Songwriting is an art form that takes years to master. Unlike writing a poem or a story, songwriters need to know how to handle the music components that complement the lyrics. From choosing a melody that pairs with the vocals to writing the perfect chorus, songwriters need to learn how to master every aspect that reaches past just writing.
If you want to start learning how to write song lyrics effortlessly and effectively, here are five tips to keep in mind.
Let out your inner poet: play with rhyme and repetition
Music has a strong connection with poetry and poetic language. You may remember at a young age listening to nursery rhymes or lullabies. Maybe, you can still remember the melody or the words of some of your favorites. That’s because rhyme and repetition make it easier to remember.
There’s a reason you consider a song to be catchy! Don’t be afraid to use these techniques when you’re writing lyrics. Playing with these different poetic styles helps you develop the lyrical structure and move with the motion of your chosen melody.
Stick to a music structure
As you write your lyrics, you may want to start with a well-known song structure such as: verse/chorus/verse/chorus/bridge/chorus. As you piece together your lyrics, try to find parts that work for each element.
The verse may hold more of the story, and you have more options with your language choice. However, it usually sticks to the same melody. The chorus is typically sung multiple times and is known to be repetitive. The bridge acts as a “bridge” and connects the verse and chorus.
Picasso once said, “learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.” Once you know how to write songs in a well-known song structure, you can then start to break all the rules. Challenge yourself, think outside of the box, and look for news to evolve your lyrics and turn them into a work of art.
Don’t just read your lyrics
Remember that you write lyrics to be performed, not read. Doing this could dramatically change how your words work together on the page. As you write, don’t be afraid to consider singing them to a melody or listening to how they sound out loud. This could help change the perspective you have on your music and guide you towards your finished product. Listen to how you read the words, envision how it’s meant to be heard, and make the lyrics as singable as possible!
Strive to connect with your audience
When writing song lyrics, you should always strive to build a connection to ensure you’re writing authentic music with meaning and purpose. Consider some of your favorite songs. What do you like about them? What keeps you listening to it on repeat? That feeling that music gives you comes from the lyrics. Don’t be afraid to dip deeper, look for meaning everywhere, and always aim for a connection.
Revise, revisit, and improve your work
Once you have a rhyme scheme you enjoy, a structure you want to use, and a connection you plan to build, you can start to connect all the puzzle pieces. Don’t be afraid to sit down, revise and revisit your work. Look for places to draw new connections with meaning or find ways to play with other poetic techniques.
The hardest part about writing music is getting it on paper. Don’t be discouraged if it’s not what you want right away. During the editing stages, your song will start to come to life. As you look for new rhyme schemes and find the right melody, you’ll slowly turn your rough draft into a final draft.
Writing song lyrics takes time and patience. If you’re ready to start taking your passion for writing music to the next level, our instructors at MI are ready to help. The Songwriting Programs at Musicians Institute are designed to create versatile songwriters who will have the skills to steadily work in today’s modern music industry. We’re here to help you master every aspect of writing song lyrics by fully immersing you in the entire process it takes to write a song, from ideation to writing lyrics, to recording and production.
If you have the creativity, the drive, and the passion to write song lyrics, our Independent Artist Program or Songwriting Programs may be the perfect next step in your career. To learn more, contact us today.