Joe Black scored 1st place in the Session Six 2025 American Songwriter Lyric Contest for his song ⁘Why Old Men Cry.” American Songwriter caught up with him to get the scoop on the inspiration behind his lyrics and other musings.
I have been submitting lyrics for several years. I actually won the monthly contest once before a few years ago. I thought that this was a special song and I wanted other people to hear it.
Rhythmic finger picking in acoustic guitar. Simple. I originally wrote it in a minor key, but then changed it to a major key because I didn't want the music to create the vibe- I wanted the lyrics to carry the song, not the melody.
What keeps you motivated as a songwriter?
I recently retired from a 38 year career as a pulpit rabbi. I've always been a storyteller, and now that I no longer have the daily responsibilities of serving a congregation, I find that the stories keep on coming. I've started performing around the country much more than I ever did and I love writing and performing my own music. It's extraordinarily fulfilling. I'm currently writing a book called “The Spirituality of Creativity.” In many ways, writing songs is kind of like prayer to me.
Who are your all-time favorite songwriters, and why?
I grew up listening to John Prine, Steve Goodman, Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, and Bruce Springsteen. They're all storytellers.
What's next for you?
Now that I'm retired, I'm looking forward to continuing my writing and performing. I also hope to publish my book and teach. I try to write every day – it's a spiritual practice. Some songs are good and some are terrible – but often I can find one little gem I can glean that, if it doesn't work in one song, I can put it into another. As Pat Pattison taught me, “I encourage you to write crap – because crap is the best fertilizer.”
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