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A Literary Life Alongside Lyrical Genius: How John Darnielle Reads and Writes
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John Darnielle, the acclaimed frontman of The Mountain goats, isn’t just a master of emotionally resonant songwriting; he’s a devoted reader who meticulously annotates his favorite books and lyrics, offering a unique window into his creative process.
A Literary Life Alongside Lyrical Genius
Darnielle’s approach to reading is far from passive. He actively engages with the text, marking passages, questioning the author’s choices, and drawing connections to his own experiences. This practise of annotation isn’t merely about understanding the work; its about internalizing it and allowing it to shape his own artistic vision.
- darnielle’s annotations often focus on the emotional core of a text, highlighting passages that resonate with his own experiences.
- He frequently annotates lyrics, both his own and those of other artists, to dissect thier structure and meaning.
- His favorite books span a wide range of genres, from classic literature to contemporary fiction and poetry.
- Darnielle views annotation as a form of active reading and a way to deepen his understanding of a work.
For Darnielle, the act of reading isn’t passive; it’s a conversation with the author, a process of questioning, analyzing, and personalizing the text. He describes a tactile connection to books, preferring physical copies he can mark up. “I like to write in books,” he said. “I like to feel like I’m in a dialog with the author.”
What books consistently find their way onto John Darnielle’s reading list, and how do they influence his songwriting? Darnielle’s literary tastes are eclectic, encompassing works by authors like Flannery O’Connor, Shirley Jackson, and Cormac mccarthy.He often returns to these authors, finding new layers of meaning with each re-reading. He also expressed a fondness for the work of poet Mary Oliver, noting the precision and emotional depth of her writng.
“I think a lot of times when people talk about influence, they’re talking about imitation. And I’m not realy interested in imitation. I’m interested in what a thing does to you.” – John darnielle
The Power of Annotation
Darnielle’s practice of annotating lyrics is equally revealing. He dissects rhyme schemes, analyzes word choices, and explores the emotional impact of each line. This process isn’t about deconstructing the song, but rather about understanding how it works on a deeper level. He applies the same analytical approach to his own lyrics, constantly refining and revising his work.
He explained that annotating his own work helps him identify areas for advancement and ensures that his songs are conveying the intended message. “I’m always trying to make the songs as clear and as emotionally resonant as possible,” he said. “Annotation is a tool that
