What's Your Usual Structure When Writing Lyrics To Songs?

[Ferry0123]

When composing songs, I always see to it they're not too long.

The structure of my songs usually is:

intro

verse (2x)

(pre chorus, not necessarily)

chorus

verse (2x, sometimes 1x)

(pre chorus, not necessarily)

chorus

bridge (not necessarily)

chorus (2 or 3 times)

Another chorus added to this structure requires another verse also , so it would be like this

(see green)

intro

verse (2x)

(pre chorus, not necessarily)

chorus

verse (2x, sometimes 1x)

(pre chorus, not necessarily)

chorus

verse (1 or 2x)

chorus

bridge (not necessarily)

chorus (2 or 3 times)

and that added just makes the song last too long in my view.

[LilOrange]

My usual structure is:

verse 1

(verse 2)

(bridge)

chorus

verse 3

(verse 4)

(bridge)

chorus

instrumental

chorus 2x

Edited February 3, 2012 by LilOrange

[Just1L]

I never give much thought to the structure when I start a song. Although I'll say I always start with the guitar so it's a little different than when you're writing lyrics only. I just play and go where the song takes me. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.

Edited February 3, 2012 by just1l

[Ferry0123]

The one thing I do notice about your posted structures, is the tendancy to double & triple verse-chorus sections. That may be where you're running into trouble. Honestly, I'm not sure how much I helped here, but perhaps something in my response will serve as food-for-thought for another member. Good idea for a topic though!

Tom

Yes, it's good to be aware of that and it's a reminder for me to see how others do their structures in songs, like putting in a brief musical intermezzo. Thanks.