Lyric Writing

Lyric writing is an art that a lyrics writer can learn. Great lyrics writers fit the lyrics into the song form in a way that matches the music perfectly.

There are many tools a lyric writer can use. Write every day if you can. Using these tools is probably the most important thing you will do to improve. Try reading Pat Pattison's book Writing Better Lyrics.

Try setting aside time each day. It doesn’t have to be a large time commitment. In fact if you make it small, say 10-15 minutes you won’t be able to tell yourself you’re too busy.

Then set aside one or two longer sessions each week for more intensive work. If you’re like me, when I do a long session I get tempted to think I’m ok to miss the next short session. Don’t go there.

There are many ways to start a discussion about lyric writing. You must make your lyrics stand out from others and learn how to show, don't tell.

Another important thing to do is to focus on what you are saying and make the lyrics talk about only one idea.

You should be able to describe what your song is about in a one line summary. From there you should be able to summarize each section with a one line summary. This will help keep you writing on only one concept.

If you enjoy these lyric writing tips please click here to tell a friend.

This is a handy way to sketch out a song's story line before you start. Write the section summaries and then sketch out what you want to talk about in each line of the section.

Do this without trying to actually write the words yet. Once you've finished the outline, do you first draft of your lyrics. This will help keep you on topic.

Write in one tense. First person is an I statement, second person is he and she statements and finally third person is the man, woman or their names statement.

Do the same with your content. Keep a constant tone throughout the song. Write in one style, if your trying to be witty or funny then don't mix in heavy personal issues. The opposite is also true.

Songwriting is about connecting emotionally with the listener. A song is a very short and colorful story the listener travels. Only provide one consistent emotion to feel. Too many different emotions bogs listeners down and confuses them.

The listener doesn't have the advantage you have as you know what the song is about. Everything needs to be crystal clear. They need to be firmly led without knowing their feelings are crafted by you.

If you haven’t already a good place to start is check out the section on Beginner SongWriting. Also check out the sections on number of lines and line length as well as song structure, sectional differences and rhymes.

They all provide support. Better placement and selection of lyrics will make you better at lyric writing. You can also try the Object Writing exercise to get your creative juices flowing.

I've also included sections on analogies with analogy examples. There are metaphors and examples of metaphors. Also included are similes and simile examples.

The last step is to rewrite lyrics as a matter of habit. Please follow the links below for tools on writing lyrics.

Do you have a great idea or tip on lyric writing that will help other songwriters? Share it with other visitors to Great SongWriting!