I think if you are writing an instrumental you are dealing with more of an aesthetic in a sense but a lyric is more of a putting yourself on the line and a much more expensive exercise.
Leo KottkeI have always thought of myself as a performer first and way down the line as a recording artist.
Leo KottkeYou can't really tell what the audience wants but you can tell what will keep everybody's attention in the same place.
Leo Kottke