A
Guide to Writing Lyrics - Page Two
3.
So
what words? Well, what are words anyway? Words
are verbal structures that define, describe and
deliver meaning and significance to human communication.
A word is both a self-contained unit and a building
block to other words. So, just like musical notes,
words can stand alone or form a greater whole.
But what words? To begin with, you must have the
confidence to write anything to write something.
What you first write is as important as the finished
product, because it is all part of the creative
process. An image that might help is that you
have to take the cork out of the bottle to get
to the wine. Whatever words come to you must be
written down; they are the pathways to the words
you will settle with. Single words, phrases, it
doesn't matter; as long as you are writing. A
secret in writing is that words will find each
other if you give them the chance - if you believe
in their ability to make the connections for you.
Since you are the instrument for the words as
well as the music, reflect on what it is that
you wish to say. Let the words talk back to you
- they might be better at saying it than you!
If the words are coming first, try to feel the
music in them, it's there somewhere, and it might
just be leading you to the music itself. Or if
you have the music before you, feel in that music
the words it is trying to say; feel out what kind
of lyric the music is seeking to invoke.
4.
To rhyme or not to rhyme? Most people associate
poetry with rhyme, though rhyme has become unfashionable
in modern poetry. In popular music rhyme has not
suffered the same fate, and we all know how crucial
a part it plays today, from pop to rap. Most people
who struggle with lyrics get confused over this
issue of rhyme, afraid that they will end up with
doggerel. However, it is not rhyme that is at
fault, but unimaginative rhymes. A trend I've
noticed in modern lyrics for some time is for
songwriters to write as naturally as possible,
using their patterns of speech to shape the lyrics.
When rhyme occurs, it doesn't have to be at the
end of every second line. It can weave throughout
the song, hitting certain emphases that the words
and music highlight. Rhyme is primal, and clearly
shows up the musicality of language. Don't be
afraid of it, but explore it with more unusual
examples, woven into the story of your song.
5.
Going for a song? You need to listen to all kinds
of songs, not just your favourites, to understand
how they are constructed. For every song that
follows the traditional verse and chorus pattern,
you'll come across one that flouts this. Use this
variety to develop your lyric writing. You don't
have to be chained to four line verses and endlessly
repeating verbal hooks; explore the textures of
the words and let the lines flow in unexpected
as well as expected ways. Your lyrics might take
the form of a story set to music; or they might
come across as fleeting images or episodes. Again,
your words might take the form of protest, chant
or primordial cry. They are your words in the
process of becoming your song. The worst thing
to do is to treat them as dead letters on a page.
If music gives life to the words, words articulate
that life through the lyric. But don't forget
that words are alive in their own right!
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