Tips for Writing Lyrics

Question: I am having trouble putting lyrics to my riffs. Do you have any tips?

Answer

Lyrics are always a tough one, and I'm certainly no expert. Perhaps others can comment based on their experience with writing lyrics.

The sound

I always start with getting the phonetics outlined. This is the "shape" of the words, often emphasised at the end of each lyrical phrase. For example, you might end a phrase with the word "soul" and elongate the "-oul" because it seems to fit well in that place. Or you might want a tighter "-at" or "-id" sound.

This is all about feel. Don't think too much about it, just have a little scat! Explore different vowel sounds and lengths. Don't think about words, just sounds.

Once I have an idea of the shape of my lyrics I then break down each lyrical phrase into syllables. I find this useful because it means any words I use support the time signature of the music rather than fight against it.

Think about which part of the phrase you want elongated (if any) and which you want tight and snappy.

Daaaaaaaa daaaaaa / dat dat dat daaa dat!

So with my approach the lyrics are defined quite rigidly by the music, because when I come to actually writing the words, I have a fairly limited framework to work within.

The words

Start by just writing down your thoughts, ideally based on how the music makes you feel. When you think of someone listening to your song, who do you imagine? Do you have a message for them? Write a letter to them. Tell them how things are, what's on your mind. Don't hold back.

Does the music alone suggest a theme? Tragedy, hope, mystery, aggression etc.?

When you have a good amount of loose material, think about whether you want the lyrics to be written in 1st, 2nd or 3rd person, or just a commentry about a general concept. Of course it could be a mixture of all the above.

Start pulling out the key concepts you've written about. Start to tighten them up and shape them to your song. You can always re-arrange them later.

You could borrow from sayings, quotes etc. if they happen to fit the music.

Do you want each line to flow into the next, to create a story, or do you just want a more poetic structure where each line is self encapsulated?

What about any profound phrases worth repeating throughout the song?

Or making reference to the song title, either in the chorus (more traditional), tucked away in one of the verses or even the last words of the song.

And no, it doesn't have to rhyme!

Lyric ideas will often pop into your head when you least expect it. Make sure you have something to write your ideas down when out and about. Note down interesting phrases you read and hear.

Does anyone have any suggestions? Use the comments link below!