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How to Write Song Lyrics
How to Write Song Lyrics is part 11 in a series on How to Write a Song. For some, writing song lyrics can be the most difficult part of writing a song.
We'll talk about how to write lyrics that are universal but original. We'll take a look at my top 10 lyrics of all time with complete song analysis.
Lastly, I offer some excellent lyric writing books and a $20 discount for Masterwriter, the most powerful lyric writing software available. Serious writers should explore this. I have used it for years and have had over 150 songs placed on television.
Many writers like to write lyrics before the music. That is fine and many great one's like Bernie Taupin (Elton John) and Robert Hunter (Grateful Dead) have been very successful doing so. There is no right way, whatever works for you.
I like to write lyrics once I have a melody and maybe some "dummy lyrics" to fill space. I find it easier to generate flowing lyrical lines. In addition, when the music is done, I know what the song form is and how long the phrases should be.
HOW TO WRITE SONG LYRICS
*Here are some things to consider when you are learning how to write song lyrics:
BRAINSTORMING LYRIC IDEAS
At Berklee,
I studied with Pat Pattison, one of the premier educators in the world
of writing song lyrics. He starts by brainstorming ideas from basic
themes. To learn more get the free Berklee newsletter or check out his new book:
UNIVERSAL THEME
The
most important thing a lyric in any genre can be is universal. Think
about songs you love or that most people love that you know. They are
about very common themes:
-New Love
-Lost Love
-Overcoming Obstacles
-Saving the World
-Coming to Terms with the Past
-Birth
-Death
-Celebration of Life
-Family
-Friends
-Memories
People need to identify with your lyric. It can be personal and universal at the same time.
RHYME SCHEME
Most songs have a rhyme scheme of some kind. This is just where the rhymes fall in the song.
It's
generally a pattern that exists throughout the song to give the
listener an expectation of the rhyme that is coming. It makes it easier
to listen to. I give examples of rhyme scheme in my 10 favorite lyrics
of all time below.
*Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol doesn't rhyme at all and is brilliant in it's phrasing…..very original!
TITLE
You need a great, memorable and original title that really somes up what your song is about. Generally it is the hook of the song, but not always. One technique is to start with your title. It can be easier to write this way.
To generate titles, open a magazine, browse the internet, listen to things people say around you etc. Jot down anything that sounds like a song title and don't censor yourself. Get a list of 100. Keep 5-10 and throw the rest away.
ORIGINAL
Take old, tried and true themes and say them in a new way. Make unexpected metaphors and similes. Be simple but fresh in your delivery. You're not trying to impress people. You're trying to move them with your words. A simple twist on language can move mountains!
SONG FORM (verse, chorus, pre-chorus, bridge)
Follow typical songs forms as laid out in Free Songwriting Tips on Song Arranging. These are the patterns and forms people are expecting to hear from commercial songs. Don't disappoint them.
SONG MEANING
Clever lyrics that have a deeper song meaning that need to be decoded, are often the greatest of all (Stairway to Heaven, Hotel California, American Pie), but you must be masterful in your delivery or your song may come off as too abstract. Convey a clear, heartfelt, original and honest lyric and with the right music, you can't go wrong.
CONVERSATIONAL
You should write like you speak when you practice how to write song lyrics. Don't change the accent of the word to fit the song. It ends up being awkward and hard to sing. Free write at first, but then begin to grab phrases you like and that flow easily. Build from there.
A Word on IAMBIC PENTAMETER
Shakespeare used iambic pentameter in much of his writing. It creates a flow that can be easier to read. Iambic Pentameter is a phrase with 5 cuplets: deDUM deDUM deDUM deDUM deDUM
Ex., But, soft! what light through yonder window breaks?
The point is to be aware how it makes a line flow better. It doesn't have to be perfect. You want your listener to sing along with you, right?
Study some great poets!
MY TOP 10 LYRICS OF ALL TIME
These are my 10 favorites (not necessarily in order). I have analyzed each one for you. Enjoy!
1. Stairway to Heaven Lyrics and Analysis
2. Hotel California Lyrics and Analysis
3. Tangled Up in Blue Lyrics and Analysis
4. Imagine Lyrics and Analysis
5. Born to Run Lyrics and Analysis
6. American Pie Lyrics and Analysis
7. Let it Be lyrics and analysis
8. Like a Rolling Stone lyrics and analysis
9. Piano Man lyrics and analysis
10. Wish You Were Here lyrics and analysis
Now for something completely different Kid Rock song lyrics to All Summer Long!
In the end there is nothing better than studying what has worked in the past when learning how to write song lyrics. Below are all books I have read throughout my songwriting career and they have all helped me in different ways. Writing song lyrics is a branch off of the creative writing tree. Read a lot and write a lot and you will find your unique voice!
*These are excellent books on How to Write Song Lyrics!
Have a Great Lyric to Share?
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What Other Visitors Have Said
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What Are You Tryin’ To Tell Me 
What Are You Tryin’ To Tell Me
Verse
When you say you love me
Do you really mean it or
Are you just another rollin’ stone
Destined to waste …
No Longer Room in My Heart for You
No Longer Room In My Heart
Verse
I won’t be swayed by false words again
You’re not worth the tears that I shed
I never knew, what …
Remember Wednesday
Everyday's another day you wake up to a simple way
We kiss and say that things are right
But if I looked inside of me something would have disagreed …
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I don'tfrom Howdy EP by Junksick Morning
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"Without music, life would be a mistake"- Nietzsche
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