How to Write a Lyric

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Write a Lyric

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.

Things You'll Need

  • Guitars
  • Pianos
  • Dictionaries
  • Sheet Music
  • Thesauri
  • Paper And Pencils
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Instructions

    • 1

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

    • 2

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

    • 3

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

    • 4

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

    • 5

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

    • 6

      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.

    • 7

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

    • 8

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

    • 9

      Write your second verse. Tell what happened next.

    • 10

      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.

    • 11

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

    • 12

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

    • 13

      Rewrite everything that isn't perfectly clear.

    • 14

      Create a melody or find a melody writer.

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Comments

View all 25 Comments
  • Zaiphrus Jan 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
  • Zaiphrus Jan 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
  • Aug 08, 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.
  • Aug 08, 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.
  • Aug 08, 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.

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