Susan Begbie is a lyric writer of Indian descent, born and brought up in Singapore. She made Ballarat (in Victoria) Australia her home and started a family with her husband Peter. “Life is Precious” was written when she was going through the grief of losing precious family members.
My friend reminded me that life is precious and we should live a true life and not live a charade.
What’s the story that inspired you to write the lyrics for “Life Is Precious”?
One day, I was having a coffee with a friend. It was a spur of the moment catch up. After the pleasantries, we talked about life in general and our experiences. We talked about how sometimes we do things or remain in situations that we are unhappy about. My friend reminded me that life is precious and we should live a true life and not live a charade.
Do you have any special techniques for writing songs?
I do not have any technique to writing songs. One day while driving my car, the words came to me and I went home and wrote them down. I then shared them with another friend. I was advised to change one word but nothing else. So no technique, just inspiration.
Are your lyrics always drawn from life experience?
Yes, my lyrics are true to my own life. I find myself a people pleaser and I should learn to please myself. Life is precious because in 2017, I lost suddenly my mother in law, a cousin in law, my mother and a very dear Aunt. All 4 in a year.
Some say it’s impossible to write while in the middle of emotional turmoil, while others seem to require it. Where do you find your writing inspiration?
I write in the middle of turmoil. I wrote this song when I was going through grief and wrote another one called “Angel Of Mercy” on the first anniversary of losing my mother.