Similes - Examples

Similes and examples of them are everywhere in songs. When you're songwriting think of this tool as you partner in painting pictures. Pictures that emotionally connect with your listener and then take them on an enjoyable experience thanks to your song.

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All use the word "like" or "as" to make a comparison between two things. Here are some common examples:

smooth as butter
bright like sunshine
green as the grass
rough like sandpaper
ears like an elephant
shaking like a leaf

There was a time when all these comparisons were fresh and made people stand up and notice. Not now however because once people have heard them many times the picture gets established and its not new anymore.

If it's not new and fresh its not nearly as interesting to the listener. As a songwriter you're in the business of creating new images and pictures that will steal the hearts and minds of the listener. Its important to do this while making sure they don't feel manipulated by your song.

Stay away from old sayings you've heard many times before. Invent new ones, use a thesaurus or take an old saying and twist it just enough to make it unique again. Something like this:

smooth as eggshells
bright like ideas
green as politicians
rough like first dates
ears like blood hounds
shaking like a Elvis impersonator

Dig deep, also use analogies and metaphors to make your writing stand out.