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Q&A for How to Write Song Lyrics

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Question

How can I be sure I'm writing my song in a good vocal range?

Amy Chapman, MA
Voice & Speech Coach
Amy Chapman MA, CCC-SLP is a Vocal Therapist and Singing Voice Specialist. Amy is a licensed and board-certified speech & language pathologist who has dedicated her career to helping professionals improve and optimize their voice. Amy has lectured on voice optimization, speech, vocal health, and voice rehabilitation at universities across California, including UCLA, USC, Chapman University, Cal Poly Pomona, CSUF, CSULA. Amy is trained in Lee Silverman Voice Therapy, Estill, LMRVT, and is a part of the American Speech and Hearing Association.

Amy Chapman, MA

Voice & Speech Coach

Expert Answer

Try to keep it within 2 octaves. If you're trying to find your own vocal range, hum down to the lowest note you can hold clearly. Then, hum up to find the highest note you can hold for at least 3 seconds. This will be your range.

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Question

Is it necessary to have a verses and then a chorus in order in a song?

Community Answer

It doesn't matter what order you put them in, as long as the song makes sense and flows well.

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Question

How can I get some proper ideas for the lyrics?

Community Answer

Think about your day, your emotions, the conversations you heard etc. Use them and you'll find yourself with an amazing song! If you cannot think of one, then think about your dreams, ambitions, inspirations, aspirations, etc. especially the ones that first convinced you to write song lyrics.

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Question

At which point in the song do I need to put in a space for the singer to breathe?

Community Answer

Whenever you need to figure that out, try singing it to yourself a bit. As you do so, note the points where you strain to hold the notes, and that will give you the hint as to where to place spaces.

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Question

Would it be helpful to add adjectives?

Community Answer

Yes. Adjectives in your song may improve the lyrics.

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Question

How do I compose a song without it being about love?

Community Answer

You can write about everything in life; people around you, experiences, stray observations.

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Question

Where in the song do I need to put space for the singer to breathe?

Community Answer

Normally the singer would breathe wherever there is a natural pause between lyrics. Try speaking your lyrics out loud to see where the natural breaks are.

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Question

How do I use complex words in a love song?

Community Answer

Check words in the thesaurus which would help you to put in the right word.

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Question

Should I write my own lyrics if I'm a singer?

Community Answer

You'd have more of a connection with the song and be able to sing it better, but you don't have to write your own lyrics.

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Question

Can I use some of the words written in step 3 for my own song?

Community Answer

If it's just a line or so, yes. More than that, not really. Your lyrics should be your own creation, not copied from someone else.

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Question

Can I use a song I know?

Community Answer

Well, you can't copy a song and say it's yours because that's illegal, but you can get inspiration from it. If you take a line from a song, make sure you change it a bit.

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Question

Do I have to be born musically talented or can I learn to be a good songwriter?

Community Answer

It helps to be musically talented, and most people who songwrite start very young. Understanding musical theory and learning notes and chords on a guitar or piano is helpful. You don't need to be BORN talented at music, you just need to be willing to put in the time and effort to hone your craft.

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Question

Is it a good idea to put songs on Youtube?

Community Answer

It is a good idea,but not required. If you want others to hear it, you should put it on YouTube. It could also let you know if people like it, and get more suggestions and ideas for song writing. It could also let you hear yourself and see if you should improve, or if you are good with the tune and lyrics.

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Question

How can I write a love song?

Community Answer

Imagine you are your favorite artist writing the perfect love song for the perfect person, or you can use a real life experience to help the words flow. Remember that every word doesn't have to rhyme.

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Question

I have a major case of writer's block. What should I do?

Community Answer

Look for inspiration by reading famous poems, listening to your favorite songs, spending time in nature or reflecting on your life, friends and family. Then, just start writing. Don't think about it too much; just let the words flow.

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Question

How do I write a song about someone I love without being too sappy?

Community Answer

Avoid using too many cliches and gushing about a singular topic for too long.

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Question

What is the best range for number of words in a song?

Community Answer

Most songs have two or three verses (16 bars each), with the chorus (eight bars) playing one or two times. There isn't really a "best" range. It just depends on how well it flows without getting repetitive.

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Question

Would singing lessons help me write better song lyrics?

Community Answer

Probably not, but it couldn't hurt.

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Question

Is it okay to generate a song?

Mohamed Gaye

Community Answer

Yes, but then it wouldn't be your song if you are referring to an online lyrics generator.

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Question

What are the most crowd-pleasing song topics to write about?

Community Answer

Whatever you're passionate about. If you show your passion in the song, the crowd will feel it and better relate.

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Question

Is it necessary to follow the AABA structure for your song to be good?

Community Answer

No, there are plenty of song structures. Use whatever structure fits the song best. Repetition makes the listener remember the lines more, so if you want to get a point across, you probably want a chorus. If you are writing a more flowing, contemplative song, you may not want a chorus. Try doing a little research on song structures for some inspiration.

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Question

Can I use any type of emotions to write music?

전섴민

Community Answer

Absolutely, yes. The best songs are the ones with emotion; it doesn't matter what emotion it is, as long as it's there.

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Question

Should you start with the lyrics or tune first?

Community Answer

It is better to start with the tune, but it's not a rule. If you want to start with lyrics, try to come up with a tune while writing them, or make a tune in your head after writing them.

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Question

Can I just write a poem and edit it to sound like a song?

Community Answer

Yes, of course! This is actually how many songs are written.

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Question

I have a set of lyrics and melody ready; the thing is, I cant get the lyrics to match with my song. What should I do?

Cowboy 4 Jesus

Community Answer

You're gonna need to change the lyrics. This time, try making it while playing the melody.

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Question

I want my music to be very similar to Nirvana's style. What are good sources of inspiration besides listening to their music?

Community Answer

I would try to find out who some of Kurt Cobain’s musical influences were and focus on listening to them. Information about his favorite albums and artists is widely available.

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Question

Do I have to be a born amazing singer, or can I teach myself over time?

CharlesBSings

Community Answer

Some people are naturally born with an amazing voice, but even if you don't have an amazing voice, you can learn if you put your heart into it.

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Question

Can I write songs if I don't know a lot about making music?

Community Answer

Yes, of course you can. Start by writing about topics that are important to you or that you know a lot about.

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Question

How do I write song lyrics with no instrumentals?

Cowboy 4 Jesus

Community Answer

It's almost easier this way, because you don't have the restrictions of the melody. Just do what it tells you here.

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Question

Can a story be written as a song?

Community Answer

Yes. Many popular songs and concept albums like The Wall and Good Kid M.A.A.D City use this structure to tell their story.

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