There are several different approaches to writing a song. Let's start with lyrics!
Steps 1-3 and 5 describe how to write the lyrics and thereafter. If you are stuck after going through these steps step 4 will be for you!
Step 1: The best step to start off with typically is to write down ideas you are interested in writing about. If you are stuck and thinking "I just don't know what to write! I'm not any good at writing" Well for me, I enjoy writing about my feelings, things that interest me or anything on my mind:
Here's a screenshot of ideas I jotted down write on the spot: (along with a full set of lyrics)
Sometimes it's best to just write down one word you think of! Make it simple. Write about things going on in your life, things you wonder about, write about your deepest questions, or just write about having fun and parties! Whatever you are into.
Step 2: After you have written down your ideas, pick one you are most excited writing about.
A song typically has a verse 1, chorus, verse 2, chorus, bridge (instrumental), chorus. The lyrics do not have to be long, but if you have a lot to say then make it long, why not? BUT, If you are not trying to write a lot then don't!
Once you picked your favorite topic to write on start writing short sentences, even a few words that relate to the topic. Here's an example of a song I wrote called moments: (I love using notes on my iPhone to write songs lol)
Here, I use a lot of repetition starting each sentence with "Every single moment". The first 4 lines is verse 1. Just 4 lines! The next 4 lines starting on "That time..." is verse 2 of the song! The next phrase is the chorus. Often in a song, the verses will be similar in length and sound, but that is not a rule, you can change the length and notes. But for your first song it might be easier to keep it simple and keep it similar. Try writing 4 short lines that relate to your topic. Imagine what it would sound like. What are you trying to tell the listener. What is the point of this song. What are you expressing? What do you want this song to mean? The answers to these questions will help you narrow down your choice of lyrics.
Here is a clip of how the melody sounds so you can hear the repetition (more on this in Part 2)
Step 3: Assuming you have now written the verse let's try a chorus! A chorus I like to think of is the heart of the song. The verses hint at the topic, or expresses the topic, but the chorus wraps it into a whole. For my song moments, I describe what these moments with my loved one mean to me. I describe my feelings. But the audience will be wondering okay, so what is special about these moments, what happened?? I'm telling a story! So in the chorus I finally describe what the actually moment is. You don't have to tell a story but think of how you can go deep and wrap the heart of the song into the chorus. The chorus is the part you remember the most and is catchy. Another tip you can try is to rhyme each line at the very last word. But don't think it is a requirement to rhyme in a song, it certainly isn't!
Step 4: If you are still stuck after doing all these steps, then I have some tips.
1) Listen to a song that you are inspired by. If no song inspires you..... why are you writing a song again? Okay, so it doesn't have to inspire you. But try listening to a song that you enjoy and would possibly want your song to sound like. A lot of my music has been inspired from Coldplay!
2) Free-write! You might think it is useless or annoying but if you are sitting there thinking too hard then you need to stop thinking and just start writing nonstop for a minute straight of anything, absolutely ANYTHING that comes to mind! Then afterwards, circle anything that stands out to you!
3) Take a break. Even if all you could come up with is one line the whole day that is a great start! DO not give up, you can do it!!
4) Ask for help. Do you know a songwriter? If not, just show others what you have came up with and if you aren't comfortable then practice reading the lyrics out loud to your self, or singing them in a random melody. This will make it more clear if you like it or not.
Step 5: After you have finished your lyrics, time for music and melody! Part 2 will be up shortly on how to write a successful melody.
Thanks for reading!
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