How To Write Song Lyrics

So I have to start by saying that there really is no right or wrong way to write song lyrics. I just simply thought I'd share a few ideas that have become "go-to's" so to speak. Just like any other writing endeavor, a set of song lyrics is only bound to the freedom of the creative process that implies that if something works, it works.

I would imagine that when it comes to my fellow writers on Vocal, this article would be the equivalent of "preaching to the choir." Most of anything I might discuss here, another writer already knows and could probably even add a thing or two. But my hope is that this article may be read by another audience as well, people who don't necessarily write stories or articles, but want to write songs, so here it goes.

Choose your topic

The first step is rather simple, I think. You must have a topic. You need to know what your lyrics will be about, an idea or set of ideas that will form the theme of the song.

Always brainstorm

Once you know what this topic is, a tactic you will often find helpful is the common brainstorm. You just write lines, or maybe just phrases if you struggle to write full lines. Many times I will write several lines and not even know how they will fit together at first.

To rhyme or not to rhyme

If the creativity is just flowing out of you as it sometimes will, it would be advisable to ride the wave and see where it goes. If it's not coming that easily, then you may want to think about whether your lyrics will have a rhyme scheme or free verse, lyrics without rhyme. As you will notice as you listen to music, rhyme is not absolutely necessary. Some of the greatest songs ever written are free verse.

Both styles have their own advantages. I have found that free verse is liberating, yet sometimes more challenging. When you are under pressure to keep to a rhyme scheme and you are struggling to write that next line, the last word of the previous line its rhymes will often spark an idea for that elusive next idea. But it can also be a double edged sword when you've established a rhyme scheme and the idea you want to express in that next line just won't work with the previous line. If you decide to utilize rhyme, I find it useful to write a list of words that will fit the scheme in the margin and ultimately decide on one of those words and the idea that comes with it.

Song Structure

The next step is to consider the type of structure you desire for your song. Many songs consist of a verse, then a second verse, then a chorus, a third verse, chorus, chorus, chorus. Some songs contain what is called a bridge that will usually fit somewhere after the second trip to the chorus and it will lead back to a few repeats of the chorus to end the song. And this is just the basics; there are other less common parts to the song. This is where the freedom of creativity takes over. Once you have the ideas you need, it's up to you to fit it all together like pieces of a puzzle. No one knows the vision you have for your song the way that you do.

Collaborate

And finally, don't ever hesitate to collaborate with another artist. If you look at the credits to some of the greatest songs, more often than not you will see two, three, or even more names listed. I'm not saying that it can't be done alone, but it can really help to have another perspective.

So now that your lyrics are finished, then it will be time to add music. And that my friends, is a whole other article.

I hope you enjoyed this article and if you did, please consider leaving a tip. Thanks --Vince :)