How to Write Country Songs: The Lyrics

How do you write the lyrics to a country song?

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Paper, pen
• Knowledge of country music

1. All song writing starts with one of two aspects, a theme that you will write the song about, or a hook that the whole song can be based around.

2. If you are writing about a theme, find a topic that you care about and can write about believably. Do not be overly sentimental in your first songs. Try to write a song that is more like a joke song, something like "I Want to Check You For Ticks," not "Breathe." Writing a less emotional song will teach you how to rhyme longer words and structure your song around a story or idea.

3. If you are writing around a hook, think up a funny or profound idea that would make a strong chorus. The hook of a song is the punch-line of the chorus. "Front porch looking in" and "How about now" are two punch-lines in the chorus that the writing of the whole song is structured around. Another way to write a hook is to lead off the song with it. "Crazy, crazy for feeling so lonely" is a hook that leads off a chorus.
   
   Having a strong hook before you start writing makes the song like a good joke, the chorus leads to a punch line.

4. Listen to radio hits and write down the lyrics like a poem in order to find out how many lines you should write per verse and chorus to write in the style of your favorite artist.

5. Keep in mind that most country songs on the radio are written by professional songwriters and not the Nashville stars that sing them. In order to write a good song, start thinking about song-writing like a professional songwriter, not a Nashville star.

[MarlaineMarie]

on 9/24/2008 I've written song lyrics and melodies but I don't know how to write music.......... good article!