How to Write Lyrics

All of us at some point in time, feel like writing a song. Maybe, when in love, in appreciation of something or at times, just for fun. Writing lyrics for a song is not very difficult if you are good with words and like writing. There are no set rules which you have to compulsorily follow while writing a song. However, a few guidelines to help you write song lyrics are discussed below.

Songwriting Basics

The first thing you need to do before starting to pen down your own lyrics, is to come up with a subject or topic of your choice. The topic can be absolutely anything like, love, relationships, religion, nature, heartbreaks, a particular person or even rebellious songs. If you are writing the song for an audience, it is important to choose a topic which will be liked and appreciated by them. So choose the topic carefully, as it will lay a strong foundation for the song.

You can either choose a tune or melody after selecting the topic, or think of one once you are done with writing the lyrics, whichever you are comfortable with. Some people come up with a melody right at the start as it gives them a flow while writing. The melody could be something you think of immediately after choosing the topic, or can be inspired from a song you might have already heard. If you want to settle for a melody after you are done with writing, it is fine. It can sometimes, bring out just the right melody for the song.

You now will have to sit down and pen at least five verses and one chorus. This can be simple and is also a critical part of the song along with the melody. These verses generally have the same melody as the chorus and since they begin the song, you need to have some idea in mind, about the topic you have chosen. If you are not satisfied, these verses can always be changed later on.

The eight verses which form the middle part of the song are considered to be a little tough to write. These verses generally have a different tune or melody than the rest of the song. Also these verses are the ones which form the core of your song and you should convey your feelings through them. This may take some time, so be patient. Keeping the verses short is also an option, which many people prefer.

The toughest part comes now, with the final two verses. These are considered to be the toughest to pen down as you have run out of all ideas and inspiration till then. In such a case, simply jot down a few options which come to your mind and get back to picking the best one from them, after a small break from writing.

You are ready with your song! You can ask your friends and family for their opinions and suggestions after singing out the song to them. In case you are capable of playing a musical instrument as well, then play it while singing your song to others.

Writing Lyrics for a Rock Song

Rock music usually appeals to a majority of young people, who are between 11 to 30 years of age. This should give you enough hint while choosing a topic for your song as you obviously want to please that audience. Lyrics for rock songs are often rebellious, subversive and sarcastic. However, you can choose to write on any subject you feel will appeal to people.

Start writing with the first verse. You can prepare a rough draft if you feel unsure about your writing for the first time. It is not necessary that verses should rhyme as the composer can work magic around lyrics to make them sound better in the song.

The next step is creating a chorus for your rock song. The chorus should be crisp, repetitive, not too long and in connection with the verses. You should ensure that the chorus relates to the title of your song.

Second verse onwards you can start elaborating on your story or idea. Don't make it too boring and too long, instead try keeping it concise and to the point. The third verse can then bring out the twist in your story (if any) or just continue amplifying the story further.

The fourth verse is the last verse in a rock song and you should end your song hereby giving a proper culmination to your story or idea. After the composer has done his bit by composing music. That's it!, you are ready with your rock song and all set to become the next Kurt Cobain!

Writing Lyrics for a Rap Song

Raps songs lay great emphasis on rhyming and therefore a good way to write a rap song is to approach it as if you were writing poetry. Again, the biggest audience for rap songs is the youth and hence you should choose a relevant topic for your song. Personal experiences, social injustice, love or any other inspirational matter in the real world could become the subject of your rap song.

You will have to be a lot more creative while writing lyrics for a rap song. Don't be rigid or stagnant while writing your phrases, instead try different variations. Keep penning down all your ideas as and when they come to your mind. So that you have options while adding verses to your song. Observing people and happenings in your surroundings, gives good inspiration and ideas which you can incorporate in your lyrics.

Make your chorus short, crisp, funny and catchy. It should also convey the theme and idea behind the song to the listeners. You can let your imagination run wild and come up with the wackiest, cheesiest and the most outrageous phrases using various figures of speech like simile, metaphor, personification and pun. Concentrate on building a solid rhyming scheme within the song as well as the phrases. To help you in getting a fast paced rhythmic pattern for your song, keep adding as many quick-fire rhymes within every verse. Use as much alliteration as you can to add more power to your lyrics.

Rap lyrics is all about being witty and playing with words. A lot of times while writing a rap song, you will have more stuff than you actually need. That works in your favor as you can retain all the best lines you have penned down, to come up with a sensational rap song.

After learning how to write lyrics for songs, do try it yourself and you will be surprised to find what you are capable of.