Michael,
I thought your description of how a song can grow by worrying it out was perfectly valid, and my comments were aimed, not at you but at everyone who posts here because I want them to understand how difficult the process is in all it's aspects, from lyric to composition to performance, because they all have to work together to be successful and each requires an equal degree of dedication in creating each element of one's craft.
The Beatles were decent musicians and singers before they ever recorded a song but their original lyrics were basically fairly juvenile and simplistic, (although they understood the necessity for balance and cohesiveness in their images so they came off pretty well for the audiance they were aimed at, even then).
As time went by, their lyrics became tighter and deeper in their meaning, their music became far more sophisticated, and the their musical and vocal skills matured as well.
That's something all of us should be trying to do constantly and that is what I was trying to get across along with a valid understanding of the difference between "performance" and "publication".
As to your songs, (which I have listened to), I do think they need POLISHING in all aspects, but as long as you're conscious of that and constantly working to improve that should take care of itself.
Frankly, your kind of music is not generally appealing to me as I find it too much linked to your "personal" experience, but I have no doubt you would have much the same attitude towards the lack of such a feeling in mine and you can check that out for yourself at
http://www.acidplanet.com/artist.asp?AID=171834&T=761313 by clicking on the music links so you can judge them for yourself
If you listen closely to my "Standing Room Only", which was done as a Professional Demo at "The Song Cellar " in Nashville, sung by "Buddy Jewell" and won 2d prize Country at the 2002 Billboard Song Contest, and compare it to the rest of mine, as well as to the vast majority of songs posted on any internet site, You should able to distinquish the many ways in which the work of those who are already "Professional" stands out from those who are working towards it, regardless of how advanced they may be.
I just want people to have an objective view of the challenges involved and disabuse any fantasies they might have about success coming without a great deal of effort and discipline.
I meant no insult to your music and I can assure you I'll take any criticism you might have with a grain of salt. I've been at this a long time and have a very "thick" skin.
Take Care, and Write On,
Jim Hoye (JRH)