How do you come up with good lyrics?

[Andy235]

One of my biggest problems in writing a song is writing a good set of lyrics.

[The S]

I'd love to give you a simple answer here but sorry, there's no way around it, if you feel your lyrics aren't up to par, you make them so. Hard work is required. (usually)

 

It's not so much about what you write but how you write it. A good writer can make anything sound interesting by the choice of words and use of language alone. It is an artform.

 

1 - So, analyze the great lyricists out there. Dissect every song you believe have a set of great lyrics.

 

2 - Read and listen. Songs, books, articles, poetry, song lyrics etc etc. Whatever gives you inspiration. The more the merrier.

 

3 - Write a song and then post the lyrics here. There's some really good writers here and through their comments and suggestions you will learn and you will become better. Same goes for reviewing and giving critique on other peoples work, you learn a ton by doing that.

 

That's for starters, hope it helps.

 

Cheers,

 

Peter

 

Oh, and welcome to the forum. I hope you do stick around. =)

Edited February 8, 2018 by The S

[Andy235]

Thank you for your advice. It is the hardest part for me. (Well, that and coming up with a good change for the bridge). Part of my problem is that I often get stuck on subject matter and putting it into song form. Or I come up with a few good lines but can't expand enough.  The weird thing is, that I am a fairly good writer, but not of poetry and lyrics.

[ImKeN]

@Andy235 - Consider taking this free online course, it may help - https://www.coursera.org/learn/songwriting-lyrics 

 

-Ken

[The S]

Well, then just write! With that I mean, if you're able to write a few good lines and then get stuck (yes, it happens to all of us), at least you'll know you got it in you to write those few good lines right?!! So, keep at it, don't over think, just write. Make a decision before hand that you're going to write not just 3 verses, but lets say, 20 for your song. When you're done. Then you pick them apart, just grab the really good lines, and build from there. Sometimes a song takes you in a totally different direction then you initially had planned, that's a good thing, just roll with it and see where it leads. 

 

If you don't have all verses, bridge and chorus after that, then write 20 more. I will assure you, since you've got it in you as we already have covered, (), you will get it done.

 

Get to it. 

 

All the best and good luck! 

 

Peter

[Andy235]

12 minutes ago, The S said:

Well, then just write! With that I mean, if you're able to write a few good lines and then get stuck (yes, it happens to all of us), at least you'll know you got it in you to write those few good lines right?!! So, keep at it, don't over think, just write. Make a decision before hand that you're going to write not just 3 verses, but lets say, 20 for your song. When you're done. Then you pick them apart, just grab the really good lines, and build from there. Sometimes a song takes you in a totally different direction then you initially had planned, that's a good thing, just roll with it and see where it leads. 

 

If you don't have all verses, bridge and chorus after that, then write 20 more. I will assure you, since you've got it in you as we already have covered, (), you will get it done.

 

Get to it. 

 

All the best and good luck! 

 

Peter

 Very good advice.

[Just1L]

You've gotten some good advice already. The only thing I can add is to always remember there are hundreds of ways to say the same thing.

[Andy235]

9 hours ago, Just1L said:

You've gotten some good advice already. The only thing I can add is to always remember there are hundreds of ways to say the same thing.

It really was good advice.

[bruce fiction]

As for me I am working on a song that I wrote called heroes in the jungle I thought in my mind what would the jungle be like and I thought to myself I would try to survive in the jungle then I thought that the jungle is vicious 

[TCgypsy]

Writing lyrics can be a time consuming process. I generally have a few lines or at least a thematic idea when I am writing the music. Honing and crafting the lyrics into their final form just takes work. Using thesaurus and rhymezone online can help.

 

Keep in mind that not every line has to be epic. Don't be afraid to do the song with whatever lyrics you have even if you don't think they are quite up to par. It's easy to go back and rewrite parts of the lyric; I do this all the time. The computer age does have its advantages!

 

--TC