What's in a lyric?

I've been a writer for most of my life. I'd like to think I'm good at it. But one thing I never focused on was lyrical writing. I've written poems, most short, and most without a rhyming scheme. I did write one epic poem in high school. Maybe it's still sitting on a hard drive somewhere. However, none of this has really prepared me for the task of writing words that will be set to music. I find myself turning back to those artists whose lyrics I really admire--Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Peter Gabriel, Nick Cave, Morrissey, Steely Dan--in an attempt to discern what it is that makes a great line. In addition, I've turned to other popular artists for the art of turning a phrase. Of saying more with less, if you like. All this analysis and dissection has driven me to the point of outright mimicry at times. I'm struggling to find my own voice, which is strange after so many years of knowing what moves me as an artist.

My hope is that when the music begins to take shape, the right lyrics will pop out. That's not going to stop me from working and trying now, but I have a feeling the music itself will have a big influence on what words eventually make the cut.

-Daniel