“I have trouble coming up with the first line of a song. I try not to write something obvious and cliche but I can’t seem to figure out how to start.”
Five Ways to write a strong opening line
A strong opening line for your song is essential – it may make the difference between keeping a listener tuned in or losing them. You’re right about not wanting to be vague! Here are a few ideas…
1) Â Use a line from later in the song
After you have a first draft of your song, check to see whether your second verse is stronger than your first. This can happen as you get deeper into the song and know more about what you want to say. Try opening with your second verse then replace it with a new one or use your original first verse there.
2) What do you need to say?Â
If the song is addressed to “you,” what is the one big, emotional statement you want to make to that person? Try starting with that if you’re not using it somewhere else in the song. If you are already using it, try backing up a step and imagine the line that would come just BEFORE you said that.Â
3)Â Work back from your chorus.
Read the chorus out loud, then try to find a line that answers the question: Why am I saying this? Start with that!
4) Â Drop the listener into the middle
A strong opening line pulls the listener right into the middle of the action or situation. Look for the moment that seemed to trigger the situation you’re writing about. Start by describing that – what was said, what did you do?
5) Use a vivid image or action word
Choose an action word or visually descriptive word that conveys the situation and build a line around that.
As you can see from these suggestions, it’s often a good idea to revisit your first line AFTER you work up a draft of your song. In the meantime, use a line that gets you started and worry about adding strength to it later. Turn off your inner critic and just write what you feel. Rewriting is where you’ll use ideas like the ones listed above. Once you have a solid opening line, you’ll probably need to rework the rest of your first verse but it’s worth it!