Essentials of Writing Song Lyrics

Examples used in this guide are written by me. No one has permission to use this without my consent. Thank you.

Towards the beginning of last year I realized I had a natural talent for writing. English class has always came easy to me and I have always advanced. Not the grammar section, however I exceed the composition area of English higher than average.
I would like to share with a few of you some great tips on how to write lyrics.

1. Finding meaning in your writing
2. Structure
3. Rhythm and rhyme
4. Word choice
5. Literary Elements
6. Tips
7. Helpful Sites

Finding meaning in your writing

Many famous musicians today write about things that aren't even logical. When I write, and when many very famous composers write, meaning is injected into the words and phrases. To do this, write about things such as life, love, heaven or hell, or anything that strikes importance to you. Write out of your heart and write your feelings.


Structure

There is no set structure that you must follow. Many creative writers follow their own, however most lyrics follow a pattern.
Some songs go like this verse, bridge, chorus, verse, bridge, chorus, verse, bridge, chorus. Other songs may begin with a chorus and not contain a bridge.
Verse - Part of a song that tells the story or explains the meaning, often out on its own beat.
Bridge - A part of a song leading up to the chorus
Chorus - The part of a song repeated more than one and often follows a catchy tone.


Rhythm and Rhyme

All songs do not have to rhyme. There are may famous songs that do not rhyme, as a matter of fact. However, in order for you song to be more catchy, memorable, and famous, it is better for it to rhyme. (see Sites at bottom)

When you are composing lyrics, be sure to follow an ABABCDCDEFEF pattern... or AABBCCDDEE pattern. Some people even use things such as AAAABBBBCCCCDDDD.
For those of you who are clueless, here is an idea:

Hence the rhyme scheme corresponds to the letter. When different rhymes come in, the letter will change. The next rhyme scheme will be a C. Try to keep this in a pattern, do not trail off.
Highlighted in yellow is a half-rhyme. These are rhymes that technically do not rhyme, however they sound alike and are considered a rhyme in the scheme.

To keep rhythm as well as following the pattern, make the corresponding letters (the A's, B's, C's, etc) have the same or near-to the same amount of syllables in it.
For example,

See how the corresponding lines have the same syllables?
The one with 11 is fine; it is only one off but still sounds good and can easily be put into a song.


Word Choice

This is very simple, yet it is essential in writing song lyrics. Many people forget to do this and it ruins many pieces.
Try to leave out short, unnecessary words that take out meaning.

Although it may not seem like it, there are many useless words in there. I will go ahead and highlight them, then make another without them.

It may seem like a task to do all of this and make it flow, but it is possible and the writing will have a magnificent outcome.


Literary Elements

Metaphor - A comparison between two unlike objects without using like or as.
Simile - A comparison between two unlike objects using like or as.
Hyperbole - An exaggeration. "I'm starving!"
Personification - Giving human characteristics to a non-living object.

Using these throughout your writing gives a MUCH deeper mood and thought.

For a GREAT example, listen to Drops of Jupiter, by Train.


Tips

1. Do not try too hard, let your heart do the writing... just let the tutorial help you.
2. Find someone to edit your work that you trust
3. Do not post your better-hand work online, it will most likely get leeched
4. Vary your writing style
5. Don't give up, go big!

Helpful Sites

www.rhymezone.com
www.azlyrics.com

I use those two websites so often when writing. Use the lyrics to look up people like Train, Tupac, the Eagles, etc. and read their work and get ideas. Don't rip them, though.


Well I hope you all have learned something and hope at least one person can find this very helpful. Good luck !!

 

"let your heart do the writing..." <-- got to be my favorite part of the whole guide haha It's very detailed, in-depth and evidently written with the utmost knowledge. Thanks bud

 

Thanks for reading it and thanks for the feedback!

 

Looks good, read it, I'll be sure to bookmark it and use it sometime

 

Thanks, I thought it would help a few people. Took a bit to write up, but all of it was just in the back of my mind.

Hope it helps!

 

Although a pretty simplistic topic, you did a nice job of laying it out and putting your own input on the subject. I enjoyed the use of the quotation boxes to separate example from the rest of the text.

 

Thanks, I am glad someone enjoyed reading what seems to be to most people a somewhat boring topic.