Telling Stories Through Third-Person Perspective in Songwriting

Choosing the right point of view for your song can significantly shape the emotional and narrative impact of your music. While first and second-person perspectives are often used to create intimacy, the third-person point of view offers a unique opportunity to step back and tell a story from a more observational angle. With third-person, songwriters can create rich, character-driven narratives, portraying multiple layers of emotion, events, and even societal themes through the eyes of characters separate from themselves. This approach allows listeners to view the song as a story and draw personal connections based on the imagery and details provided, making it a powerful storytelling tool.

1. Understanding Third-Person Point of View in Songs

The third-person point of view (using pronouns like “he,” “she,” “they”) enables songwriters to tell stories about people, situations, or events as an observer. This storytelling technique allows for more flexibility in exploring various characters, themes, and settings without the limitations of first-person introspection or second-person direct address.

Character Development: By focusing on different characters, you can create layered narratives, enabling the listener to engage with the story from multiple angles.

2. Themes That Suit Third-Person Perspective

The third-person POV is especially effective for songs that cover universal, socially relevant, or introspective themes. Here are some themes that often work well with this perspective:

Social Issues and Injustice: When discussing issues like inequality, poverty, or discrimination, third-person helps create a broader view. Songs like Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car” narrate a story of escaping hardship, speaking to many listeners who relate to the character’s struggles.

Narrative Ballads: Songs that tell complete stories, like folk ballads, often use third-person POV to create a strong narrative arc. These songs work well in painting vivid character portraits and developing emotional depth.

3. Examples of Songs Using Third-Person Effectively

Some well-known songs use the third-person POV to enhance storytelling and engage listeners. Here are a few examples:

The Beatles – “Eleanor Rigby”: This song tells the story of a lonely woman and a priest, highlighting themes of isolation and disconnectedness. The third-person POV allows listeners to feel empathy for Eleanor and Father McKenzie while reflecting on broader societal issues.

Johnny Cash – “A Boy Named Sue”: Cash tells the humorous yet poignant story of a boy facing challenges due to his unusual name. The third-person narrative keeps the story light while allowing listeners to connect with the character’s journey.

4. Tips for Writing in Third-Person Perspective

When using the third-person point of view for your song, consider the following techniques to make your narrative compelling and relatable:

Develop Strong Characters: Just like in fiction, the strength of a third-person song lies in its characters. Give them distinctive traits, challenges, and desires. The more vivid and real your character feels, the more likely listeners will relate to them.

Example: Instead of simply describing “a girl who’s sad,” paint her world with images like “She sits by the window, eyes fixed on the rainy streets below.”

Focus on Setting and Imagery: Use detailed descriptions of the environment to place listeners in the scene. Settings can add mood, convey emotion, and even provide hints about the character’s story.

Example: “In a one-room apartment, she waits by the phone, the silence heavy like a stone.”

Show Rather Than Tell: Rather than stating what a character is feeling, illustrate it through actions and interactions. For instance, instead of saying, “She feels lonely,” try describing her actions that suggest loneliness: “She watches the couples pass by, hands in her pockets, shoulders hunched.”

Use Symbolism and Metaphors: Third-person songs lend themselves well to symbols and metaphors, creating layers of meaning. For example, using recurring symbols like “empty chairs” or “flickering lights” can reflect a character’s inner state without directly stating it.

5. Challenges of Using Third-Person in Songs

While third-person POV offers flexibility and depth, it also has its challenges:

Risk of Emotional Distance: Third-person can sometimes feel detached or impersonal. To avoid this, use vivid imagery and specific details that keep listeners emotionally engaged.

Potential Complexity: Unlike first-person songs, which often have a straightforward narrative, third-person POV can introduce complex layers. Be mindful to keep the story clear and cohesive, so listeners can easily follow the narrative.

Less Relatability: Since third-person is observational, some listeners may find it harder to place themselves in the character’s shoes. Counter this by giving universal traits to your characters, such as desires, fears, or struggles that many people experience.

Conclusion

Choosing the right point of view for your song is essential for creating the desired impact on your listeners. The third-person perspective offers songwriters a unique way to build rich narratives, develop strong characters, and explore themes from a broader, more detached angle. By using this observational approach, you invite listeners to engage with the story from a new perspective, allowing them to experience the song as both an observer and a participant. Third-person songs can resonate powerfully, enabling artists to convey messages about society, relationships, and personal journeys that feel universal and relatable.

When crafting the point of view for your song, consider the narrative potential of the third-person perspective. By developing detailed characters, incorporating strong imagery, and connecting with universal themes, you can turn your lyrics into stories that stay with listeners long after the music ends. Whether it’s a character study, a tale of struggle, or a social commentary, the third-person point of view offers an expansive canvas for songwriters to explore.