Songwriting can be a difficult art form to master. Songwriters must be able to manage the music that complements the lyrics, which is not like writing a poem. Songwriters must learn to master all aspects of songwriting, from choosing the right melody to match the vocals to crafting the perfect chorus.
Here are five tips to help you learn how to quickly and efficiently create song lyrics.
Play with repetition and rhyme to unleash your inner poet
Music is closely connected to poetry and poetic language. Perhaps you listened to nursery rhymes and lullabies as a child. You may still be able to recall the lyrics or melody of some of your favorite songs. It’s because repetition and rhyme make it easier to remember.
You consider a song catchy because it is! These techniques can be used when writing lyrics. These poetic styles can help you create your song’s rhythmic structure and allow you to move in the right direction.
Use a specific music arrangement.
As you write your lyrics, you may want to start with a well-known song structure such as verse/chorus/verse/chorus/bridge/chorus. When you are assembling your lyrics, make sure to identify the parts that work best for each element.
You have more language options, and the verse might contain more of the story. It usually stays to the same melody. It is often sung repeatedly and is well-known for being repetitive. The bridge is a link between the chorus and verse.
Picasso once stated, “learn all the rules so you can break them like an artist.” After learning how to write songs within a known song structure, you can start breaking the rules. You can challenge yourself to think outside the box and find new ways to improve your lyrics and make them into art.
Don’t just read your lyrics.
You write lyrics to be sung, not read. This could drastically change the way your words flow together on the page. Writers should consider singing the words to a melody or listening to them aloud. This can help you change your perspective on music and lead you to your final product. Please pay attention to how you read the lyrics, visualize how they are meant to be heard and make them as singable as you can.
Try to establish a connection with your audience.
Song lyrics should be written with a sense of connection in mind. This will ensure that you are writing music with meaning and purpose. Think about your favorite songs. What are your favorite things about them? What is it that keeps you coming back to it over and over? The lyrics are what give you that feeling of the music. You don’t have to look deeper for meaning, but you should always strive for connection.
Revise, revise, and improve your work
Once you have a rhyme scheme you like, a structure you want to use, and a connection plan, you can begin to put together all the pieces. Do not hesitate to take a seat, revise, and revisit your work. Find new ways to connect meaning and create poetic connections.
Writing music is hard work. It doesn’t matter if the song isn’t what you expected. Your song will begin to come alive during the editing stage. You’ll gradually transform your rough draft into a final one by looking for new rhymes and finding the right melody.
It takes patience and time to write song lyrics. Our instructors at MI can help you take your love for music writing to the next level. The Songwriting Courses at Musicians Institute aim to produce versatile songwriters with the ability to work in today’s music industry. By fully immersing ourselves in every step of the songwriting process, we can help you master all aspects of song lyrics.