As a songwriter, diving into the creative process is incredibly rewarding. It’s a space where I find presence and explore the depths of my experiences – the joys, sorrows, truths, and illusions that shape my world. Songwriting becomes a powerful outlet, a way to transform emotions and thoughts into art. For anyone drawn to this path, let’s explore some fundamental aspects of lyric writing, starting with a common question: Which comes first, the music or the lyrics?
The beauty is, neither has to take precedence. While songs can emerge from a captivating chord progression or a striking line of lyrics, the most frequent starting point is an idea. From this seed, music and lyrics intertwine, each enhancing and illuminating the other.
This might sound abstract, so let’s make it tangible.
Currently, I’m developing a song that delves into the concept of life beyond death. This is a topic that sparks diverse opinions among my friends and family, and I find that fascinating. My yoga practice has instilled in me a deep awareness of breath. In moments of stillness, when my mind quiets, I sense a vital life force. This led me to ponder: how does breath connect to the afterlife?
This question became my initial spark. In this case, the lyrics arose from the idea, and this is the approach we’ll focus on today.
Is life just the moment at the top of a breath?
And death an exhale, a measure of rest?
Are we born out of endless inhales past?
Is it even worth wasting now to ask?
These four lines weren’t spontaneously generated. They evolved through editing, contemplation, and repeated readings aloud. My aim was to link the past, present, and future to the rhythm of inhales and exhales. Here are some techniques I employed to arrive at these lines, the tools I carefully used in crafting these lyrics.
The Power of Pen and Paper: Your Analog Tool
In our digital age, there’s still immense value in physically writing lyrics. For me, it’s a more direct route to capturing my thoughts. Instead of simply deleting a line, crossing it out allows me to see the evolution of ideas. A discarded line might become relevant again if I adjust the preceding line. I also use parentheses to mark words I might want to replace later. While digital tools offer similar functionalities, there’s something about seeing my thoughts in my own handwriting – messy as it may be – that enhances the creative flow. This tangible interaction with the writing process is a valuable tool in itself.
Clarity Over Rhyme: Prioritizing Meaning in Your Lyrics
This is a principle I strongly advocate for. When starting out, it’s easy to get caught up in forced rhymes. If clarity isn’t your priority, then rhyme away. However, if you aim to convey a specific message, the urge to rhyme can compromise your intended meaning. Focus on saying what you truly mean, not just what rhymes. This can be challenging, but that’s where the richness of language comes in. We have a vast vocabulary and endless ways to arrange words. If you find yourself stuck, don’t hesitate to use a rhyming dictionary! It’s a fantastic tool, especially for discovering new words and slant rhymes. Slant rhymes, like in my example above with “breath, rest, past, and ask,” offer a subtle and sophisticated way to navigate the rhyme scheme without sacrificing meaning. They create harmony without perfect matches, adding depth to your lyrics.
Thesaurus: Expanding Your Lyrical Palette
Songwriting has significantly expanded my vocabulary. If a word conveys your intended meaning but doesn’t quite fit, explore synonyms using a thesaurus. I use this tool constantly. It can elevate your message with more eloquent language and refine your self-expression. Think of a thesaurus as a specialized tool in your songwriting toolkit, helping you find the precise word for each lyrical brushstroke.
Syllabic Structure: Rhythm as a Tool
Every word is composed of syllables. “Syllable” itself has three. Lyrics with similar syllable counts can create a powerful rhythmic effect, especially when set to music. However, like rhyming, don’t let syllabic structure confine your message too rigidly. In my example, the lines have 12, 10, 10, and 10 syllables respectively. While not perfectly uniform, the similar syllable count facilitates melody and counter-melody creation. This isn’t a rigid rule but a useful tool to consider. Just as you wouldn’t use a hammer to drill a hole, employ syllabic awareness when it serves your song.
Symbolism: Adding Layers of Meaning
Symbols are fundamental. The word “symbol” itself is a symbol representing a symbol. Consider this: every word is a symbol, our best attempt to describe something we perceive as true. Every word I use to communicate with you is a symbol. We agree upon these symbols, which is why language functions. If I say, “look at that car,” we both understand because we agree to call that object “car.” Don Miguel Ruiz, author of “The Fifth Agreement,” beautifully elucidates this concept. An accessible way to incorporate symbolism into your lyrics is through metaphors and similes. We use words (symbols) to represent abstract ideas, creating new, layered symbols. Metaphors and similes elevate your lyricism. Instead of stating “my room is messy,” you could use a simile like, “my room is like the aftermath of a storm,” or a metaphor, “my room is the aftermath of a storm.” Here’s a chorus I wrote that uses symbolism:
The lies in my mind, they fly around like starlings [Simile: Lies are COMPARED to starlings]
Murmurs cloud the sky as dusk falls ‘fore night [Metaphor: Murmurs (lies) cloud the sky (mind). Building upon the simile, the metaphor deepens the symbolic imagery.]
I may lose my way but know I love you darling
Stay sharp sweetheart, from the depths I’ll come out crawling
Numerous other lyrical tools exist – alliteration, internal rhyme, personification, pathetic fallacy, and more – to enrich your songwriting. However, these five foundational suggestions are excellent starting points for crafting lyrics with depth and meaning. These are the core tools in your songwriting kit, and learning to wield them with care is essential.
Challenge #1: Putting Your Tools to Work
Choose a topic. Open your notebook or a blank document. Begin writing – the most crucial step. Aim for four lines. Whether you write two or twenty, it’s a success. The initial goal isn’t perfection. Those seemingly disposable lines are often necessary stepping stones to reach your true message. Refine your idea into a beautiful gem. Sift through the initial drafts to find the golden nuggets. Use your songwriting tools to create something uniquely yours.
In the next installment, I’ll delve into how music can support your lyrical ideas, exploring the interplay between lyrics and music. Remember, this is simply my approach to songwriting. Take what resonates with you and let go of the rest. The most important thing is to nurture your own creative voice and take good care of your songwriting tools – these techniques, ideas, and practices that empower you to express yourself through song.
