Tag: lyrics

Writing Songs From Personal Experience

Most of us began writing songs because we wanted to share a personal experience or emotion that was important to us. And we’re not alone. Many of the music industry’s biggest hits are based on personal experience—from songs by Fleetwood Mac and Joni Mitchell to Adele, Lewis Capaldi, Sara Bareilles, Ed Sheeran, John Legend, and more— the story behind the hit song is often a personal one.

Writing songs from personal experience is a good choice because you are the best person to write that song. You were there, you know how it felt, you know what you did. You can describe it better than anyone because it happened to you.

Continue reading Writing Songs From Personal Experience

25 Really Good Lyric Prompts

A good lyric prompt can be incredibly useful. It can launch creative ideas and get a song going even on the toughest day. When you don’t feel like writing, the right nudge can turn that feeling around and get you excited again.

An effective lyric prompt gets your emotions, memories, physical senses, or inspiration engaged. For example: “Write a song about a memorable summer.” Summertime can evoke memories of lost loves (Taylor Swift’s “Cruel Summer”) or the joy of escape into a balmy summer night (The Lovin’ Spoonful’s “Summer in the City”). The prompt encourages you to remember and feel the past, but lets you choose where you want to let those feelings take you.

Continue reading 25 Really Good Lyric Prompts

Give Your Old Lyrics a Makeover

LET’S RENOVATE!

I was watching a home renovation show recently. You know… one of those reality TV shows where a couple of energetic, muscular types swing a hammer and—Voila!— they turn a moldy-smelling shack into a sleek duplex complete with landscaping. And I thought to myself: What if you could do a lyric makeover like that on an older song, give it a fresh coat of paint and plenty of current listener appeal!

Continue reading Give Your Old Lyrics a Makeover

A Holiday Songwriting Tool Kit

Unlike radio hits that burst on the scene then fade away, holiday songs have a long, long lifespan. Every major artist records at least one album of holiday songs. Plus there’s an avalanche of holiday movies and TV shows that need these songs, too. Sure they include the classics that everyone knows and loves, but they need to sprinkle in a few potential new holiday hits, too.

Continue reading A Holiday Songwriting Tool Kit

The Power of the Kick-Off Line

Annnnnd there’s the kick-off! The ball is in motion. The players explode into action. The fans are on their feet. It’s the moment they’ve all been waiting for! That’s the power of the kick off.

Now think about launching a verse or chorus with that kind of energy!

A kick-off line can add a big shot of excitement to any section of your song. It can be the attention-grabbing opening of Verse 1. It can be the boost that gives your chorus a chance to really soar.

An effective kick-off line is a combination of strong melody and lyric writing. So, let’s check out some examples from a few big, contemporary hit songs to see how it’s done.

Continue reading The Power of the Kick-Off Line