How to Write a Rock Song
Writing song lyrics doesn't require a musical background, and anyone can do it. Like many types of writing, the best way to learn how to write a rock song is to put pen to paper and do it. However, you must follow certain rules to distinguish your rock lyrics from a poem or other music genre. Here are a few pointers for the novice song writer.
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Instructions
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Know and write for your audience. Rock music has the heaviest appeal among young people aged 12 to 25, so you must create lyrics topical to this age group. The best rock music is subversive and countercultural.
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Decide on a subject. Popular subjects for rock music include romantic love, sex and break ups. You can be serious, but many successful lyricists write with their tongue firmly planted in their cheeks.
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Write a rough draft for the first verse. The verses can rhyme, but don't have to. It's up to the composer to make nonrhyming lyrics sound catchy.
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Create the chorus which connects the verses. It must be short and repetitive. Your chorus should relate closely to the title of the rock song.
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Expand on the subject in your second verse. Explain the problem and relate an action. You must be concise. Your listeners want to dance, not listen to an opera.
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Add to the story in the third verse. If your story has a twist, reveal it here.
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Finish the rock song in the fourth verse. As in a good book, the fourth verse finishes the story and brings closure to the song.
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Tips & Warnings
If you can't conceive your verses without the presence of music, read the lines aloud with rhythm and cadence where you imagine the musical emphasis comes. Attend a poetry reading to get a feel for the rhythm of verse in the absence of music.
