely responsible for the outcome of their work. This mindset assumes that the artist's role is to impose their vision upon the medium, shaping it according to their own desires. While this approach certainly has its merits, Tito's quote offers a refreshing alternative perspective.By envisioning the creative process as a wrestling match, Tito introduces a symbiotic relationship between the artist and the art. Just as a wrestler needs to adapt to their opponent's moves, the songwriter must embrace and respond to the song's own "will" and essence. This perspective challenges the conventional perception of the artist as the sole creator and opens up the possibility of a more fluid and cooperative process.In conclusion, Joseph Tito's quote about writing songs as a wrestling match provides a window into the complexity of the creative process. Beyond the surface level interpretation of struggle and persistence, Tito invites us to consider a deeper philosophical concept - that artistic creation is a collaboration between the artist and their creation. By portraying the song as a partner with its own agency, Tito challenges the notion of complete artistic control and opens up new avenues for exploration in the realm of creativity. This perspective invites us to view art as a dynamic and transformative experience, where the artist leads, follows, and dances with their creation.