How To Write Song Lyrics
That Have Emotional Impact

Perhaps people can sense something special about these songs. Or, maybe because the subject matter is so important to you (the writer), you can't help but write a great song.

Whatever the case, the special qualities inherent in a song written from emotion come through loud and clear.

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2. Write a song about a dream!
How to write song lyrics about a dream? This one's a bit tricky. You'll need to keep a notepad next to your bed, and jot down ideas as soon as you wake up.

This is good idea to do anyway. You can get many great ideas whilst asleep. And if you don't write them down right away, you'll lose them forever.

Try to write a total dream song that doesn't make much logical sense.

A dream song doesn't have to make sense!

When writing lyrics fill them with rich imagery, and write dreamy music to reflect that dream-like state.

Check out "#9 Dream" by John Lennon. Makes no sense at all! But what a great song.

3. Write a song about a child.
When they're well written, songs about children have a way of tugging at the heart strings. If the song is about your child, the emotionally-charged benefits from tip number one come into play.

I have written two songs about my kids, and one of them called "Dream Come True" remains one of my best. At least to me. (And my Mum!)

So if there is a special child in your life, try your hand at writing a song about him or her. Write about your feelings toward them.

It's not hard to write visually vivid lyrics when writing about children. Include pictures of them in the park, on the swings, riding the trike. Their pretty smile.

If you haven't tried this yet, I urge you to do so.

4. Write about a special place.
Think of a place you've been to that holds special significance for you. You don't have to mention the name of the place if you don't want to. But if you do, it will give your song more weight.

Check out "Lodi" by Creedence Clearwater Revival, or Peter Gabriel's "Solsbury Hill". In the case of Peter Gabriel, the song is probably more about his split from Genesis than about the actual Solsbury Hill.

Yet using it as the title and in the lyrics immediately gives the song visual impact. You can actually see him "Climbing up on Solsbury Hill!"

Great example of how to write song lyrics that have an emotional and visual impact.

Writing lyrics about something happy is one thing.

Whenever I'm going through a sad life-changing event, I can't write about it. I can't write at all. At times like these, songwriting is the last thing on my mind. Only later when I've put it in perspective can I put it into song.

You might be different. If you are, try this one out.

Learning how to write song lyrics that have a lot of emotional impact is something I'm still working on. These tips have helped me out time and time again. (Except perhaps for number 5!)

Try some for yourself.

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