Tips to Help You Write Great Song Lyrics
When it comes to writing song lyrics there are hundreds of directions you can take. Your song can be happy, sad, inspirational, filled with love, filled with pure hate and even funny. The key to writing a good song is to make the world want to hear it and relate to it. Every song has a message, whether it is hidden or not, so the song lyrics can't be too confusing, they need to stay simple to a certain degree. This isn't always easy for writers because if you are writing a song, you are probably somewhat of a poet, and poetry usually takes the opposite direction. The song needs to speak clearly so that every listener can understand its meaning and take something from it.
So keep in mind a couple tips when you are writing your next number one chart topping song ;)!.
~ Simplify the lyrics. If you are used to writing poetry this may be a little difficult, but no one wants to hear a song that speaks in riddles. Simplify your lyrics in laymen's terms, think as if you are writing it for a teenager, or even younger, and make sure they will understand what your song is trying to say.
~ Sing it. It doesn't matter if you are a singer or not, sing your song aloud and make sure it sounds good. It may end up changing in beat or chords but when you originally write a song you want to make sure that it sounds good musically.
~ Make sure the chorus repeats at least 3 or 4 times. A chorus is the most important part of your song and you want it to be catchy. Repeating the chorus at the right times is very important, this is the message of your song, and the heart and soul of it, so make it great.
~ Lengthen your chorus. A common mistake for songs can be a chorus that is too short. Add a line or two to your chorus and make it the bulk of your song.
~ Make it rhyme. This is what makes a song catchy and easy to sing along and remember. The words need to rhyme (or sound like they do at least).
~ Make it mean something. Find inspiration in your own life, from someone close to you, or even a great book. If your song has passion and means something to you, the lyrics will shine through. The best selling songs are written from life experience or inspiration.
When it comes to writing song lyrics there are hundreds of directions you can take. Your song can be happy, sad, inspirational, filled with love, filled with pure hate and even funny. The key to writing a good song is to make the world want to hear it and relate to it. Every song has a message, whether it is hidden or not, so the song lyrics can't be too confusing, they need to stay simple to a certain degree. This isn't always easy for writers because if you are writing a song, you are probably somewhat of a poet, and poetry usually takes the opposite direction. The song needs to speak clearly so that every listener can understand its meaning and take something from it.
So keep in mind a couple tips when you are writing your next number one chart topping song ;)!.
~ Simplify the lyrics. If you are used to writing poetry this may be a little difficult, but no one wants to hear a song that speaks in riddles. Simplify your lyrics in laymen's terms, think as if you are writing it for a teenager, or even younger, and make sure they will understand what your song is trying to say.
~ Sing it. It doesn't matter if you are a singer or not, sing your song aloud and make sure it sounds good. It may end up changing in beat or chords but when you originally write a song you want to make sure that it sounds good musically.
~ Make sure the chorus repeats at least 3 or 4 times. A chorus is the most important part of your song and you want it to be catchy. Repeating the chorus at the right times is very important, this is the message of your song, and the heart and soul of it, so make it great.
~ Lengthen your chorus. A common mistake for songs can be a chorus that is too short. Add a line or two to your chorus and make it the bulk of your song.
~ Make it rhyme. This is what makes a song catchy and easy to sing along and remember. The words need to rhyme (or sound like they do at least).
~ Make it mean something. Find inspiration in your own life, from someone close to you, or even a great book. If your song has passion and means something to you, the lyrics will shine through. The best selling songs are written from life experience or inspiration.
~ Get someone great to put music too it and make it come alive. Whether or not you are going to sing it yourself, or have someone else do it, a great way to get your lyrics heard is to find someone who can really sing and perform. This may be the hardest step but one of the most important. I am lucky enough to have a very talented niece who can make every lyric that I write sound like an amazing song.
Don't forget to put passion into your song
Song lyrics tell stories, they reach inside your heart, and pull out something you can relate too. The best songs are timeless and relate to large audiences. Write something you are passionate about and make it shine. Good luck!
Original Song SampleHere are lyrics that I wrote back in June of 2010. This is a sample song that show's layout of chorus and bridge.
Title: I Can't Break You
I have walked down this path before
And I know where it leads
every heart that you have broken
Leaves warning sign for me
And even though I know you
It’s a truth I can’t deny
I try to keep my distance
But as hard as I might try......
Chorus
I can’t shake you, I can’t break you, I can’t see what you won’t show-
I can’t make you try and love me, if your always letting go-
So here we are on our island, in a storm that’s just too much-
You are holding on and letting go so fast I can’t keep up-
and I'm too stubborn to admit this love-
will never.....be......enough.
End Chorus
Boy I’ve done what you have asked of me
I’ve waited by your side
Now I’m trying to make sense of this
But I’m too weak to fight
You have always told me
That someday this will be done
That at the end of all of this
That I will be the one
REPEAT CHORUS
Bridge
And how long have I waited
And watched us fall apart
I know too much about you now
To give this all my heart
Song lyrics tell stories, they reach inside your heart, and pull out something you can relate too. The best songs are timeless and relate to large audiences. Write something you are passionate about and make it shine. Good luck!
Original Song SampleHere are lyrics that I wrote back in June of 2010. This is a sample song that show's layout of chorus and bridge.
Title: I Can't Break You
I have walked down this path before
And I know where it leads
every heart that you have broken
Leaves warning sign for me
And even though I know you
It’s a truth I can’t deny
I try to keep my distance
But as hard as I might try......
Chorus
I can’t shake you, I can’t break you, I can’t see what you won’t show-
I can’t make you try and love me, if your always letting go-
So here we are on our island, in a storm that’s just too much-
You are holding on and letting go so fast I can’t keep up-
and I'm too stubborn to admit this love-
will never.....be......enough.
End Chorus
Boy I’ve done what you have asked of me
I’ve waited by your side
Now I’m trying to make sense of this
But I’m too weak to fight
You have always told me
That someday this will be done
That at the end of all of this
That I will be the one
REPEAT CHORUS
Bridge
And how long have I waited
And watched us fall apart
I know too much about you now
To give this all my heart