2006 Peacedriven Songwriting Award
Nearly 500 songs were submitted for the first ever
Peacedriven Songwriting Award, in partnership with Sonicbids.com. Our 2006 winner is ....
"Can't Change the World" by Jeff Sheppard of Australia (Adult Contemporary)
Words and music © Jeff Sheppard
What inspired you to write "Can't Change the World?" Also, what message do
you hope people gain from it?
"Can't Change the World" was inspired through thoughts on what I can do to make
the world a better place. It is the thought that I am one person. My
hands and actions though capable of so much are still only one persons hands, so
it is about making them count where I can.
Like so many of us it is frustrating seeing such bad things happen in the world
knowing there is so much you can't change. But that doesn't mean you can't
make a difference.
I wanted to capture the thought that though we are all different in so many
ways, we are so alike. We all just want to be heard, loved and understood
for who we are. And seeing the beauty in our differences is so important,
for it is what makes the world go round. Your strength is my weakness and
it makes the world better, if only we saw things this way. This song was
written just before 9/11 which gave it all the more meaning.
Do you believe music has the power to create positive change?
Absolutely. We are surrounded by music. In the car, at work, for
relaxation, while on hold, in church, celebrating. Music therapy is even
being used for helping cancer patients. I think it has a really big
influence on our lives. Music has the power to make you feel so many
different emotions which is why it plays such an integral role with motion
pictures and why we all love music so much.
That is why what we say with our music as songwriters is so important. Not
just because we have something to say but because we have something meaningful
to say, something that could make a difference. I think everything we do
can effect the world. If we are positive in our ways, we create that for
everyone who comes across us, so something as beautiful as music could
definitely create positive change.
What do you ultimately want to achieve as a songwriter?
Once music has been written and heads out into the world you never know whose
life you may be touching. As a songwriter I hope that I am writing songs
that are inspiring someone to live, love, embrace life and stay positive.
We are here for such a short time, my music is the mark I am leaving on the
world. As much as I strive to turn that into my livelihood my ultimate
goal is to make a difference to people's lives and to create something special.
Share thoughts that have helped me get through something in a positive way.
To do my best to create a better circle of thoughts in what I have learnt and
continue to learn through every period of my life.
Read his press release announcement
HERE.
For more on Jeff, visit:
http://www.myspace.com/jeffsheppard
