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