Joni Mitchell said

 "My style of songwriting is influenced by cinema. I'm a frustrated filmmaker. A fan once said to me, 'Girl, you make me see pictures in my head!' and I took that a a great compliment. That's exactly my intention."

Vivid images are the goal when crafting a song. 

 Show 'em don't tell 'em should be running laps around your

brain while your are writing lyrics. Leading your pack of ideas like the Pied Piper, crossing the inside of your forehead every second.