Songwriting Tool - Check Assumptions

This songwriting tool provides unique songwriting opportunities to check your assumptions in story line. The business of songwriting requires solid music structure when writing for other artists.

Every song must hold together on its own because the listener doesn't know any of the background that we have in mind when we write a song. Its all new and as an songwriter its easy to overlook or forget that.

Usually something moves us to write the song because it raises an issue or creates excitement in us. The listener is not party to that and so has no idea of any assumptions we are making. They only have the information we put in the song.

The secret is to realize you can't start in the middle of a story line. Sounds silly to do that but you would be surprised how many songwriters make that mistake.

We must include the listener in the back story or they will not get out of the song what we would like them to. The result is that we loose them and that's bad for the song.

After the writing of the first verse is done check to see if any essential story information is missing. Its very common for the first verse we write to in fact be the second verse.

I often go back and fill in missing information and put it in the first verse or write the entire first verse about it. I also check to see that everything I say in the chorus is linked to the verses.

This is also a useful tool for getting out of "second verse hell" when if seems like there is a total writing block. I put myself in the place of the listener and ask "what does this song tell me and what must I assume about what is written?"

A well crafted song invites the listener in so they feel included in the story. If the song isn't clear they will feel confused and excluded. No one likes to be left out.

This is not a good place for the listener to be when we are fighting to hold their interest and create special memories for them.

The business of songwriting, especially when you are writing for other artists demands a simple clarity so the listener hears and feels exactly what you want them to. Use this songwriting tool to help you.