Writing song lyrics is a lot like putting together a fun, but challenging
puzzle. Each piece of the puzzle is important because without it, the
puzzle is incomplete. In songs, each word is important, and they also
need to fit together the right way for everything to sound complete. But
how do you know which words are the “right words”? And what is the
best way to arrange them?
Using the puzzle as an analogy, think about how you would begin.
Everyone has a different way they start. Personally, I like to separate
all of the edge and center pieces from each other, and then
assemble the frame before working on the middle. When you are
constructing your songs, you will also have a strategy. It might not be
my strategy, but that’s okay because the important thing is that it
works for you.
Some writers find it helpful to think of the chorus first, while others
may concentrate on the first line in the verse. My advice is to let your
inspiration for the song be your guide throughout the entire process.
There is no way to tell what part of the song will begin forming in your
mind first. You might be focused on doing something else when a
great chorus pops into your head. Or, maybe an event in your life
triggers one line that hits a nerve. Whatever you do, write it down!
The actual words you use will be based on that initial inspiration and
they should all relate back to it in some form. One of the most
important recommendations I can make to songwriters is to never
forget why you began writing any song. If it is to cause the listener to
feel happy, sad, or excited, your lyrics need to reflect those emotions.
So, how exactly do you do that?
Listen to the way you pronounce certain words and how they sound.
Every word has features that make it unique. Also, some words
sound better, or more natural, when they are placed either before or
after other ones. Plus, there are certain “tricks” you can use to create
the mood you want, such as using longer syllables versus shorter
ones, or putting emphasis on specific consonants or vowels.
A great tip to keep in mind is to say the lines out loud as you write
them. Read them back to yourself, or better yet, sing them in the way
you think the melody will be. This will give you a good idea of whether
or not you have the right words. Trust your instinct and follow it as you
narrow down the selection of phrases. The biggest advantage writers
have is that the English language contains a very extensive
vocabulary, so there is never a shortage of options available.
For a more in depth guide on how to write lyrics as well as details on
the different techniques there are, you can click here to download the
recently updated eBook, Songwriting One on One, or enter in your
email for the free mini-course in the box on the right hand side of the
page.
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