Songwriting is a beautiful and complex art form. It is the process of creating music and lyrics that can communicate emotions, ideas, and stories to an audience. It is a way to express oneself and connect with others. However, it is not an easy task to write a great song. It takes a lot of hard work, practice, and skill to master the craft of songwriting. In this blog post, we will explore some tips and techniques that can help you improve your songwriting skills.
A hook is a catchy and memorable phrase, melody, or rhythm that captures the attention of the listener. It is the foundation of a great song. According to Pat Pattison, in his book Writing Better Lyrics, “A good hook is a musical event that’s memorable, catchy, and emotionally engaging” (Pattison, 2009, p. 18). A great example of a hook is the opening riff of the song “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses. It is instantly recognizable and sets the tone for the rest of the song.
- Use concrete and specific language
When writing lyrics, it is important to use concrete and specific language that can evoke vivid images and emotions in the listener. As Pattison states in his book, “Specific language engages the senses, paints pictures, and connects emotionally” (Pattison, 2010, p. 47). A great example of using specific language can be found in the song “Waterfalls” by TLC. The lyrics describe a girl who “chases waterfalls” and ends up getting into trouble. The imagery of chasing waterfalls is both specific and memorable.
- Experiment with different rhyme schemes
Rhyme is an important aspect of songwriting. It creates a sense of unity and cohesion in the lyrics. However, it is also important to experiment with different rhyme schemes to keep the lyrics fresh and interesting. In his book Essential Guide to Lyric Form and Structure, Pattison explains that “A good rhyme scheme sets up a musical pattern that the listener expects and can follow, but then surprises them by breaking the pattern” (Pattison, 2008, p. 36). A great example of an unexpected rhyme scheme can be found in the song “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana. The chorus uses an ABAC rhyme scheme instead of the more traditional AABA or ABAB scheme.
- Understand the structure of hit songs
To write a hit song, it is important to understand the structure of successful songs. Derek Thompson explains in his book Hit Makers that “the vast majority of hits follow a specific structure that combines an ear-catching intro, a catchy chorus, and a relatable story or melody” (Thompson, 2017, p. 55). This structure can be seen in many popular songs, such as “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars. The song has a catchy intro with a funky bass line, a memorable chorus with a catchy hook, and relatable lyrics about partying and having fun.
- Rewrite and edit your work
Rewriting and editing are crucial steps in the songwriting process. It allows you to refine your ideas and make your lyrics more impactful. As Pattison states in his book, “The first draft of anything is crap. But once you have it down on paper, you can fix it” (Pattison, 2009, p. 103). A great example of the power of rewriting and editing can be seen in the song “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen. Cohen wrote over 80 verses for the song before he settled on the final version that has become a classic.
- Use your personal experiences and emotions
One of the most powerful tools in songwriting is personal experience and emotion. Writing about your own experiences and feelings can make the lyrics more relatable and authentic. As Seabrook explains, “The best songs are written from personal experience. They come from a place of vulnerability and honesty” (Seabrook, 2015, p. 21). A great example of this can be found in the song “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac. The song was written by Stevie Nicks about her personal struggles and reflects the emotions she was feeling at the time.
- Practice, practice, practice
Like any skill, songwriting takes practice. The more you write, the better you will become. As Pattison states, “Songwriting is a craft, not a talent. It can be learned, practiced, and honed” (Pattison, 2009, p. 2). A great example of the power of practice can be seen in the career of songwriter Max Martin. Martin has written over 20 number-one hits and attributes his success to “hard work, a lot of practicing, and listening to a lot of music” (Thompson, 2017, p. 103).
- Collaborate with other songwriters
Collaborating with other songwriters is a valuable tool in the songwriting process. By working with others, you can benefit from their unique perspectives and ideas, and together create something greater than what you could achieve alone.
John Seabrook, author of Song Machine: Inside the Hit Factory, emphasizes the importance of collaboration in songwriting, stating that it allows for the sharing of the creative burden and the introduction of new ideas and sounds (Seabrook, 2015, p. 5). In fact, many successful songs in the music industry are the result of collaborations between multiple songwriters.
When working with others, it’s important to approach the collaboration with an open mind and a willingness to compromise. Pat Pattison, author of Writing Better Lyrics, suggests that the best collaborations occur when each songwriter is willing to let go of their individual ideas and work together towards a common goal (Pattison, 2009, p. 111).
A great example of successful collaboration in songwriting can be found in the hit song “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars. The song was the result of a collaboration between several songwriters, including Ronson, Mars, and Jeff Bhasker. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Bhasker described the collaborative process as “like a tennis match, back and forth until you have something you all love” (Seabrook, 2015, p. 113). This willingness to bounce ideas off each other and work towards a common goal resulted in one of the biggest hits of the decade.
In conclusion, songwriting is a complex and rewarding art form. By following these tips and techniques from experts such as Pat Pattison, John Seabrook, and Derek Thompson, you can improve your songwriting skills and create music that connects with others on a deeper level. Remember to start with a catchy hook, use specific language, experiment with different rhyme schemes, collaborate with others, understand the structure of hit songs, rewrite and edit your work, and use your personal experiences and emotions. And most importantly, keep practicing and honing your craft.
What We See :: Indie Shuffle
Traveling through Cape Town, I found myself just outside of Noordhoek, on a winding mountain pass. I had come across this song inside a little shop where, as I Shazamed it, a lady asked the man behind the desk its name and artist. It quite obviously captures attention. “What We [...]| Play | Cover | Release Label | Track Title Track Authors |
|---|