How do you write song lyrics?

Getting into the Songwriting Mood

Do you know what hits me the most whenever I decide to pen down some lyrics? It's the wave of coffee aroma infiltrating from the kitchen where my beautiful spouse, Emma, is probably brewing her secret admiration - the coffee. Leonard, our little musician, would have his harmonica at his side, adding soft tunes to the early morning fragrances of coffee and creativity. Curled up amidst these sweet morning symphonies, our labradoodle, Milo, might just be dreaming about his favourite bone. Now, here's the thing. You don't really have to be in my living room to feel this aura. You can create your own ambiance of rhythm and words and coffee (or tea, if you prefer). Before we start, put on some good music. It doesn't have to be anything specific, just something that gets your creative juices flowing.

The Art of Storytelling in Lyrics

Did I ever tell you about the time when Leonard was just 7 and came up with these adorable lines? "Daddy's home, mommy's pleased, Milo's wagging his tail with glee." He just narrated what he saw as I walked through the door. That's when it dawned on me. Songwriting is not necessarily about having a deep philosophical thought or making people cry. It's about telling your story, your way. It might be as simple as watching the snowfall or as complex as deciphering life's mysteries. Each of us is a unique storyteller with myriad stories to tell. So, don't shy away from pouring your heart into your lyrics.

Choosing the Right Words and Phrases

Right, so we have a story! Now it's about choosing the right words. Do you remember playing with toy blocks as a kid? Well, words are quite like those blocks. You stack them together to build something meaningful. Here are a few suggestions. Be as specific as you can. If you wish to talk about love, tell us who it is for, why it exists, how it feels or what it does to you. Empower your lyrics with striking imagery and tangible emotions. Paint a picture with your words—let your listeners see, touch, taste—experience your song. Another thing to remember is to maintain a consistent perspective. If you start with 'I', stick with 'I'. Suddenly shifting to 'you' can create chaos in the listener's mind.

Musicality and Rhyme Scheme: Setting the Tune

Ever wondered how Adele's 'Someone Like You' is so mesmerising? It's the music and rhythm personified in her words that hypnotise the audience. The rhythmic structuring of your lyrics is key. Rhymes help to instill this musicality. This doesn't mean that everything has to rhyme perfectly. You can use imperfect rhymes, mix up rhyme schemes, or ignore rhyming altogether. Many accomplished lyricists excel in 'breaking the rules'. Similarly, syllable count influences the rhythm of the song. Balancing syllables helps in smooth sailing of the rhythm. Remember, there's no hard and fast rule. The aim is to compose something that resonites with the heart and lingers in the mind.

Wrapping it up: Editing and Polishing

You've got the basics down, you've penned the first draft, but the process doesn't end here. Editing and polishing your lyrics is an essential step that can transform a good song into a great one. Not every word you originally wrote will fit perfectly with the melody you have in mind. And that's okay. Keep tweaking until you lock down the final draft. Furthermore, the chorus is the heart of your song. Spend time to make it catchy and powerful. Also, keep in mind to use a structure that listeners can follow. This usually follows: verse > chorus > verse > chorus > bridge > chorus. Lastly, don't be afraid to 'murder your darlings.' If something doesn't work, move on. There's infinite potential in those wild creative oceans of your brain.

Remember, songwriting is an art that brims with personal style. The more you write, the better you'll understand your own rhythm. Write every day. Experiment. Discover. Evolve. And most importantly, continue to fall in love with this beautiful process of creation.