I have been composing music for seven years, mostly for string orchestra and I also do a little composing with full orchestra as well. I am currently writing a piece, and for the first time I am in need of SATB! I have the parts written, so I know the syllable count, but I have no idea what to write the lyrics about. It is very romantic era sounding, and is very powerful and moving. I have attempted to use translations of Orff's work to help guide me, but he seems to just write incredibly vague poetry. I am quite good at poetry as well and could probably do something similar to Orff's technique, but I have no starting place. Do you have any suggestions or topics that other composers have chosen that could help me? This work WILL be performed for an audience so it's imperative that I write quality lyrics. Thanks for your advice!

I am familiar with the baroque era and have played the Messiah a countless number of times. I also understand that most music written with singers are written about God, and I am obviously not employed by a church so I have no desire to write such a piece. I'd like to stray away from that topic.