| Have you ever thought about writing a song? Do you | | | | story is finished. |
| love music? We all know that a song is so much more | | | | Lyrical Tools |
| than the musical background you hear throughout. No, | | | | Throughout the years, lyricists have relied mostly on |
| the whole song comes together with the lyrics. The | | | | the trusty old pen and paper to write lyrics. To many, |
| lyrics make the song it makes the music. Typically, the | | | | they will not use anything but pen and paper to write |
| lyrics are written before the melody and music are | | | | their lyrics. However, in the computerized world of |
| added. The lyrics and the idea behind the lyrics lay the | | | | today, more and more lyricists are turning to the |
| ground for the music to come afterwards. | | | | computer to write songs. |
| Think about your favorite songs. Why are they your | | | | There are a variety of tools available to any |
| favorite? For many people, the words within the song | | | | songwriter on the computer and off. For example, |
| grab their attention. For me personally, my favorite | | | | rhyming dictionaries are great when you are having |
| songs are those that have meaning. Rather, it evokes | | | | troubles coming up with rhymes to specific words. On |
| a particular feeling within me or it tells about a specific | | | | the computer, rhyming and replacing words is |
| time in my life. The lyrics tell a story. They can tell any | | | | extremely easy, and most often performed with a |
| story, rather it be about love gone bad, an ever-lasting | | | | simple click of the mouse. Many programs such as |
| love, a person, a group of people, or a time in ones life. | | | | Microsoft Word and other specific songwriting |
| You are telling a story to the listeners and hoping they | | | | software programs offer an integrated thesaurus that |
| can relate to that story in some way. | | | | is perfect for coming up with alternative words and |
| Getting Lyrical Ideas | | | | phrases to increase the impact of your lyrics. |
| Most lyrics you hear in song come from the everyday | | | | However, the most important tools are your own |
| life of the lyricist. It's a good idea, if you are serious | | | | thoughts and ideas. You can choose the pen and |
| about writing song lyrics, to get yourself a journal and | | | | paper method or the computerized method; however, |
| keep it with you throughout the day, jotting down your | | | | your ideas are what make the lyrics to begin with. |
| ideas. You never know when a lyrical idea will come to | | | | Crafting Your Ideas Into Song Lyrics |
| you. Be watchful and mindful of your interactions | | | | You have your ideas; you've chosen your method of |
| throughout the day. Some areas that may bring you | | | | writing, now what? Now it is time to start forming your |
| ideas for lyrics may include: | | | | lyrics. This is likely the hardest part of writing the song, |
| . General conversation - While speaking to anyone | | | | much harder than coming up with ideas. Now you |
| throughout the day, such as friends, family, or | | | | have to work verses and choruses to form your |
| colleagues, you may find that something they have to | | | | songs. Rhyming is ultimately important. This is where |
| say gives you an idea. | | | | your rhyming dictionary comes in handing. |
| . Happenings in your surroundings - Your environment | | | | Typically, the end of the second line rhymes with the |
| can tell as story as well. While you're in the cab, while | | | | end of the first. However, in some cases, the end of |
| walking down the street, on the subway, or anywhere | | | | the third line will rhyme with the first. |
| you might be. Something might occur, even the | | | | For example: |
| slightest thing, which could jog a lyrical idea. | | | | As we grow older, |
| . Newspaper - Current events, articles, or even | | | | The world gets colder, |
| advertisements. | | | | Because the love is gone |
| . Magazines - Real life stories, fashion, and other | | | | Though we keep going on |
| events could spark an idea. | | | | And keep our love in a song. |
| It is important to keep in mind that your lyrics should | | | | Don't forget your chorus; this is what brings the song |
| have meaning to you. They should flow in a seamless | | | | together. You decide where your versus go and |
| way. You see, as mentioned earlier, lyrics tell a story. | | | | where the chorus comes in and repeats. Writing lyrics |
| Therefore, treat your lyrics as a story first. Write your | | | | to a song is a wonderful way to express yourself. It |
| story, then you can begin to break them up in to song | | | | tells a story in the way you see it and feel it. |
| lyrics with rhyming other important aspects after your | | | | |