Why are you writing this?
If you come up with a cool hook, ask yourself why do you want to write this? Why do you need to express this? What is the relatability to your life experience. It’s not enough to just be clever. Better to be real. People care more about how something has changed you than hearing about a situation.
When singing to a “you”
If writing about someone else, resist the temptation to express how they feel or why they are acting like that. It can come across awkward or leave the listener feeling like you are assuming or putting words in their mouth.
Example:
You feel sad. I wish I could make you smile.
How about:
You sit in the corner with your head in your hands.
How can I make you smile again.
Similarly, don’t explain to them what they already know.
Example:
I met you five years ago in a bar when you bought me a beer.
(Duh, they already know that.)
Now if you are talking about them to someone else, that’s okay:
I met him five years ago in a bar when he bought me a beer
Replace words
Replace any “I can feel” or “I thought” with descriptive words.
Example: I can feel the music vs The pulsing of the music
Are you using the same words twice accidentally? Take the time to find another word.
Check your: the, a. And see if a pronoun might make it more personal and specific.
Example: I stood on the porch vs I stood on your porch.
Double check tenses and pronouns.
Best to keep it the same as to not confuse your listener. You would be surprised how easy this is to over look. Double check.
Example tenses:
Verse:
We used to have a lot of fun
We go to the movies
We went to visit your mom
Huh? it is happening now, before, what the heck?
Example pronouns:
Verse: I fell in love with her the moment we met
Chorus: I’m sorry I hurt you
Uh…is he cheating? First her then you? Confusing.
Show vs Tell
Going through your lyrics and marking each line with an S or T if it a show or a tell is a good way to review. You can also speak your lyrics outload. Record them. Listen back. Does it sound like a newscast with a bunch of telly facts?
Example:
We met at a party and talked for a while
I thought it was boring until I saw your smile
I can’t get a feel for the people in this. Boring. Get in your body.
When is it done?
You have checked everything and your lyrics are solid. What a great feeling! BUT even when your writing is “done” realize your lyrics may need tweaking depending on the music and genre. Let the song unfold rather than forcing where you think you want background vocals, etc. ahead of time. Stay flexible.
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