Writing A Great Song Lyric

Need some tips on how to write a great song lyric? Check out these tried and true techniques guaranteed to have you writing better songs.

1. Start with the title.
It's always easier to write that new song when you have a working title. The chorus will be more effective if it contains the title more than once, and every line of lyric should relate back to it.

So try to come up with a compelling title. If you have an idea to write a song about, try to find a way to say it in four words or less.

2. Write from emotion.
When you write from emotion you will find your lyrics become more intense. Writing about someone or something you are passionate about gives a sense of urgency to your song.

In other words, when you care it shows.

You have to walk a fine line here. You want to make it personal enough that the emotion comes through loud and clear. You don't want to make it so personal that nobody can relate to it but you.

3. Write a short story.
When you've decided upon a song idea, write it down in short story form, before writing lyrics. Give it a beginning and an ending. Include characters' names and descriptions even if you don't intend to use names in your song.

Doing this will give you a clear idea of where your song is going to go. It's much easier writing a good song lyric when you have a framework already in place.

4. Visualise the story.
This is much like the last tip, except you are going to do it in your head. Imagine your short story as a film. Close your eyes and picture the scene. Notice the colours and the smells. Notice the expressions on your characters' faces, and the tone of their voices.

Write down all of your observations. When writing lyrics fill in these details.

These are the details that will give your song lyric depth and realism. People love it when they can listen to a song and see the story unravel.

5. Don't stress on the rhyme.
Try not to worry about rhyming, at least not at first. Write what you want to say, and have it make sense. Then try to work rhymes in if you want.

But the rhyme is by no means the most important aspect. Many hit songs have been written without much rhyme at all.

What I mean to say is, don't compromise what you want to say just to make it rhyme.

6. Rewrite!
I know, I'm starting to sound like a broken record! But rewriting is a must. It's during the rewrite that you can make those rhymes fit nicely into your lyric (as long as they make the song better).

Check out some of these tips for yourself. They are all effective tools that will help you write a better song lyric. I know from experience that numbers 3 and 4 have helped me immensely.

Good Luck!

Each month you'll receive tips and ideas on such topics as...

• Writing better lyrics
• Composing beautiful melodies
• Cool recording techniques
• Music publishing strategies

Each issue will be packed with practical information designed to help you write better songs, and take them to the next level.

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