How to write the lyrics of a song

There are many ways to write good lyrics for a song (or poem). This article will introduce a few different ideas, hoping to help you consider some new avenues for your songwriting that you may not have thought of before.

When you look at the lyrics of successful songs, to make them sound original they tend to avoid trite phrases and often take on tension, dissonance or unexpected directions. The following are some strategies to consider for writing your own song lyrics:

pun
Some songs are different because they contain puns. For example:

• “You are my biggest mistake.” (Sheryl Crow)
• “The only thing that suits me is you.” (Bryan Adams)

Mysterious.

Some songs seem compelling because of ambiguity (what does the singer really mean?) or what the songs leave out. Leave a person guessing. For example:

• “I’d do anything for love, but I won’t do that…” (Meatloaf)
• “Because the night”
• “Don’t call me daughter, it’s not fair to me.” (pearl jam)

unexpected phrase.

Surprise people with a completely unexpected phrase can have a great effect. For example:

• “I May Not Always Love You…” on God Only Knows

History.

Some songs tell a story or an account of some interesting experience or encounter.

• “A long, long time ago…” in Don McLean’s American Pie
• “The Story of My Life” by Deana Carter

Ask.

Many songs ask questions, some of which may not have answers. For example,

• “Why do the birds suddenly appear?” by carpenters
• “What’s my name?”, “Who wants to know?”, “Who am I?”

Repetition.

Many songs use a repeated word or phrase. For example, count the number of repeated words in the following songs:

• “I Believe” by Blessid Union of Souls
• “Every Breath You Take” by the police

Film.

Some songs have creepy, descriptive words that paint a scene:

• “The screen door slams shut; Mary’s dress billows…”
• “I see Maryanne walking away…”

Avoid clichés… Unless you can add a new twist!

You should stay away from the following clichés, unless you can add an unexpected and refreshing twist to them:

• heart beat like a drum
• all night
• you are my fire .. wish
• standing in the rain… pain… madness
• cold as ice
• fire in your eyes
• catch me when i fall

Other ideas.

There are endless other ways to write good song lyrics. Some approaches that have worked for others:

• Geography (for example, songs like California Dreamin, Kansas City, Living in America, Carolina on my Mind)
• Names (for example, “Amanda”, “Eileen”, “Mandy”, “Virginia” and many others)
• phone numbers and letters

(eg songs like “Jenny”, “I just called to tell you I love you”)

• Memories and time (songs focused on the past, present or future, for example, “In my Life”, “Summer Holiday”, “Rock Around the Clock”, “Monday Monday”, etc.)

What is important to you?

Another idea is to consider the topics that are important in your own life (what you’re passionate about, whether it’s the environment, religion, politics, a hobby) and write songs related to those topics. Sometimes a sincere song can be the best.

Remember to have fun!