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How to Write a Lyric

By eHow Arts & Entertainment Editor

Rate: (28 Ratings)

When you write lyrics, put your sentiments in the song structure: verse, chorus, verse, chorus, bridge, then chorus. Your verses tell the story that leads to your chorus. Your chorus sums up your verses; and your bridge, usually two lines long, contrasts your verses.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Things You’ll Need:

Guitars
Pianos
Dictionaries
Sheet Music
Thesauri
Paper And Pencils

Step1

Decide on your title: find a fantastic phrase, a rhyme, alliteration, opposites or a twist on a cliché.

Step2

Analyze your title. Is it fun to sing? Is it fun to say? Does it perfectly sum up your theme?

Step3

Think about who are you writing your lyrics for and what you want your audience to feel when they hear it.

Step4

Write your chorus. You want it to be memorable. Keep it simple, symmetrical and catchy. Use a rhyme scheme.

Step5

Repeat your title in the chorus. Begin with your title and end with your title.

Step6

Write your first verse. Grab the listener's attention. Start strong and establish who, what, when and where. Throw the listener right into the middle of the action.

Step7

Be conversational. Say it in the most natural, normal way.

Step8

Be consistent with your pronouns throughout. Use the same rhyme pattern throughout.

Step9

Write your second verse. Tell what happened next.

Step10

Write your bridge. Whatever you've been doing, do something else. You can also add new information - this is a great place for a twist.

Step11

Read this, your first draft, out loud like a letter.

Step12

Analyze it. Does it make sense? Does each line deliver your title?

Step13

Rewrite everything that isn't perfectly clear.

Step14

Create a melody or find a melody writer.

Comments

Zaiphrus said

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on 1/10/2007 i just make sure that what i'm saying makes sense and people can relate to it. if something sounds strange, i scream it really loud and if it flows then i stick with it.
i think (if you want your song to be a hit) it needs a rad title.
if its an ok title.. people will be like "that one song.. um... the one that goes..." but it should be like "oh! you mean..." like the title sticks instantly.
after i write and record a song with my band, we sometimes play it kinda loud in a public place like a park or something and see if people like the sound of it (they'll tap their feet, stop and listen, bob their heads.. etc)
well good luck to all you young artists

Anonymous said

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on 8/8/2006 When I'm writing a lyric I use my heart. I use what inspires me in this world, like God, my parents and my friends. You could write about what is happening in this world, about yourself, about the problems that surround you. Create a lyric that brings feelings to your heart.

Anonymous said

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on 8/8/2006 Be clear and get the audience involved. Otherwise, even if the lyrics are magical but no one ever understands, it won't achieve any success. Take Korn for instance, they are not using any fancy words and their songs make sense.

Anonymous said

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on 6/30/2006 When I'm creating a lyric, I use my heart. I use what has inspired me in this world, like God, my parents and my friends. You could talk about what is happening in this world, about yourself, about the problems that surround you.

Anonymous said

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on 3/29/2006 Consider how you feel or what you think about the subject of your song. This will help you to formulate your ideas and the story you want to tell. If you are inspired, then you will write something that others want to listen to.

Write it so the listener is sympathetic with your point of view.

Enjoy the process - if you get stuck, park it for a while and come back to it later.

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