How to Write Song Lyrics

The lyrics to a song are its words, and they can often make or break your song. Poor lyrics will irritate your audience, whilst great lyrics will keep them very much absorbed in your song.

The purpose of your lyrics might be to tell a story or to get a certain message or belief across. Whatever it is, you should keep focused on one main point and make sure your lyrics make sense.

If you're struggling with your lyrics, why not try following these five basic steps?

How To Write Song Lyrics

1. Knowing your audience is the first step towards writing lyrics to songs. If you plan to write songs for children, you'll be using different material than if you were writing for adults. So, the lyric for a song varies according to your audience, and your main aim will be to emotionally connect with your target listeners and appeal to them.

2. Your second step is to decide on your song title and subject. Your title will tell your audience what the song is about. Make your title fairly short, something catchy and easy to recall. Your song can be about any subject. It can be related to love, death, birth, etc. But knowing the message you want to convey is very important before starting to write the lyrics of the song. It also helps to write on something you know about and have experienced.

3. Start your actual lyric writing by composing words for the chorus of your song. It's best to make your chorus fairly repetitive, something audiences will remember. Your chorus will act as a bridge, connecting your verses. It should be exciting and, to this end, it helps if you pitch the melody a little higher and increase the song's tempo slightly. Ideally, you also want to include the song's title in the chorus.

4. Next, start on your first verse. Your verses will relate the song's story or message. Remember to keep your lyrics short, simple and catchy, for you only have between three and four minutes to get your tale across. Your first verse needs to be strong and attention drawing. Your first line might be a question or instruction, or you could use the song's title in the first line. Subsequent verses should remain focused, continuing your initial verse, and relating your story. Your final verse will contain the climax of your story, or the message of your song. Try to leave a good impression with your audience, so they'll want to hear your songs again.

5. Decide on your rhyme scheme, remembering that - generally speaking - the simpler the better. Not all songs need to rhyme, but be aware that most successful songs do rhyme. Rhyming phrases are easier to remember than non-rhyming phrases, helping your audience to remember your song. Rhyming phrases will also affect your listeners more emotionally - something you should always strive for. The most popular rhymes nowadays tend to follow the ABAB or ABCB patterns.

Now you know the basic steps to writing lyrics, you'll need to get some great ideas for your song. Relax and open your mind by going for solitary walks, immerse yourself in art and music, or maybe the title in a newspaper or magazine will jar some reaction to you for the subject of your new song.

And, remember to constantly keep a notebook with you, so you can jot down those fantastic ideas!