They understand the power of music and words to communicate concepts. They write their songs hoping to make their audience nod in agreement as they recognize a universal truth, or see something of themselves in the song. These songwriters try to write about common feeling and experiences. They want to help people cope with life, deal with problems, and not feel alone. They long to comfort, inspire, challenge, and emotionally move their listeners.
Some songwriters use their art as self-therapy.
You can always tell what they are going through by examining their most recent lyrics. Their current mood is reflected in the tempo and key of their latest song. Sometimes it can be almost painfully revealing and personal. Some songwriters write for the sheer joy of creation. To start with a blank sheet of paper, and create something that didn't exist before still amazes them.