Saturday, September 17, 2011

Writing Lyrics for Songs

Writing lyrics for songs is a way to vent their frustration for some and something as sacred as science for others. While structure is not mandatory for a song, it certainly helps because listeners are accustomed to songs with a familiar structure. These are a few tips for writing lyrics for songs which follow a verse, chorus and bridge structure:

cowboy lyrics

You have a great intro which will grab the ears of the listeners from the first second. Don't get too excited and start blabbering about what you want to say. Intro is only the beginning. Use it to give him a taste of what's coming next. It should only make him want more and not give away the feel and content of the song. Use fewer words while writing lyrics for songs in this part.

Lyrics

First verse: Here, you introduce the main characters and circumstances of the song. Take your own, sweet time to do this but avoid dragging in unnecessary detail. This is a 3 or 4 minute song, not Tolstoy's 'War and Peace'. Adjectives and adverbs come handy while writing lyrics for songs since it is only about describing a 'he' or a 'she' or how he / she did 'this' or 'that'. Ensure that the lyrics fit well into the tune.

Chorus: This part is a relief in what is otherwise a parade of notes and words and the easiest while writing lyrics for songs. This part has the catchiest lines and summarizes what has been sung so far. Remember, this is what the listener will hum later. So, make it is easy to remember. 'Honorificabilitudinitatibus' has no place here. Follow up with the second verse to continue your story.

Bridge: This is the most emotional part of the song. It concludes the story with a raw emotion which was subtle but inherent in the song until now. So, keep it low and underplay the emotion. Too much of screaming and shouting can make the decibels go deaf.

After a quick chorus, finish off with an outro. Let the lyrics fade slowly and let the music drop the audience to their homes. Your point has been made, so R.I.P.

Writing Lyrics for Songs

Lyrics

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