Writing Song Lyrics
How To Write Lyrics

Do you have the music to a great song but are stuck on the lyrics? Writing Song Lyrics is here to help!

Although there is no "proper" way to write song lyrics, there ARE some basics that will help you get started:

The Hook

The hook is a very good place to begin when writingsong lyrics. The hook is a part of the song which is intended to "hook" the ears of your listeners.This is such an important part of the song that some publishers insist upon hearing the hook before they will even consider the rest of the song.

The hook is a very useful starting point because it can become the TITLE as well as the main message of the . Your first task, then, is to decide on a "theme" or message for your song and then come up with a catchy phrase which conveys that message. Think of the songs that nearly EVERYONE REMEMBERS: like "Dream On" or "Stairway to Heaven" or even "Three Blind Mice" (reportedly the most famous song in the world).

So once you come up with a good hook, you are ready to roll!

THE "SLANT"

In other words, what perspective on your subject do you wish to convey when writing song lyrics? One thing which will help you here is to decide upon your target audience. Is this song aimed at children, at jazz lovers, at headbangers? The answer to this question will go a long way in determining the type of language that you will use when writing-song-lyrics.

WRITING THE CHORUS

This is the next logical step since the chorus contains the "hook". The chorus should be relatively short--eight measures and four vocal lines is a good choice. Be sure to start or end the chorus with the hook. You might even want to put it both places--just be sure that there is enough variety in between to avoid listener boredom.

The chorus should be "singable" for the average listener. People like to sing along and they remember a song more if they can sing along. Make the words easy to remember and be sure that they effectively convey your main message.

How I wish, how I wish you were here.

The same old fears. Wish you were here. (Pink Floyd)

WRITING THE VERSES

This is the point in writing song lyrics where your story begins. Think of your song as a drama. The first verse should give the listeners enough information to keep them interested, but not so much as to bore them. The most successful verse lyrics will make the listener RELATE to the words--the lyrics apply to their lives.

Sometimes it helps to think of your verses as REASONS for your message in the chorus or EVIDENCE that your chorus message is true.

(verse)When i'm drivin' in my car

(chorus)I can't get no satisfactionI can't get no satisfaction(Rolling Stones)

Each verse should progressively lead the listener further toward the chorus.

WRITING THE BRIDGE

The Bridgeis an OPTIONAL section which most often comes between two choruses and is a kind of break from the rest of the song. It should take your message to a different level or offer a new perspective to support your main theme. The purpose of the bridge is to build the tension leading up to the climax of the song or to lead a song to its conclusion. It also must lead your listener back into the chorus.

The bridge often has a different rhythm and a different combination of instruments. . A songwriter needs to listen to a lot of songs from different genres to get a feel for the bridge.

ORGANIZING THE COMPONENTS

Now all that is left is for you to decide how you want to organize the parts of your song. Here are some possibilities:

1. verse / chorus / verse / chorus / verse...etc.

3. verse / verse / bridge / verse / chorus/ chorus

Hopefully this information has helped you with writing song lyrics. GOOD LUCK with your writing!

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