Tips And Questions

[shadow_stalker]

When I go to write songs, i have no trouble with lyrics. but i cant make up music for them, it sucks. I need help/ tips/ anything!


if i make some lyrics and dont have a guitar rift i just use power chrod to make a simple tune then try and expand on that

[MrMagic9345]

if i make some lyrics and dont have a guitar rift i just use power chrod to make a simple tune then try and expand on that

Thanks, ill try it out. ( but keep the tips coming) ! :)

[HedTomb]

I am a Drummer and I want to write lyrics. But when it comes to making a song with the lyrics, with my band it is really difficult, as I can not get a melody only a beat to work around the song. Shall I buy an acoustic or harmonica so I can write out a basic tune to the lyrics or is there another way which wont cost me money. Please somebody help!

[hitchface2001]

I am a Drummer and I want to write lyrics. But when it comes to making a song with the lyrics, with my band it is really difficult, as I can not get a melody only a beat to work around the song. Shall I buy an acoustic or harmonica so I can write out a basic tune to the lyrics or is there another way which wont cost me money. Please somebody help!

Why doesn't someone else in your band try and make a melody? Not many musical groups have a single songwriter. Get the others contributing so that they can be happy with the music you turn out.

[shadow_stalker]

I am a Drummer and I want to write lyrics. But when it comes to making a song with the lyrics, with my band it is really difficult, as I can not get a melody only a beat to work around the song. Shall I buy an acoustic or harmonica so I can write out a basic tune to the lyrics or is there another way which wont cost me money. Please somebody help!


tell your band members to get of their arses and do something

[tito19]

I've noticed a lot of people saying that their music does not match their lyrics they way they intended. I've ran into this before, and heres an idea. Get another member of your band to try singing it before he hears you sing it. I wrote a song and a catchy tune to go with it, but for the life of me i couldnt match them together. Gave it to my buddy and told him my problem and he looked at me like a deer caught in the headlights and sang it. matched perfectly. Also, a lot of bands have lead vocals, and if your lead vocals cant sing your song. Get someone else to, it will add variety to your band having a different voice talent.

[guitarchitrums7]

hey everyone i just joined here and this forum is real helpfull thanx a bunch all of you. somehting that i found is kinda helpfull when writing songs is just that if i have an idea i write it down no matter where i am no matter what just so i dont forget it.
also whenever i write any lyrics i ALWAYS write in PEN not pencil and i never erase or cross out. this way even if the sentence that you wrote down you dont really like...it is still there for you to work on later. dont throw anything away because u might look back on in in like a month or something an it will jump at you and spark an entire song.
i am trying to get better at playing my guitar and at the same time singing melody and its real hard (i think its melody, it might be harmony, correct me if im wrong but isnt melody where it is different than the guitar part or is that harmony, crap i dont know)well anyways is u have any exercises to strengthen my singing and playing skills i will be keeping my ears and eyes open to anything.

thanx
~wes~

[hitchface2001]

My advice, and yes it actually does help, is to find a means of recording your playing and/or singing. What ya do is (lets say you recorded your playing) listen to that sound file and then start to sing to it, to get a feel of where the words are placed in relation to the notes. It also works the other way around as well, so go ahead and try both, to see what works for you.

Tell me how it works out. Cheers.

[riffscreamer]

Anybody, I need tips on making simple yet heartbreaking Emo/core songs a la The Used.

Thank You in advance!!

[shadow_stalker]

My advice, and yes it actually does help, is to find a means of recording your playing and/or singing. What ya do is (lets say you recorded your playing) listen to that sound file and then start to sing to it, to get a feel of where the words are placed in relation to the notes. It also works the other way around as well, so go ahead and try both, to see what works for you.

Tell me how it works out. Cheers.



i might try that thanks

[shadow_stalker]

Anybody, I need tips on making simple yet heartbreaking Emo/core songs a la The Used.

Thank You in advance!!


i dont write emo lyrics so im not sure if this helps but

i think emo is about your emotions and stuff like that so try and start a stream of consience about love or something like that

honestly i dont know so thats the best i can do

[DaneCobain]

Umm I dunno maybe this has been answered before but 26 pages is too much to skip through, but has anyone got a problem, (like me), where they write a song, get some lyrics to fit in with it, think the songs great, and after a day, realise that its totally crap and throw it away after spending hours the day before writing it.

Does that make sense? Oh well...

[dkpinhead]

http://www.jonessoda.com/gallery/view.php?ID=197055&search=bobby%20corns&offset=1 go here and give it a 10 to help support the coolest kid ever, bobby corns

[drlove]

Masturbate at least 6 times a day, it can do wonders for you, also make sure that you use lubricant, or it may be a little irritating

Yeah MAYBE that'll work

[packerboarding21]

Umm I dunno maybe this has been answered before but 26 pages is too much to skip through, but has anyone got a problem, (like me), where they write a song, get some lyrics to fit in with it, think the songs great, and after a day, realise that its totally crap and throw it away after spending hours the day before writing it.

Does that make sense? Oh well...

My advice would be to rather than throwing the whole thing away and calling it crap, to just listen to it and decide what exactly you don't like about it. It's no surprise that a song written in a day doesn't sound good because great songs take a lot of adjusting before they're really finished. I've had similar problems when trying to write songs, and what you should do is come up with just a rough version of a song and avoid stressing over details, which seems to be what you have. Just go back and make adjustments and stick with it. :thumb:

[shadow_stalker]

Yeah MAYBE that'll work


could do you never know

[Music rockS]

I can write fairly decent lyrics, more for heavy metal and some for black metal. But I play drums, and I do not have any accent cymbals or anything. Even if my lyrics are somehting for say, a power ballad or a song like I died for you, my drumming seems to be something for a inexperianced rip-off of metallica. Then when I write heavy lyrics, I end up having my drums sound like ac/dc. I don't know if that really says what I mean, but hopefully someone has some tips. Thanks

[shadow_stalker]

I can write fairly decent lyrics, more for heavy metal and some for black metal. But I play drums, and I do not have any accent cymbals or anything. Even if my lyrics are somehting for say, a power ballad or a song like I died for you, my drumming seems to be something for a inexperianced rip-off of metallica. Then when I write heavy lyrics, I end up having my drums sound like ac/dc. I don't know if that really says what I mean, but hopefully someone has some tips. Thanks


ok then

something that would help is if you have a guitar or could get a cheap guitar then you could make a rift and then making a drumbeat wouldnt be so hard.

forget about the drumbeat, make some lyrics and give them to your guitarist (if your in a band) and ask him to make a basic rift that you could work with.

the thing that is most important for me when making drumbeats, lyrics, riffs ect don't listen to other peoples music while you do it, or you will just copy the basic idea or sound of the song your are listening to.

sorry i cant be any more help if i think of anything else i'll say.

anyways good luck with that.

[shadow_stalker]

this is just an idea i had that might help to reduce the amount of threads, it may not work but i might as well say it

there is a grid set up (like on excel), and everyone has their own thread that they post their songs in, e.g

gaslight joshmay41465
(link to gaslight's (link to joshmay's
thread) thread)

and so on, the threads get bumped normally, but instead of a big list that goes on for pages and pages there is a grid.

in the threads are a bit about the people (or whatever) then there are links to sub threads that have different songs in e.g.

gaslight

(stuff about gaslight or whatever you want)

---------------------------------------------

(song title) (song title) (song title)

---------------------------------------------

and so on so forth, in a grid.

when a new song has been added there is a small symbol above the persons name (or on the file picture if there is one)



if that wouldnt work it doesnt matter just an idea that i had, i think there was something else but i cant remember it, if anyone wants to ask anything i'll answer questions.

sorry to post it in this thread but i didnt know where else to put it

[birdwood]

which volume level is best for hitting hard to get notes? i think really loud but not screaming is harder to hit but easier to hold once you have it. Does anyone have a suggestion on basically being a better singer apart from practice? things like stand straight or open your mouth, i'm new to this. tah! :thumb:

[italic zero]

Singing high notes quietly can be done just as well as singing them loud with training. As far as singing, stand straight up, head level, shoulders back, relaxed, and open your mouth wide so it looks like a 0. Practice breathing... other than that, look up some lessons online or get a teacher.

[gaslight]

^ There are threads in Jam Session (http://www.musicianforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=&f=10) offering advice on vocal techniques.

Screaming pointers.

Here. (http://www.musicianforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=108543)

Singing 101

Here. (http://www.musicianforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=163692&highlight=singing)

Screaming 101

Here. (http://www.musicianforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=83073&highlight=singing)

[imtakingbacksunday]

um my ? is i wrote the lyrics to a song so how would i got about writin the instruemental part. and i need tips on singing better. lol

[packerboarding21]

^just make sure that your instrumental parts fit with the tone of the lyrics. there are a lot of bands that will write about a lot of different things, but it all sounds the same, which really takes away from the lyrics. so be sure that the instruments support the point of the song, not detrarct from.

:chug:

[craigymacd]

my tip for writing songs is to just take full advantage of all your emotions through the different stages of relationships etc. if i get in a bad argument with someone or breakup with someone instantly think about the whole ordeal and put my feelings down on the paper.

[ABulldog]

How would I start out making a song? I can sit and think for a long time and end up with nothing. I might be able to come up with a few words or sentances sometimes but thats all, Any help on starting out? Thanks

Great tips by the way keep them coming!

There's alot you can do to start a song. First come up with a title or subject matter. This doesn't have to be the actual title because you can change it later, but it can help keep your writing focused on what you want to say. One way to find a title is to look for sentences or phrases in a newspaper or a magazine. Some sort of a headline. You can then read the story and write about it or don't and come up with something totally different. For example I saw something that said "Five Found Beaten" as a headline. You can either write about this in your own words and make up a story or write about what actually happened.

Remeber your trying to write a song and not a poem, so you dont have to write stanzas or ryme either. You are not Jim Morrison! And don't try to be.

Writing happens naturally, so don't be afraid to write what's on your mind. It doesn't have to make sense or be perfect either. Something you can do is just write a story and go back a few days later and change a few things that you don't like about it, then when you like it you can break it up into several different parts to form a verse or a chorus.

I always tell people that a song isn't really done until you record it, so go back and change stuff around

[ABulldog]

That was getting to long, but another thing you can do to start a song is to find another song that you like and simply change the words to it. And change all the words not just a few and change the meaning of the song. This helps you get a flow to the song and can give you a rhythm to your words. After you get something you like you can start on the music, which shouldn't be too hard cause you know that the song has a structure to it.

[ABulldog]

Crap I thought of something else too. Don't sit down to write a song. Get your idea and then jot down words that you may want to have in the song, try to make sentences too. Have a peice of scratch paper and just get your basic ideas down then go back and try to see if they fit together.

I also tell people if you are having a hard time finding the right word to use then you can cheat a little bu using MS word. It has a feature where if you highlight the word it will give you a list of synonyms for it. Just make sure you know the exact meaning of the word because sometimes the meaning is a little different and it might sound wrong.

[loserkid5643]

did people run out of tips? these were really helping me

[joshmay]

there are only so many tips in existence. haha :)

[shadow_stalker]

the last tips that i can think of:-

Write whatever comes into your mind, no matter how stupid it seems, then when you can't write anything else sit and pick at it until it sounds better, then pick at it again to see where you can add or take away something that you missed earlier, then do it a final time to see if it's ok and if it's not pick at it again (like a scab).

Don't try and wirte loads of songs at once (i've tried) all that happens is that you end up repeating something that you said earlier.

Also if you are going to personally make the guitar riffs or piano...thing make it while making the lyrics, rather than saying "oh, i'll write the lyrics today and do the rest another time" because apart from the fact that you can forget what the song is supposed to sound like (god knows it's happend to me) you could make a set of lyric that you absolutely love then you might not be able to write a guitar rift that goes with it. so doing them at the same time makes the song sound fuller, complete and means that you know how everything will fit together.


if you write a good song e-mail it to me and i will put a copyright on it then laugh at you for giving up a good song!!!

i'm leaving now good-bye i won't miss most of you becasue i don't know who you are

[Metalhead_Ed]

Masturbate at least 6 times a day, it can do wonders for you, also make sure that you use lubricant, or it may be a little irritating
what the hell.... geez that has nothing to do with songwriting lol.
some tips for songwriting
Choose a topic of what you want to write a song about eg. write about something, and event, a story, or a person ect.
Make sure you can explain the topic you are writing about- dont change the topic and make sure you can justify yourself.
dont worry about what other people think of your lyrics, if there bad dont worry people will get over it.
write what comes naturally.
write the riffs of the lyrics first (it dosent matter)
Use METAPHORS!! (important)
read other peoples lyrics too get inspired.
I hope this has help anyone in any way :wave:

[Metalhead_Ed]

after you have written lyrics... use your instrument to set the mood.. this can truly help a good song.... if the mood is sad or slow make riffs that suit the mood...ect. this is a really important factor too consider when songwriting

[Music rockS]

Can you start a song with the chorus. I have a song laid out, and a general idea of what kind of music to go where, but it starts wit the chorus. Just wondring if this is ever done. If its not its ind of cool to be kind of original, but if its not becasue it doens't work out then I must change my song. Thanks alot.

[gaslight]

The process you have a written a song in counts for nothing in the end because all people are presented with is the finished product. Whether the finished product is good or not is what interests people, not if it was written backwards or anything.

[_ThisSecretNinja_]

I need some help writing lyrics. Whenever I try writing lyrics, I always seem to end up writing about the same topics as my favourite songs and using the same language as in them. Does anyone have any tips on how to write something thats original?

[gaslight]

Spend more time writing, try different styles, to express yourself better. Expose yourself to a wide range of influences, etc.

Try some automatic writing stuff, that sort of thing helps you express yourself freely from your subconscious, it's a good creative exercise.

Otherwise just write and write and write, not trying to write a song, and then come back to it and use the ideas there as a basis.

[<3<3<3]

Don't force a song. It will suck if you do. Let if flow. May have been said before, but I would like to stress it. You shouldn't go sit down and be like "I have to write a song/ poem" Do it when it feels right. When you really feel like expressing yourself.

[outbox]

dude, just think of somethink that happened that day like if it was funny or sad or depressing it doen't matter. Just sit down and then write about but with words that rhyme, so start from there :thumb:

[rest_in_pieces]

i find films the biggest inspiration.

You can totally lose yourself in a good film. And when you come out of the cinema/get up afterwards, theres this short time where you (well me anyways) feel kinda vulnerable (in search of a better word). Its like you think of the world in a different perspective until the novelty of seeing the film wears off.

some films that can have this effect (to name a few) are:

Fight Club
Pulp Fiction
The Matrix
End of Days

If you check my song - 'Harakiri' (Click here) (http://www.musicianforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=172702), I got the idea for that in my head from 2 films - Kill Bill (very deep and sword orientated) and this other film on tv the other night. Cant remember what it was called but this particular scene from it showed a ritual where a japanese rapist was being offered the chance to commit suicide by plunging a sword into himself as a way to pay for his crimes.

[CaptainInsano]

Advice on how to improve your writing.



I’ve come to this forum almost every day for 2 weeks and many of the posts here make me sad in the pants. Here is some advice for people on how to write better.



The two most important things are
1. Be specific about what you are writing about. Everyone and his dog have had his/her heart broken. So maybe if you want to write a song about heartbreak you could put a twist on it to make it more specific.

For example the song could be about how your girlfriend just dumped you and you’re glad you don’t have to tell her you accidentally killed her cat. Or if you’re some teen angst wanker and want to write a song about depression don’t write how you “hate the world� or “this whole life is dead to me� write something more interesting like if you’re from Kentucky “I loathe Kentucky and I hate the chicken, blood flows down my arms, it’s finger lickin’�



2. Don’t be cliché. Words or phrases that are overused are boring since we are so used to hearing or reading them we will often ignore them. I mean I’m sure you’re the first person to ever write about God, Jesus, life and death, lost love, depression, light, dark, tears and the f word but unless it is absolutely central to the theme of your poem/lyric/whatever phrases like that should be avoided.

If you do want to use a super cliché term like say you’re writing a love song to your girlfriend/boyfriend and you want to say “I love you� instead of saying that you could describe your love in some clever creative way. It’s not like you can’t say I love you it’s just 99% of the time someone has already done it and done it better.



Some other tips are if you use literary or political references in your song it makes the song more detailed and interesting.

Also try and watch your spelling and grammar if you expect people to spend time critiquing what you are writing you should be writing to the best of your ability.

Finally try and avoid weak sentence structure. Something like “I am waiting for you to come to this rocky sea shore� would be better written as “Waiting on this rocky seashore for you.� Just remember you are not writing normal sentences you are writing lyrics. Lyrical strength comes from nouns and simple sentences.

[firedancer]

The only thing I think you have to be carefull of here is over editing a song. Sometimes, when you go through a song and correct all of it's grammatical imperfections, you lose some of the feeling of the song. I have ruined many of my songs that way. But, overall, yes grammar is important and should be watched.

[Axiom545]

Just a couple more points:

* Rhyming can be effective, but like all good things, if it's overused the impact it has will be lessened. Don't put a rhyme scheme before the actual content of the poem, and sometimes, it's nice to break the rules. Rhyme when it suits you, and only then. Less is usually more.

* Don't go nuts with flamboyant language. Put the thesaurus away and stop using words that were popular a century or two ago. Honestly, who the hell knows what "benighted" means? Use slang, make it modern, make it conversational. Don't obsess over finding a more poetic way to write poetry. Most times it just comes across as pretentious and silly.

* Find your favorite lyricist and read everything by them. Mimic their style. Understand the structure, rewrite it, but always give credit where credit is due.

* Cliche is bad. If you don't know what a cliche is, you can go here: www.clichesite.com/index.asp

[DeathOnBroadway]

Just another little idea: write POSITIVE songs. I know it was mentioned up there somewhere that writing about depression or along those lines can get really annoying if not presented in the right way, but in some cases it's best to just write something positive or happy, that's not a love song. The average "depressed" teenager may not like it, but I find it more interesting to write about something that most people aren't used to.

Another thing that is quite interesting, is writing about something that you really could really care less about, as if you had strong feelings for it, or writing as if you had strong feelings for something you disagree with, in a positive way (as if you do agree with it.) You don't necessarily have to keep those ones and show them to people, it's just a good writing excercise.

One thing I definately follow is trying to make a love song sound completely different from anything else you've ever read or heard. Which is why all of my girlfriends either: 1. didn't understand it at all, or 2. thought I was mentally insane, or 3. both. Heh.

Well, that's it for me. Oh, one last thing: obsessive cussing becomes EXTREMELY annoying, and quite honestly, ruins a song. I hope I had at least some good insight.

[CaptainInsano]

I'll take a look at your songs when I get the time Torex is there any specific one you want critiqued?

[theslideparamita]

I'm trying to write a song that sounds someting in between Yes and the Beatles (later albums). It's really difficult to write lyrics like that, (Yes writed all these amazing lyrics with mystical imagery, but when I do that it sounds cliche and lame.) I already have the instrumental parts mopstly written. If any of you have some tips that could help me (iven if you've never written in that style) or if you have written that kind of music please post your lyrics here. Thanks.

-Ryan

[rest_in_pieces]

find a song you like by your influences (Yes, Beatles etc). Read the lyrics and try and decipher everything held in them. Listen to the song, capture the mood. The easiest way to get your writing to resemble them would be to pick a subject theyve already covered or something along those lines, and write about that.

Don't get me wrong, I completely discourage purposely trying to sound like someone else but you asked for advice on it so I'll deliver.

One other thing: Do NOT under any circumstances force a rhyme. Thats what makes lyrics sound lame or cliche.

Hope that was heplful,

Rest.

[deadpuppy]

i think people need to stop writing depressing songs, i used to - it's so ****ing dull no-one wants to hear about how much someone wants to kill themselves except impressionable 14 year old girls who want an excuse to wear black clothes.
rant over.

[TonyH2004]

Ok, i really want to start writing songs. But every time i try, i have a mental block. It's really starting to annoy me. The lyrics just won't come and everything i try to right about goes wrong.

Please help me.

any ideas what to write about etc?

plus i'm in a punk band like Pennywise//Offspring. So if anyone has any ideas let me know please :confused:

Tony

[deadpuppy]

ok, how i started was not trying to write songs, but just learning to put feelings into words and thinking of original images, and then from there you can start to build songs, until you can pull a song out of your *** in no time.
with punk songs as well (which i have recently started writing) you don't have to worry about much of a meaningful message, not as much as other genres anyway. that's just how i see it.

[Learn2beme]

DOOOD.... just kinda chill for a while... and brush up on vocabulary and literature and such... it may be boring.. but the more vocab and the the more of other ppls work that you know the better yours is... you really just need to write how you feel.

[theslideparamita]

Thanks for those tips, rest_in_pieces. I'm not really trying to sound like them because Yes and the Beatles were a band who (probably because of drug use) always played different stuff and wrote amazing music. So I'm not trying to copy their sound, only the mood of their sound. But thanks for your advice, it's helping me now becuase I'm writing something. Also, is it too cliche to start with a classical guitar thing and then build up to a climax where the drums and other instruments come in?

-Ryan

[TonyH2004]

ty. deadpuppy, u got MSN, coz that way we can talk better. if yes plz add me:

sandblast2003@hotmail.com

[rest_in_pieces]

no-one wants to hear about how much someone wants to kill themselves except impressionable 14 year old girls who want an excuse to wear black clothes.

I couldn't have put that better myself

Anyways, might as well put my bit in while I'm here:

Don't get me wrong, I cant stand Linkin Park-esque lyrics as much as the next MXican, but that doesnt go to say that you can't write songs about depression. The pitfall is that depression has become so cliche that it makes it so much more challenging to write a depressing song that is original.

It can be done, but its just amazingly hard.

In regards to songwriting tips:

1. Don't sit down and think 'gotta write a song'. This can lead to all kinds of ****e that nobody on here wants to read. No matter how much bumpage and 'no-one crits me' you give it. Wait until something inspires you. It'll click when. It could be literally anything.

2. Don't...DON'T for the sake of our sanity use FORCED rhymes. It gives off a vibe that it was written by a 10 year old. The only time it is acceptable is if you are a rapper. In which case, your bling-bling and your 6-pack is more important than your lyrics so get yo' mutha****in' punk *** down da gym or I bus' a cap in yo' ***.

3. A song 'written in 5 minutes' is not worth posting. If you know it's crap, don't post it. Work on it until you feel it's up to standard. Then post it.

4. Its been mentioned before but for effect I'll repeat it: Excessive cussing makes your songs less intelligent, not angsty. As is with capitals (indicating screaming). You'll receive far more constructive crits if you only give us the lyrics.

[rest_in_pieces]

Ok, i really want to start writing songs. But every time i try, i have a mental block. It's really starting to annoy me. The lyrics just won't come and everything i try to right about goes wrong.

Please help me.

any ideas what to write about etc?

plus i'm in a punk band like Pennywise//Offspring. So if anyone has any ideas let me know please :confused:

Tony

the best way to start would be not to sit down and tell yourself to write a song. Wait until you are inspired, then go do it. More often than not, you'll be inspired when you cant sit down and write. In which case just make up and remember small phrases or single lines. You can base an entire song around those. If you look through all the threads on here, there are loads of songwriting tips you can read.

Rest.

[rest_in_pieces]

music wise, it shouldnt matter about cliche. Countless bands use the power chord formula made famous by Nirvana but they (well, the good ones) retain their individuality.

Music is the chance where you should just express yourself.

Do what the hell you want :)

[Callisto_Ashus]

Like Rest said, you've definitely gotta decipher their songs. I'd go farther to say, take a look at the range of lyrics you're interested in capturing the mood of, and seeing what kind of poetic devices they used. I know nothing about Yes, but The Beatles tended to write allegorical stuff - that is, a piece of work with more than one meaning (a good example I can think of is "The Fool on the Hill"... on the surface, about some weird guy who watched a town, but it held a symbolic meaning of needing to look beyond the surface in people; they have reasons for the sometimes-weird things they do)

Something to think about, anyway.

[sinkman]

Yeah please dont force rhymes, if you must force rhymes make it funny, most forced rhymes arent funny so just dont post forced rhymes. :). If you want examples of songs that flow look up sinkmans latest stuff *if this is war* haha

Yeah and I know alot of people want to put the capitols to indicate the screaming for their songs but it does look severely unintelligent, i know ive done it before.

[jessemichaels]

the way i get my creative boosts is:
i sit down and read a book that makes me stretch my mind a little bit, like a classic. then write a poem about it.

[joshmay]

i restuck the thread because there is still a need for it, judging from the threads lately. :)

[elemental]

I have a probablem when a write my lyrics I always rhyme but some times I dont want to. What should I do?


Look in a thesaurus for words w/ similar meanings and use them

[at the library]

Readin the post waaaay back talkin about developing your own style - Very important.

Im a punk guitarist, which basically means I'm crap on guitar lol, doesnt mean I'm not a good musician. But even though the new age punk scene is full of feel good, jumpy sounds right now, i have just written a couple of deeper, kinda grunge style songs.

Just play whatever comes naturally, and try noting down just everything that comes into your head, then organise it into somethin you really like. Thats for the riffs and lyrics. And don't force it out, unless you really feel like it. Making your mind blank then just sayin the first words that come to your head is a start too

And one last thing, as they all said metaphors are great in songs, and any other technique like that, try euphemisms, always great. Doing this is gonna leave you with some unanswered questions for those who hear or read the lyrics. The greatest lyrics and poetry is not fully explained, let the listener develop their own meaning, let it be something to them personally

[rest_in_pieces]

leave you with some unanswered questions for those who hear or read the lyrics. The greatest lyrics and poetry is not fully explained, let the listener develop their own meaning, let it be something to them personally

just something to go with that, (not a songwriting tip but still) when yuo post songs on here to be critiqued, don't tell us exactly what it was about. Let people tell you what they pull from it. You will find more useful help this way.

[Wildestdreams]

INTRODUCTION

This is a guide to try and help you write lyrics for songs. I hope this is helpful

Basics

Start off with what you want the song to be about. Then think of a message you want the song to get along. Next if you have music to write the lyrics for make sure it fits in.If it has a melody line it would be a good idea to have the lyrics doing the same melody line in the words. Finaly decide on a struture
eg: verse chorus verse chorus chorus.

And Then?

Then you must develop the song around the structure and fit everything together like a puzzle.A good thing to do if the words dont come naturaly to you is to write down as many words as you can about the subject you have chosen and piece them together. If you don't want to sound simple make sure you use images (eg:metaphores) for youre song.

Example: My life went by so fast -- My days went by like the blink of an eye.

Also

if you dont know a wide range of vocab then use a thesaurus.

eg: instead of saying sad say desolated. etc

Most importantly make sure it makes sense and you can sing them in youre head (or aloud) and make sure for gods sake it captures the mood you are trying to create.

A good techinque to use is to put yourself as if you were in the songs meaning and tell the story of what you see. or picture the meaning and moral and write down what you see.

Remember to try and have a hook on the chorus eg repeated lines.

Try this : if you cant think of anything go out and explore the world and jot down notes on what you see and try and re-create what you saw in a song.
if youre writing about a girlfriend or boyfriend try not to be too personal try to refer to it as a situation eg dont mention names refer to you as i and youre partner as he/she

thats all any questions/comments email : stehoole@aol.com

cheers ste!

[at the library]

Urm.. kinda good advice.. apart from a couple of things. First of all screw the structure if you cant think, you will get that finalised when you're brushing up all the little bits at the end.

But dont write lyrics with a thesaurus beside you. If your vocab isnt huge its alright. Say what you mean. If it coms from inside and makes people feel something then its a huge thumbs up.

Did you realise that u gave metaphors as a technique to use then had and example of a simile.. u will confuse people. lol

[HallowedBeThyAss]

alright, it's obvious most of you haven't had any sort of training in creative writing aside from whatever is provided by public schooling, so let me give a sort of mass critique; i've read quite a few of these entries and i've come to several conclusions.

first, you have to learn to show, not to tell. this is the first rule in any kind of creative writing. what does it mean to show? instead of saying "he was nervous," describe the jittering of 'his' hands, the sheen of sweat on his brow, the frequency with which he checks his watch. this applies to just about every single poem/song i read on this forum. you say things like "i have a demon inside," "i'm empty within," "i feel lonely," etc., and you're not really establishing a connection with your reader/listener. what a writer should do is paint everything AROUND what he is actually trying to say, and then let the reader figure it out on his own. if you let the reader feel the emotion of the speaker without it being overtly declared, and you'll draw him in, as he has established a sympathetic connection to the speaker.

second, create imagery! so many of these songs are full of simple declarative statements about emotions or abstract concepts, but don't contain a shred of imagery. if you want a piece of writing to really stand out, you have to create a foothold in the reader's mind with vivid images. this goes hand-in-hand with my first tip (show, don't tell). if you use lively, colorful imagery to describe a scene, a person, an object, an interaction (imagery can be abstract as well as concrete, and it can depict motion and transaction just as well as simple solid objects or faces), the reader will have a starting point from which to begin visualizing the song in his head. think back to the most memorable books you've ever read (barring children's books). they created beautiful images in your mind (but watch out -- you can overdo it!) that helped you paint a picture of the characters and what they were doing. (hint -- figurative language can help with this, i.e., metaphors, personification, etc.)

third, (and i must admit, this may not apply to every song) in all human interaction, there is the element of change. all stories have a protagonist (main character) who undergoes a process of change, be it for better or worse. why not apply this technique to a song? songs always have characters, even if they're not obvious. most songs have one character -- the speaker. occasionally, when you sing or write about a lost love or friend, you could incorporate that second party as another character. political songs have characters as well -- you can incorporate an entire mass of people into a single 'character,' and allow that character to undergo a form of change. putting this element of change into a song will give it more meaning and literary value (and often times, it's a process of maturation as well. just think of huck finn's progression into an adult mode of thinking as he floated down the river.). in summation -- why write about something in one state without giving the reader another state to compare it to? you cannot draw a line from a single point, you need two. give the reader a line; a line is motion, while a single point is stagnant and stationary.

fourth, rhyming schemes: so many people on this forum use very very simplistic rhyme schemes like ABAB or AABB. be creative with this! try mixing up your rhyming with internal rhyme (where the insides of several lines rhyme with each other, rather than the end -- rap is very good with this, sometimes) or by just varying the scheme itself to something like ABCBCA (just choose any combination, it's worth a shot). another option is to not rhyme at all, but be aware that you'll have to make up for this with a very obvious rhythm.

finally, and very quickly, is the HIGHLY subjective issue of content (what you're writing ABOUT). there is no right and wrong as far as content, but when you're writing about something like an unfaithful lover or an unattainable girl/guy, consider the fact that thousands of writers before you have written about the same subject. i'm not saying you shouldn't write about it, i'm saying you should try to be as creative as possible with your style to make up for a lack of originality in your content. some of the best writing is about unoriginal subjects, but it's done with such style (imagery, choice of words, metaphors, etc) that it feels fresh again.

i hope you've been able to sit through my long post, but i think it could really help some of you make the leap from immature writing (albeit with great potential) to more mature style and content. good luck to all of you, and i'm so glad to see so many people making such a huge creative effort!


-hallowed

[fortyseven]

i must say that makes a lot of sense and i've only just got out of bed. its very helpful and i'll bear some of this in mind next time i sit own somewhere with a paper and pen.

many thanks

pink

[HallowedBeThyAss]

i'm glad i could help! any questions from anyone, i'm glad to respond, provided i remember to check back.

keep writing!

[bassaholica2004]

this is great, thanks dood. i try to use a lot of imagery in my songs, i cant stand songs without it. imagery, to me, is what almost makes a song. maybe its because im left handed, and i think in images, not words. :thumb:

[absentmindedgenius]

Can anyone suggest some original topics to write about? I'm afraid I'm one of those who gets stuck writing about cliches.

[absentmindedgenius]

I don't think that using long, unfamiliar words is always a good idea. For me , the message in the song is what's important, and if simplicity will help get it across, sometimes it's best. I do agree about the structure though, i think that's what makes the difference between a random piece of writing and a good song.

[Dennis]

Thanks man, one word:

HELPFUL!

yesss :thumb:

[at the library]

Yeh the structure is important but there is no need to worry about it when first writing it down. Just go back at the end and think about how it should be set and if any changes have to be made

[HallowedBeThyAss]

there are no 'new' topics. all you can do is approach an old topic in a new, fresh, interesting way. consider things like point of view (i.e. who is the main character in a situation) and some of the tips i stated above (imagery, change).

also remember that just about every piece of creative writing you'll ever read has a strong element of emotion in it -- love, hate, jealousy, apathy, etc. -- the trick with lyrics (and most people don't realize this) is that you can make your song much deeper by NOT obviously declaring the emotion. like i said in my tips above, show, don't tell. that's how you take an old, tired topic and make it new -- by changing its presentation, but allowing its underlying message to stay the same.

[joshmay]

thank you sir. VERY helpful for most people here i would believe. sometimes these writers have raw talent, and its elementary stuff like this that they need.

im sending this into the massive tips and questions thread. :)

[MGreeny]

Hey hallowedbytheass, can you look at my two songs and tell me my strenghts and weaknesses. I'm a very new song writter, so anything would help. Thanks.

[kerry2004]

If any songwriter wants to further their skills at lyric writing, study three of the all-time masters at writing lyrics...Oscar Hammerstein II, Frank Loesser and Stephen Sondheim.

[temper]

Don't worry about whether to write music first or lyrics first. Do whichever one you're inspired in first.
I think you are right. my group "temper" does just that. some of the 38 songs were written just the way they fell out during jams. half were words first, the other were music first.

[temper]

How would I start out making a song? I can sit and think for a long time and end up with nothing. I might be able to come up with a few words or sentances sometimes but thats all, Any help on starting out? Thanks

Great tips by the way keep them coming!
try to play something that inspires you. like a favorite song or artist. think about the patterns you hear. sometimes the help you need is right there in your stereo.
some of the songs i,ve written are first person and private, others are about someone or something else. don't be afraid to keep a journal, you may look back and think,"what the heck was i thinking?" but never the less it's yours. i try to think along the lines of, making a skeleton, start out with an idea. try not to say things exactly like you think, use metaphors, beat around the bush a bit, use colorful language, sometimes you hit sometimes you miss. Ed

[punker_aims]

When I write songs, I don't make up the music for it then the lyrics. sometimes I will listen to my fav songs and make up new lyric for it. Then all you need to do is make up new music to go along with it, and this way you have a basic structure and you can also add new lyrics. The other way I do it is just sit watching TV, playing games, thinking or surf the net and sometime you can read articles on the net about stuff, that usally make me think about writing a song about it.

This may seem kinda hard but try your best at it and I hope this is a bit of help to someone out there. If you have any questions about this please feel free to e-mail me at rehabrehab@aol.com.

[noname]

well, this news may be old as the hills, but i found a neat site:
http://www.rhymezone.com/

[bassaholica2004]

Thats what i use when i cant think of a rhyme. Very nifty site.

[rest_in_pieces]

It is a double edged sword though.

If you have all the rhyme in front of you, you get almost pressured to fit one of those words in. Which can throw you off topic.

[Crikket]

haev a special book where you write everything down when you're feeling emotional
they can be written as letters first, or discriptions, or songs
later when you're feeling less emotional and more creative, take out the bits that you think sound cliched and edit it.
and carry around a voice recorder or something like that and record even the tiniest idea that comes to your head
otherwise you won't be able to remember it later!

[Crikket]

haev a special book where you write everything down when you're feeling emotional
they can be written as letters first, or discriptions, or songs
later when you're feeling less emotional and more creative, take out the bits that you think sound cliched and edit it.
and carry around a voice recorder or something like that and record even the tiniest idea that comes to your head
otherwise you won't be able to remember it later!

[absentmindedgenius]

i have a notebook that i take everywhere, school, work, friends places etc. that way, if i get an idea, i can write it down immediately

[RoZpain013]

ok...well what if you're like me and can come up with lyrics easy...but i can never come up w/ some music that seems to fit...suggestions??...

[absentmindedgenius]

yeah, i'm the same. usually when i write, the words have a tune in my head, or I noodle around on the guitar playing random chords till I get something that might work. the other method i use is to get my bassist to come up with a riff, I'll put in a drum part and then once that's sorted, I'll go through my long list of lyrics till I get some that fit. I guess that way is doing it backwards though...

[Wingin_it]

The bass player in my band is really into the dark stuff. He tries to write music, but it's all really stupid listen to this. It's an actual part of a song he wrote:

"A crow weeps
The river parts
nothing as we try"

What the heck is that? i mean, I have respect for the genre when it's done right, but what the...

[Wingin_it]

ok...well what if you're like me and can come up with lyrics easy...but i can never come up w/ some music that seems to fit...suggestions??...

If you're good with lyrics, then you should start out by making up a tune. Then you can put words to it.

He also gave me this AMAZING hint on making up a good set of vocal notes that goes with the music:

just play the refrain (or verse) a lot of times over and over until a good tune just pops into your head. Just hum along with the music until something sounds cool.

That works for me.

[rustneversleeps]

I've just started coming to the songwriting and lyrics forums more often here recently. And I've noticed that just about all of the songs submitted are depressing, about bieng neglected and feeling sorry for yourself, wallowing in self pitty. A suggestion would be to try and write about something other then someone not bieng liked, or getting teased or made fun of. Its cliche', so maybe try and go beyound that.

What if you're actually depressed? I know I am. Talking about how depressed you are doesn't work, because not enough can be expressed through saying it, so when you write lyrics, it has a certain mood or feeling to it that goes along with the music and you can express your emotion through your song. If you try to just state how you feel it doesn't do the feeling justice, and you bottle up your painful emotions, but your depressing song might let it out. Depressing songs aren't always about self pity either.

[rest_in_pieces]

It also makes it more challenging because if you're writing about something thats been done many times before, it takes more skill to make it stand out.

[Rollette]

I've had part of a song made for months i just cannot add one more thing to it not riffs or bridges, nothing. i like it the way it is its repetitive has no chorus and is kind of country-ish and nothing i come up with lyrics-wise is good enough to go with this song its frustrating i can't get through it.

[rest_in_pieces]

best thing you can do in that situation is to just leave it. Eventually, you'll be in just the right frame of mind to finish it. This could be days, weeks or even months but the worst thing you can do is force yourself to finish something.

[hammett_head]

i can come up with intro's, think of good chord sequences and im not that bad at lyrics, but i find it hard putting a vocal tune ontop of the guitar. they always seem to follow the chord sequence and sound rubbish and bland.
how do u find a tune for ur song?

[36C]

I've written the intro for my first song, its sounding really cool.
But now I want to get into the first verse, so then I'll need lyrics. Nothing comes to mind whatsoever, tune or words. Anyone got any tips?

[|subucni|]

If you're trying to fit lyrics to music the best thing you can do is record the chords and THEN fit the lyrics to it because that way you can concentrate on one thing at a time. You can use a cheep mic and windows sound recorder... it doesnt matter how u do it.

My best tip for writing riffs and lyrics is to take a mini tape recorder (or whatever they're called) with you wherever you go. Then when melody or riff, or lyric comes into your head you can record it on the spot.

[Gray Day Jane]

Where Do my threads go?
I've only been a member for about a month now, but I dont know how to post new threads, the kind like "the wall" just for example, I am doing something wrong because they aren't showing up in the forum that I'm in, actually they aren't showing up at all. I dont know where they go! So, if somone could give me a step-by-step way to do this that would be great. This is embarassing, but thanx.

[gaslight]

^ :).

Well, if you want to post a new thread in this forum, just go the main page of the Songwriting and Lyrics forum, there will be a button around that says "New Thread" just click it, and write your thread, then press post, and that should be all there is to it.

If you have any other questions just ask.

[trumpet/basschic06]

My tip 4 music/lyric writers is that I listen to all kinds of music and that gives me ideas fast. and like one of the ppl. i saw on here, I carry a notebook around and write every little line that comes to my head. Later on, with a little adjusting, they all come together. I have already written 4 or 5 songs like that. And don't rush yourself. you can't rush a good thing!!! =-)

[SarcasticVirtue]

Make a notebook.. Write songs in it.. If one of your songs really sucks, just leave it in there an re-write it later.. So use a pencil. Also a great way to keep your songs and your art in the same place :] I have one. It's lime green and see through... oh man, My notebook owns yours'!

[teppei77]

write down anything and everything that comes to you. any bit of happiness, anger, desperation, fear...anything. dont worry about if it duznt even have a pattern becuz things like that arent what you need to worry about. finding the right rhythm or anything like that will come in due time...just write down what you feel even if its just senseless abstract dribble. and YES METAPHORS ARE YOUR FRIEND.

[thursdaythrice]

I have a quetsion...are we aloud to make joke songs? like tenacious d type of thing

[deathraven]

Hey after i write lyrics what do i do? PLZ PLZ PLZZZZZZZ HELP. I really need to know how to create music for a lyrics. BTW Me isa drummer.

[DRybes]

make up a few random patterns tapping on the desk, i dont play drums but ive made plenty cool rhythms that way. do it as you read the forums or something, you never know.

my songwriting advice... as if there wasnt enough here already... is that songs where the lyrics come first come about mainly one of two ways. either you'll be sitting somewhere and one phrase sticks and you end up making the whole thing off of it, or (my preference) sit and develop the song like its a concept piece. if you look at sites that deal with song meanings, even the simplest of songs there are (or at least i thought they were simple), people pull hundreds of different emotions and meanings out of them. it helps me if i decide first what i want to write the song about, then work on a bunch of different phrases that might be associated with that topic somehow. arrange them, maybe, and then just stare. how many meanings can you pick out of that? ask a friend to look at it and tell you what he sees in it. you'll know its right when you could take the words to mean one of about eighty different things. thats what a good song with excellent lyrics does to you, it makes you think your arse off, it can make you feel sad or happy or confused or enlightened, or it can enhance your current mood. if your lyrics dont seem to do this, try to look into them as though you were an outsider, or get an outsiders help. its usually fairly easy to spot the points where the deepness breaks up, and then brainstorm ways to fill the gap. i usually end up with several chunks of lyrics, like stanzas in a poem. then i work on the music that will surround it and then position the pieces. its an art, and if you become a sellout musician, songwriter, or band then you can ruin it and make it into a mechanical process. don't think in terms of verses and chorus, your favourite songs probably don't have a definite chorus as much as different things that happen to repeat here and there. finally, when you're done, don't tell anyone the meaning of your song (well, dont tell anyone any of the many meanings you pulled from it, as well as your original intention). then they have to think for themselves about it. seems like the only time commotions or negative emotions stir up about particular songs is when the meaning is hinted at by the writer.

</rant>

[DoubtingVada]

I haven't read everything that's already been posted, so this may have been covered already, but I find I do my best writing late at night. Just sitting somewhere where I can relx and stare into space until something comes to me - I write down anything and everything I can think of. I usually end up with pages and pages of useless doodles, but now and then you get some really good ideas! :p

[Lesus]

This is how I do when I write a song:

0. (Making a bassline!)
1. Cominig up with a song name
2. Starts writing about song name
3. Trying to find inspiration!
4. Decideing: for ex. verse-verse-chorus-verse...

- this maybe only works for me!

:wave:

[Semy]

Hey, all the tips are great beans, and they really help! It's just I read them and I think "yeah...that makes sense..I can see that" etc, and I'll put the pad by the bed, having long staring sessions and all that...but then I'll write something and all I can think of to vaguely inspire me is Love, and I'm so sick of Love! Good songs or bad songs about it, there are so many it just seems o devalue what I've got in front of me. What else is there to pick on for a subject? I wanna steer away from sad songs, 'cause i'm the happiest I've been in my life...but that seems the only thing left *sigh*...help?

Also, I cannot write tunes or riffs or chord progressions for anything. They just repeat themselves over and over and sound naff...any ideas or anything?

[rest_in_pieces]

theres probably something in the guitar forums about that

[SarcasticVirtue]

... I read the dictionary.. No I'm serious. I see a word, an WHAM, it pops into a phrase, and when I find more and more new words, The phrases just flow. Man, I don't know if this works for anyone else, but this really works for me a lot.

[rest_in_pieces]

Read some books. I've only recently started reading but it does open your mind and help you look into things deeper. So far ive only read 4 books properly (all by Chuck Palahniuk) but he's one of those authors that shows you how the simplest things arent as simple as they seem. Thats the sort of mindset you need to write good stuff so hopefully, the more I read the better i'll get.

[cytoplasmicglob]

i wish MX would change this forum name to Lyrics/poetry.

[rest_in_pieces]

then we wouldnt get annoying guitarists asking how to write songs all the time

[Semy]

then we wouldnt get annoying guitarists asking how to write songs all the time
Are you not aware that it's in songwriting and lyrics? A song doesn't mean it has words. Some need more help than others in that sense you realise? Some of us aren't as talented as most you know.

[Atheist]

can someone tell me how do people come up with there own rifss and lyrcis

[shadow_stalker]

can someone tell me how do people come up with there own rifss and lyrcis


when i first started making up guitar riffs i basically ripped off bands that i liked (which probably isn't a good idea), but now i just play random crap and if something that i like comes out of it i write in my book of guitar riffs and lyrics

this might just be me but i sit around and watch futurama which seems to help! also don't decide "right i'm going to sit down and make a 8 miniute 34 second song with 2 solos and a piano interlude...if that makes sense


sorry i can't really give advice on lyrics

[rest_in_pieces]

Are you not aware that it's in songwriting and lyrics? A song doesn't mean it has words. Some need more help than others in that sense you realise? Some of us aren't as talented as most you know.

i know, the title can be a bit misleading (as many moddies have pointed out). This forum is meant to be word-orientated. There are forums for respective instruments if people need help writing songs with them, and of course the all purpose 'Jam session' section.

[insertnamehere]

The biggest tip i can give is to not post or show anyone your lyrics until you're SURE you like them. Personally, i'd suggest leaving it a week before doing so. Check back on what you think, and be brutal about it. You dont have a lot of space in (most) songs to say what you want, so use the area wisely. For me, a typical song goes through a process of me coming up with a line or two (usually at a very inappropriate time, like in the middle of the cinema or while i'm rushing to school) which i usually save on my mobile for later. When i get a chance, i'll use that as the basis for the rest of the song. A few days later i go back to it- expand it, and generally cut out whatever i consider to be too cliche, dull or confusing (strangely, the line that inspired it nearly always gets cut).

Other tips:

1/ Write about whatever you want... but try not to stick to your tried and tested concepts. What I mean is, we've all heard songs about: old friends dying or leaving or betraying us, being dumped or cheated on, getting the upper hand on an old partner, trying to get with someone, or about family or school problems. While they all work- they're things we all encounter and so easy for a wide range of people to associate with them- it doesnt quite get the appeal of other stuff. If I come on here and see one song that's about how you got dumped by your girlfriend and another song which is about something unique (i'm boring, so i cant come up with something unique right now...) i'd go with the origional idea, because it interests me more.

2/ That said, the one thing worse than a typical song is an origional song that's been forced. If you're going to go with a new idea, dont do it just for the sake of it. It's always worth trying new things, but all new things have a good chance of failing.

3/ While you can write about things you havent experienced, you'll probably find it easier to write about things you have come across. If you dont want to write about your own life, sometimes the lives of people you know could give you inspiration. For one thing, its slightly easier to be honest and criticise or praise someone else in a song than yourself.

4/ Try not to use your typical rhyme words. Things like "die, cry, fly" or "mine, shine, crime" and "light, night" or "right, fight". There's nothing wrong with them... but your song will not look special if its filled with typical rhymes. It doesnt even really have to rhyme- but you'd have to understand which parts of the words are emphasised, and as i'm useless with it, i wont bother recommending it to newer lyric writers.

5/ Poetry = Lyrics. Alright, thats not really true, but it can be. If you write a poem, and it has a strong rhythm, then it can be used as lyrics. Many poems of old were designed as ballads to be sung. And until put against music, lyrics really are just poems. So dont be afraid to use all the poetic stuff... deep thoughts, obscure imagery and ideas. It helps. Sure, people might not always know what the hell you're talking about, but it'll stand out.

[hello2day]

Songwriters often complain about having music sitting in their head that never sees the light of day because of the difficulties we all have in identifying, arranging and then extracting this psychic sonic furniture.

If we were to take a basic three chord progression featuring C, F, and G, we would eventually be able to play these chords long enough to "hear" them move through our imagination, even after we had stopped playing them. We could close our eyes and literally feel the impact that each chord has on the way the progression is propelled forward harmonically.

If we were to look at the role or function, that each chord plays in this, we would agree that the C chord defines the sound of the song as being in a single key; the key of C. Along the way the C chord also relieves feelings of tension that are created by the other chords in the progression.

In a standard progression, the F is a chord that we often move back and forth to, from the comfort of our C chord. It will create some interest, which will help keep our listener engaged, but it does not create the real significant tension that indicates to our listener that we are building up to the end of a section.

The G creates a lot of tension in the key of C and therefore is used to: end sections, move into new sections, or move towards the last and resolving harmony, which would usually be a C chord.

If you can get to the point where you can "picture" these chord movements and their functions, in your imagination, you can start to shift them around like "sonic furniture" in a room. This will allow you to write songs without the use of an instrument, and perhaps the restrictions or distractions that having to play and compose simultaneously can present.

This skill can be expanded to include minor, diminished and augmented chords, extended harmony, and even chords imported from beyond the key.

You may even be able to "hear" modulations, into and out of key, that you will be able to identify, properly name, and then "project" into a progression without ever leaving the comfort of your own psychic domain.

This can also allow you the freedom to create music beyond your own ability to play. By documenting the chords from their imagined impression, you can leave the challenge of performing the piece up to the musicians who will be playing the piece in the studio and on stage. It may also create a challenge that will inspire you to work on your musicianship to endeavour to attain this ability. Imagine saying, "I've been practicing really hard and I can almost play the song I wrote last week".

Arranging the psychic sonic furniture is a fundamental way of connecting the music that you dream up in your wildest imagination, with your knowledge of chords (and the theory behind the movement of harmony), and making the most of the role they both play in the music you call your own.

http://www.guitarz-for-ever.com/beginning-guitar.html

[joshmay]

great ideas. i'm putting it in the suggestions/tips thread :D

[Atheist]

i know i will take these in to account

[maggotfelon]

This program is simply amazing. It's got a thesaurus, rhyme dictionary, dictionary, phrase rhyming dictionary, room to write and store lyrics, songuard, a recording program for use with a simple computer microphone.

The songuard program is available so when you finish a song you can register it with their database. If you are in a band and in the future someone claims you stole their song. You can use the registrated information to show when you wrote it. This is great feature.

The rhyming dictionary with this program is just.... holy sh.it. You can find hundreds of rhymes and similar sounding rhymes for any word. Even words like scripture which has no perfect rhyme at all other than itself. It can find phrase rhymes from tons of different sayings, and metaphors and so much other sh.it.

It would be pointless for me to sit here and describe the whole thing, there is way too much. I'm telling you, if you write songs you should at least look into it.

www.masterwriter.com

Go to the website and download the 30-day trial. When it's installed double click the icon on the desktop and watch the intro video, trust me. It isn't real long but it shows some of the amazing capabilities this program has. And if you don't watch the whole thing, you're will never fully appreciate this product.

[Guitarman1234]

does anyone have anytips for writing a slightly funny punk po-punk sort of song. Normally what i have done in recemt time is select 3 objects and try to discribe them in a song. This has worked well but now i am starting to come up with the same stuff! any tips or suggesstions please post!

[Atheist]

well i say just write what ever is on your mind

[Herbert_da_fish]

I agree, take a notebook or something around for a day or so, just write how you feel, then organise your ideas into something constructive! I also tend to have spur-of-the-moment songs, where an idea pops into my head and I just write until I've got somethign you could classify as poetry or a song. I also keep a diary, that helps with things like emotions.

[gaslight]

Keep a big .txt or .doc file on your computer where you can write anything that comes into your head.

Words, phrases, imagery, anything. Even just two or three words, or just ramble for pages at a time. You can tidy the ideas up later.

[Guitarman1234]

ok then thanks guys very helpfull stuff!

[crispmelodies]

For many popular styles, the structure is verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-chorus. If you want to become more adept at songwriting and arranging songs, or work on developing more complex structure, I would suggest using computer-based recording software, such as cooledit, cakewalk, or protools (if you have an entire room in your mansion devoted to a swimming pool full of money). These programs allow you to record many different "pieces" to a song and you put them togetherin the way that sounds best to you.
Another good program for aspiring songwriters is fruityloops 3.56. At first, you might think thats it is just for techno (and it was designed for that), but it is amazing for laying down drum tracks and bass tracks, without actually having to play drums or bass. It is incredibly difficult to try and program a guitar sound in there, though. This software can help you create a rythym section that you can adapt for live peformance. It also lets you figure out when you want drum fills and snare rolls and and is a good practice tool to play with (on guitar or keyboard) as it holds a steady tempo.

[crispmelodies]

I also cant write the vocals to a song first, because I find it incredibly hard to adapt a well-made guitar part to back it up. I always write the chordal structure first, then the bass, then drums. When its polished between all of those, I start to work on the vocal melody and lyrics.

(Often, if you cant figure out a melody for the vocals, try soloing on the guitar over it all. You might come up with a little piece of it that would work as the basis for the melody. you never know, right?)

[Atheist]

well the pro says just go with the flow

[it cant be that bad can it?]

woohoo!!! Finally! Someone else has noticed how unoriginal depressing lyrics are! There's a lot of angst in this forum... and although not always a bad thing, it does get dull (sorry guys!)

I know its a good source of material.. but if ur depressed it might be just as effective to write a happier, more optimistic song... you might feel even better at the end of it.

Can you imagine how depressing listening to music would be if popular bands all wrote like a lot of you guys do?

sumtimes, ppl are depressed and it does help to write deppressin songs coz it gets ur feelins accross. i can understand where they are gettin at but i do understand where ur gettin at coz it does get really repetitive sumtimes

[Atheist]

Thats Like What I Have Bin Saying

[Darkie]

Hey everyone, I was just looking around and found this thread, I've been trying to write songs for a while now and havent had much luck, but i'm guna try some ideas in here, though I do have a suggestion:

if you play both guitar and bass try recording a cool bass line (always easy to come up with) and then listen to it while playing around with your guitar, I tried it with a song that was on TV and made up a cool guitar riff

Best of luck!

[THINKfender]

i song write next music finished piece end

[Sir_Lollipop_Man]

I've just started coming to the songwriting and lyrics forums more often here recently. And I've noticed that just about all of the songs submitted are depressing, about bieng neglected and feeling sorry for yourself, wallowing in self pitty. A suggestion would be to try and write about something other then someone not bieng liked, or getting teased or made fun of. Its cliche', so maybe try and go beyound that.

JESUS CHRIST MONKEY BALLS!

Your fat kid eating pudding really disturbs me.....good God

[Atheist]

thats doesnt sounds very nice

[Sandtrap]

How am I sure that my writing is safe?

[Atheist]

what ya mean safe

[Metallicadrummer]

he means he doesn't want anybody to nick it and use it as their own

[Atheist]

o i see just copyright it then

[Cherry Flavored Antacids]

ummm i just started writing songs and i dont seem to be doing very good and i need help writing a sentimentalish love song to help my friend get a girl, im not sure yet what style of rock i want to do it in.... all i need is some help on putting together two guitar parts lead and rythm/backup. I should be able to write the song hopefully.....
Do u have any suggestions? I know what i need help with is a bit broad but any suggestions would help greatly.

[Cherry Flavored Antacids]

I've just started writing my own stuff and stopped learning other bands tabs for a bit because i dont feel music when i play other peoples stuff as much as i feel it when i piece my own work together.

[Cherry Flavored Antacids]

any suggestions would be nice...-_-

[Cherry Flavored Antacids]

why is no one helping me T_T everyone hates me ;(

[Cherry Flavored Antacids]

srry if i say some stupid stuff im just excited

[Nirvana_rockr109]

My problem isnt writing, its putting it to music. Any sugestions?

[PlzDonEatMe]

i also noticed the trend of depressing songs. I myself can relate to that but if you go to any site like purevolume.com you notice a lot of bands these days are emo. try writing about diffretn things. come up with strange unique ideas

[PlzDonEatMe]

no ones helping you cause your on page 26 and no one comes all the way to page 26. but you said you wrote a few riffs just play the riff and start singing random things anything that comes to your head. tahts what i did for the first song i wrote and it came out to be an awsome song...or try 2 write a chorus and build around that

[Ficus]

well i've written a few songs, but my problem is getting a topic to write about.
once i get that, i can just write easily.
the thing is most the stuff ppl say for this is just keep a little notebook, but for me nothing comes to mind...any suggestions?

[metalli_freak89]

woohoo!!! Finally! Someone else has noticed how unoriginal depressing lyrics are! There's a lot of angst in this forum... and although not always a bad thing, it does get dull (sorry guys!)

I know its a good source of material.. but if ur depressed it might be just as effective to write a happier, more optimistic song... you might feel even better at the end of it.

Can you imagine how depressing listening to music would be if popular bands all wrote like a lot of you guys do?


uhh... most popular songs ARE depressing... where have you been. :wave:

[Javierainus]

I started a band with my friends but we don´t know how to write lyrics. We only have the music. We always have ideas about things we could write but we don´t know how to organize it. Any tip would be great.

[FaLLeNStAr2791]

1.listen to some bands that can help get out ur feelings
2. dont only read other peoples lyricks but check out poetry too.
but i think my lyrics all suck so dont listen to me. i just cant find music for them.

[FunnyManFarmerFran]

If you ever can't come up with lyrics to music, or music to lyrics, than consult a friend or fellow musician/band

[FunnyManFarmerFran]

I started a band with my friends but we don´t know how to write lyrics. We only have the music. We always have ideas about things we could write but we don´t know how to organize it. Any tip would be great.

You should have each person in your band write about the same idea and then you should:

A: Find out if one person's lyrics are the best or
B: Put Pieces from each person's lyrics and make one big lyric, and then you ay have a song, with less effort, but you may want to make the music first.

[FunnyManFarmerFran]

uhh... most popular songs ARE depressing... where have you been. :wave:

not Nescasarily, what most bands do when playing a set is play mostly depressing songs, but at the beginning and end of a set, play happier songs, so theyt leave the crowd happy when they see the next band or when they leave

[Drunken_Bug]

first i want to thank for all that tips and tricks you all posted here :-)
I've got a big problem: English's not my motherlanguage and my english grade in school wasn't really good. My question: Do you know any websites where i can find some synonymes (did i write it right??) ? i think that this could help me alot, becouse now, i ever use the same words and that sucks.
Greets and thx!

[funkadelic69]

jest serch for a thesaurus and itl help ya find a load a words in 2 seconds

[kaesar777]

*extreme embarrasment*...remind me...what's a metaphor exactly?..

Besides the previous definition, it also means to have two different meanings to something. A good example of this is System of a down and rage against the machine. Read the lyrics and you'll understand . :thumb:

[kaesar777]

when a person thinks that a song is no good it is one of two reasons (always): The work is poorly executed, or it contradicts their own thoughts, in other words it offends them.

[Kirk's Puppet]

I can write decent songs but how do I write a metal love song? One with a death metal styled vocals...

[Guitarist 4ever]

I can't think of anything, if i write a p/o'd song, it always sounds stupid, generic, and like linkin park (sorry, but i hate 'em). and my happy songs sound like pop, or something i'm totally not into. help

[bigskinny2006]

I dont think you can turn a scream or a growl or moan or for that matter anything really death metal into something that sounds romantic and lovey dovey ( Lovey Dovey in a death metal sence ) maybe you will have to step outside of the death metal box. lol.

[mitch60]

Well guys i dont know if this site was already posted here but im to lazy to read all 27 pages of the stuff so ill just post it up :thumb:
i came across this site the other day i thought it might be of some use for you guys.....http://www.ultimatesongwriting.com/index.html
good luck

[hihatx]

in writing there are no boundries dont be afraid to take the extra step and cross the line between good and great

[mshort813]

hey i have a few tips for everyone that i hope will help you.
-write crazy songs. be creative. your not going to be embarrassed by the people on these forums since you will probably never know them. just write a song and see the crits you for it.
-dont use words that you dont know the definition to. honestly, who knows what benighted means?
-songs about death and sad stuff only work for truly great songwriters. that is the main topic that people write about on these forums and it really sucks. so try writing whatever comes to mind
-its hard to just sit down and say, "ok im going to write a song now." the best songs are the ones that have been inspired by true life experiences. i think the best songwriter who displays this is Geoff Rickly(Thursday). he is my idol and he is a great writer and very smart. check out some of his writing sometime for tips. Jesse Lacey(brand new) is another great songwriter. also the singer from taking back sunday. sorry i forget his name.
-some websites that might help you out for songwriting, synanyms, and rhymes are http://www.ultimatesongwriting.com/index.html (thanks mitch for posting that one), www.dictionary.com, and www.rhymezone.com.

alright i hope this helped anyone. great writing everyone. keep it up. cheers

[mshort813]

hey i have a few tips for everyone that i hope will help you.
-write crazy songs. be creative. your not going to be embarrassed by the people on these forums since you will probably never know them. just write a song and see the crits you for it.
-dont use words that you dont know the definition to. honestly, who knows what benighted means?
-songs about death and sad stuff only work for truly great songwriters. that is the main topic that people write about on these forums and it really sucks. so try writing whatever comes to mind
-its hard to just sit down and say, "ok im going to write a song now." the best songs are the ones that have been inspired by true life experiences. i think the best songwriter who displays this is Geoff Rickly(Thursday). he is my idol and he is a great writer and very smart. check out some of his writing sometime for tips. Jesse Lacey(brand new) is another great songwriter. also the singer from taking back sunday. sorry i forget his name.
-some websites that might help you out for songwriting, synanyms, and rhymes are http://www.ultimatesongwriting.com/index.html (thanks mitch for posting that one), www.dictionary.com, and www.rhymezone.com.

alright i hope this helped anyone. great writing everyone. keep it up. cheers

[paranoid_policeman]

When writing a song should you try and make it rhyme. I've wrote one recently (it's called cataracts and I'd appreciate any criticism if you can be bothered :) ) and it rhymes without going off topic but I'm worried it sounds a bit forced. For example, I've said, "behold," instead of a nice and simple, "look." Is it better to have rhymes like these or not rhyme but make the lyrics sound more natural?

[mshort813]

yeah good question policeman. ive done that a couple times where i said weird words just so it would rhyme with the next line. well i come to notice (and this is just my opinion) that you should just try to write the song without the weird words that rhyme. just as long as the song flows, it will work. then you can go back and read it again, and put in other rhymes if you want to. hope that helped.

[mshort813]

yeah good question policeman. ive done that a couple times where i said weird words just so it would rhyme with the next line. well i come to notice (and this is just my opinion) that you should just try to write the song without the weird words that rhyme. just as long as the song flows, it will work. then you can go back and read it again, and put in other rhymes if you want to. hope that helped.

[Sparti-GreG]

well i've written a few songs, but my problem is getting a topic to write about.
once i get that, i can just write easily.
the thing is most the stuff ppl say for this is just keep a little notebook, but for me nothing comes to mind...any suggestions?

The most important member of my *ahem* Highly accliamed band is:
*****"The random Song Bag (c)tm all rights reserved!!!"******
What u do is write down all sorts of words, phrases and thoughts that you like the meaning/sound/connotations of. Put all these words in a bag, jumble them up and randomly pull out a few words. Arrange them in any way and even replace some words.
Then what I do is after I've found a good set of words I just sit with my guitar (and my song hat) and just strum away and find some decent riffs and just sing along using whatever comes into your head. Always keep a notepad handy cos quite often I go off on one getting great lyrics and then i forget!!!
But thats how I do it...so u'll probably be best just ignoring what I've just written... All of my songs are a bit weird and crap. But hey! It makes a change from all that death, suicide, depression, drugs, teen angst, and all that samey stuff.

For example have you heard a song Written about playing with Terry Nutkins?
Ah ha I think Not!!!

[paranoid_policeman]

thanks. mshort. And who is Terry Nutkins?

[zyxon]

Masturbate at least 6 times a day, it can do wonders for you, also make sure that you use lubricant, or it may be a little irritating
...And this will help poetry...

[kid_kaos]

Dont know of these points have been covered, (I am too lazy to read teh entire thread) but keep things natural and simple. My band was togetehr oen day and our drummer started soemhting up and everyone fell into place, the lyrics just flowed out without me thinking...

Also poetry is a good way to help develop songs as well, it gives you that step toward self- expression.

[anythingbut_this]

I can write decent songs but how do I write a metal love song? One with a death metal styled vocals...

I disagree with bigskinny. You might look at HIM there is a thing called love metal. It might just be what youre looking for

[rest_in_pieces]

HIM is nowhere near death metal, but its probably the closest you're gonna get to love metal.

If you're playing death metal, it doesnt really matter what the lyrics are about except form bringing up emotion. Its all incoherent anyways so as long as it makes you put effort into the singing/screaming/bile extraction process then it doesnt really matter.

[kitkatkate35]

i mostely get my inspiration on stuff i witness in everyday life. not just personal expeirences, but otherpeoples. I see how they feel and write about them. One day...just go out, and observe, try not to interact with anyone, just for one day...you will see how it pays off. oh and another suggestion...dont write lyrics first....or music first.....write them at the same time....it a lot easier to make em fit together


i do the same thing, i cant write about myself, i always write bout what is happening 2 my friends,

[Gemini 8]

Could someone tell me how to go about copywriting a song?

thx

~Justin

[paintballer24]

i am 13 and just starting a band we have about 4 songs but they are all just over 2 minuets..is that a bad thing and how could i make it longer.?

[Gemini 8]

What kind of does your band play, first of all?

~Justin

[AntiGovRealist]

Don't be afraid to separate stanzas...i know i don't like to read something with stanzas 1028 lines long

[AntiGovRealist]

i am 13 and just starting a band we have about 4 songs but they are all just over 2 minuets..is that a bad thing and how could i make it longer.?
dude, length has nothing to do with it, as long as they are good songs its fine.
the ramones rarely had a song over three minutes so don't worry about it, but if you truly want it longer, add some instrumental solos

[AntiGovRealist]

Could someone tell me how to go about copywriting a song?

thx

~Justin
Technically, upon being recorded in some tangible media (i.e. writing, tape recording, etc.) your work is automatically protected under copyright law, however to copyright a song, one needs to register it with the US copyright office...which costs money. Honestly, if you're worried about posting here, don't be, we all have the utmost integrity and proof that the work is indeed yours.

[AntiGovRealist]

please don't make lyrical suggestions (at least not to me) it's annoying and it doesn't convey the writer's/my original thoughts (how many people honestly take someone else's suggestions?)

[riotgirl]

another good thing to remember when u write a song is try and base it on something that u know, it makes it easier to write and the ideas flow.

[loserkid5643]

does anyone else just stop writing after 2 lines or so? because the idea just gets blocked out of your head.. this happens to me and it's really annoying..

[factor46]

yes, actually that just happened to me like 10 minutes ago. lol.

[vinny]

woohoo!!! Finally! Someone else has noticed how unoriginal depressing lyrics are! There's a lot of angst in this forum... and although not always a bad thing, it does get dull (sorry guys!)

I know its a good source of material.. but if ur depressed it might be just as effective to write a happier, more optimistic song... you might feel even better at the end of it.

Can you imagine how depressing listening to music would be if popular bands all wrote like a lot of you guys do?

:thumb:
good point whoever made it originally, far too much teen angst in some nu rock bands, its important to recognise what kind of mood you are in before writing a song, try when you are happy, depressed etc. then compare whatever works for you.

My oh so excellent tip for anybody stuck with lyrics:(works for me neway!)
i spend alot of time on the train, pub being a student and i carry pen and scrap of paper everywhere, when i over hear something i like the sound of i write it down randomly and then fit melodies to any guitar stuff im working on!

[hardspot]

If you have a problem with getting ideas. I'll reveal my secret, just write every thought that enters your head, then when your through just weed out the crap and rewite it. I don't expect this to work for anyone else but me but you all can try and if it does work thats great.

I do that to.. It's the best way

[bassangel86]

My tips for writing
I tend to write any little thing that comes into my head, then after a page or two of that, put it all together, if i try to write it all at once i get blocked. I always carry a pen and paper around with me, everywhere! Also, make sure you have a subject matter, and one thats relates to you in some way, otherwise it sounds fake or wont fit together.
But i just started writing so....hope this helps someone

[About YOU]

I'm having writers block. V_V
I'm not having too many problems to write about.
When I had a problem, I came up with millions of ideas, and tons of song lyrics.
Ugh, is this bad?

I was blinded from the truth and,
feeling this sea breeze,
Watching me,
I want to be with you,
not alone to be,
never seen again,
keeping this fear inside for prolonged years.

UGH! I HATE WRITERS BLOCK!

Anyway's...
1. Write about a person, place, or thing. (verb)
2. It can rhyme if you want it to, but most of the times for me it comes naturally.
3. Always write down everything that pops into your head that would be a good idea.

[oXsuzyshinnXo]

politics, news, friends, enemies, school, weekends, vacations, holidays, love, hate, tv, guys, girls, something that just comes to you, a book you read.., movie you saw, famous people, family, social life, relationships, lies, dying, parties, concerts, sports, that one really embarressing time that everyone will laugh at you about or you havent told anyone, cars, money, work, mythology, fighting, rockingg-out... there's a lot more but thats a few topics..hope i helped?

[Bloodlust]

Try and find lyrics to fit in with the music you play but dont write about something you dont believe in......e.g if your in a death metal band, it makes sense to write brutal lyrics to fit in with the music, but if your im a thrash metal band and are a christian, catholic....etc. dont write about satan unless they are your beliefs....makes sense really

[insertnamehere]

*bangs head on desk*

I just had some lyrics in my head...i was at a gig and couldnt write the stuff down... and i've forgotten all but one line...

anyway...

I think Bloodlust has raised a good point. You have to be able to defend what you say in your lyrics, which is always a reason to re-read anything you have written later on. Lyrics should be about emotion and trying to express it in as focused, appropriate a way as possible (for example, trying to write a political song and talking about killing George Bush isnt a good idea... use intelligent, thought out points...). However, when your emotion is flowing (not like that...) it can be hard to restrict your brain.

When overviewing things, think if your lyrics could cause offense, and if its enough for you to care. For example, if in your song you start talking about child molestation, rape or helping Nazi's take over the world, you may want to re think that a little.

[EdomFalling]

basically your lyrics are about your thoughts
who gives what other ppl think :thumb:

[chickwhorocks]

dont know if its been said... 27 pages is far too much to read, lol

but,
write for yourself, dont write to impress others, though praise feels good, it shouldnt be the reason why you write... andwhen writting dont try to bland anything down because people may think something is up with you, or whatever...

[TheWoodenSlug]

^^^
Yeah that has been said...by the guy above you lol.

I agree though, write for yourself and you can't go wrong.

[underTheSTAIRS]

does anyone else just stop writing after 2 lines or so? because the idea just gets blocked out of your head.. this happens to me and it's really annoying..

ughh doode i hate that!

[ihatemybass]

I need help. All the songs I write seem like poetry. They dont have the song form and everything i write comes out in the form of a poem. Can anyone help me with this?

[Win A Rabbit]

^^^ just try to get some flow going, and really work on it until you get it perfect. lyrics are not going to be perfect the first time around, and i spend up to 2 hours a night on my lyrics until ive perfected it (in my opinion) so that i can't change anything without disrupting the flow of it.

im the opposite of you, i just started writing poem-form lyrics, and i find it to be much easier in the fact that you can come straight out and say what you mean, but harder by trying to keep it going.

[KKinsane]

Ok firstly i just have to say stop being hypocritical people, by that i mean you say write from the heart, then say dont ever write depressive lyrics. if you feel depressed or are medically depressed (eg. me 2 months ago) then your not exactly going to write about the smily face in the sun...not that you would write that anyway lol.

Anyway...

1. write from the heart
2. listen and read others lyrics
3. if it sucks keep writing, change it later
4. use the sylible technique (eg 8 sylibles per line etc...)
5. use key words as hooks or the theme
6. metaphores are your friends
7. similies are also
8. pick up the dictionary/thesaurus
9. play a game, watch tv, go 4 a walk, draw random things, fill your mind with ideas, do everything imaginable and remember key moments and feelings
10. get a notepad and pen/pencil. you never know where you will get an idea
11. ask for help from friends etc
12. ask someone who you know wont lie to you what they think about the song (i asked my gf and some mates, NEVER ask your mother, she will just say 'yes dear thats great')
13. what are you waiting for?

Dont use all of these at once if it feels to much to take in, just make sure you have ideas and a way to write.

hope that helps.

also for writers block, pick up a pen and start writing a story about anything, ANYTHING, then use this as an inspiration for a song. even if it sucks at least you'll have beaten the block, then you can get serious :)

[takingbacktuesday]

good advice fellaz :thumb:

[jasmin]

screamo lyrics, what subjects do u type about?

[A_Perfect_Sonnet]

usually if i get writers block ill just listen to some songs, and an idea comes to me... usually im listening and i hear 3 words i like and then i create a chorus and away i go ;)

[supernovaman]

does any one no of any good SongWriting books or videos or stuff like that?

[hopefulanxiety]

I'm not sure if anyone mentioned this, but when you're in bed trying to fall asleep, just let your mind go and start thinking. One night I was laying in bed and I was trying to sleep and I thought of two lines which sounded good. I wrote them down (that's another thing...keep a notebook handy; anything you think of, you'll probably forget later one) and kept going over it in my head. I ended up writing all the lyrics for a song I'm working on and a pretty decent guitar part for it.

Again, make sure you write down anything you think is good.

[Win A Rabbit]

^ yea, i write whole songs alot of the time while im laying in bed with the lights off and everything. i just write "key" lines (lines i like the most, or the ones that i can remember the rest of that stanza from) blindly on a piece of scrap paper next to my bed.

ALWAYS HAVE A NOTEBOOK OR PAPER NEARBY

[Dancin' Man]

Just write alot.

[supernovaman]

I was just wondering if i had a demo CD of my band or what ever. How would i send that into a publisher or get it heard?

[KKinsane]

get loads of addresses and post tapes cds whatever to all of them, most will turn you down but some will give you a second thought, so give them contacts to your mobiles etc. dont get screwed, make sure the deals all good. either that or pirate radio?

[sheik]

I'm not sure if anyone mentioned this, but when you're in bed trying to fall asleep, just let your mind go and start thinking. One night I was laying in bed and I was trying to sleep and I thought of two lines which sounded good. I wrote them down (that's another thing...keep a notebook handy; anything you think of, you'll probably forget later one) and kept going over it in my head. I ended up writing all the lyrics for a song I'm working on and a pretty decent guitar part for it.

I do the exact same thing often after I've been singing a tune in my head all day.
The only problem is sometimes the tune is to a song already written, like the bush song glycerine, which i ended up writing all these verses for and now i can't use them beacause I can't fit the lyrics to any tune I come up with.

[hotcod32]

i try to always keep notepad and pen on me... espcily as i'm doing art as well so radom skeching is always good... but some times i just find i write whole songs inside my head when on the bus or somthing and have to run around trying to find pen and paper befor i forget...

gernraly i find i get sort of a tune stuck in my head, imagined, or from a song, or mixed up parts of a song, and write along to that... unless i'm actaly writeing for a band, or to try and put some kind of music too. But it is just a good way of praticeing writeing lryics with out haveing to be musicly creative as well, and you can always nick lines from diffrent sogns when you writeing somthing "real"

[ihatemybass]

Does anyone one have any tips on writing songs that tell stories or songs that in first person pov?

[AgeOfAshes]

i love the bear metaphor!!!

[AgeOfAshes]

sorry for the random bear comment...

ive heard that ur supposed to come up with an idea for the song to revolve around, and then come up with as many ideas or lines for the song and then edit... i learned it from successful country musicians so it might only be useful for that genre...maybe?

maybe some one can answer my confusedness, or maybe i can answer someone elses with this.

[Win A Rabbit]

^ i usually get one stanza done (chorus 80% of the time) then beside, under, ontop of it, ill write where i want to take it. for example, it could start out as a love song, but as it progresses, it turns to a hate song. or just write key ideas, rhyming words that would fit with the idea, something that inspired you to write this, anything.

writing the pattern you will sing it to is also very important. i sometimes write lyrics that flow perfectly, but then the next morning i cant figure out how i sang them. i just write it like this for example... (x is for one syllable) x--xx-x-xx-xx-x-

[hotcod32]

me i just write, i find if i try and think tomuch the whole song gose to hell

[SalomeHigher]

listen to jazz or classical music while you write lyrics... this works for me when i just need to feel something (a must, and it's hard to do sometimes).

[Permanent Solution]

Hey...I'm new to posting so hope this works...
I have taken theory classes and such so I have no problems writing songs with good progressions and lines, but, unfortunately I end up writing mostly power ballad type songs heavy on build up. I write the music for all involved instruments though. I also can't write lyrics ever, like I seem to have never-ending block, even when I get really emotional. Any suggestions to either problem?

email or aim me for an example.
aim is same sn, email is nrn_lusankya@yahoo.com

Ok...I went at it and pounded something out for those who wanted to see what I had:
http://www.musicianforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4620012#post4620012

[ihatemybass]

THIS GOES TO EVERYONE

Dont take the crits you receive too seriously. If you agree what the person is saying and think it will help improve your song then change that. But dont listen to every crit or suggestion thats made. Imagine how many good songs would have never been if the lyricists listened to comments and suggestions. Sometimes you just have to be stubborn about your writing, but only to an extent. Be courteous and be thankful for all your crits. :cheers:

[darkrider399]

Read Kurt Cobains Journals..... that really inspired me to write songs, but thats cuase i like nirvana to so if u like nirvana read the journals

[Permanent Solution]

Where would I find those journals...anywhere free?

[ihatemybass]

ALSO
For those who crit other peaples work. Try to crit before reading the other peaples reviews of the song. This helps add more variety to the comments and therefore will help the writer out more when editing.

[Danplaysbass]

does anybody have advice about the actual vocal patterns, the notes to sing. i need some coaching on that.

[maggotfelon]

I'm just hoping a Mod will see this and maybe can fix the problem... I don't know if anyone else is having this problem...

Sometimes I'll post a thread and then when I come back to check it I can't find it and I check my profile and it says I never posted it.

Other times I'll post a reply to someone else's thread and come back later and look through the thread and there will be a black dot indicating I posted in it but I won't be able to find my posts.

Posts and threads of mine seem to just dissappear. I have no idea why this is or how to fix it... maybe it's just my computer. I dunno..

[ilikeyoubetterdead]

Masturbate at least 6 times a day, it can do wonders for you, also make sure that you use lubricant, or it may be a little irritating

is that why stevie wonders blind and sucha good musician?

[Kirk's Puppet]

does anybody have advice about the actual vocal patterns, the notes to sing. i need some coaching on that.

I'm not sure if this will work for you but try listen to some local bands. It doesn't matter if they suck. I listened to my friend's band, a very famous local nu-metal band. They are talented musicians but their songs are simple. Eventhough I know the band isn't that all good, I figured that your average Joe can also sing melodies.

That's when I starterd making vocal melodies. Or else, listen to more types of music, it doesn't matter if they suck, just discover melodies.

If you have a guitar, make a simple riff with a scale and try sing with it.

[Permanent Solution]

ok ive been playing for about 4 years and i think im not such a bad player, i know lotsa chords, prog, theory, stuff

however, i wanna write something of my own, but i dont know how to go about it

is it the music first? the lyrics first?

any help is much appreciated!
Either or, I've been playing three and have taken theory classes, however, I cannot sing, so I usually write music first b/c it is really easy for me to come up with it. I have a general feel for the melody when I write it, so when I write lyrics I kinda know how I want it to sound. Actually...since I play drums too, I know exactly how I want it to sound. Anyways, point is, whatever comes easiest to you, if you are inspired to write, write. If inspired to do music, do music. :) Hope that helps.

[MeTaL MaNiAc 666]

woohoo!!! Finally! Someone else has noticed how unoriginal depressing lyrics are! There's a lot of angst in this forum... and although not always a bad thing, it does get dull (sorry guys!)

I know its a good source of material.. but if ur depressed it might be just as effective to write a happier, more optimistic song... you might feel even better at the end of it.

Can you imagine how depressing listening to music would be if popular bands all wrote like a lot of you guys do?

when i write a song i write based on 2 things, #1-- i take all the **** that i feel and write about and more often then not its depressing and more importantly comes #2-- i write songs that people can relate to and 90% of the people out there are depressed like it or not and all some of them have is their music

im not tryin to be rude and this is just my oppinion

[Permanent Solution]

when i write a song i write based on 2 things, #1-- i take all the **** that i feel and write about and more often then not its depressing and more importantly comes #2-- i write songs that people can relate to and 90% of the people out there are depressed like it or not and all some of them have is their music

im not tryin to be rude and this is just my oppinion
Actually dude...only 1 in 4 people are depressed, but carry on...

[MeTaL MaNiAc 666]

Actually dude...only 1 in 4 people are depressed, but carry on...

whatever dude you get the point

[hotcod32]

yes only 1 in 4 are, prity much all the time... it dons't mean we can't all feel low...

but right, let me explane this.. happy songs are hard to write... the diversity of life, of feeling and of exprashion, comes from adversity... it comes form challanges... bieng happy is what we are aiming for, and even when we are happy, what makes it worht a danm is the fact that somthing will try and stop up being happy...

Songs and storys, and what makes storys intresting, is not where they want to/are going to end up that important, its how they get there and what they face and overcome to do it... so writieng complety happy songs is like writeing the end of a story, it very quickly becomes boreing and cliché

i mean the best "love" songs, are the ones where your wanting to be with some one, had some one and lost them, are haveing trouble with some one... any that are "i love you, and where togather and you make me so happy" can only be that, there just so hard to make intresting or to write in an intresting way...

My best writeing/lyrics/art/drawing comes when i'm feeling down or i'm pissed off, and when i've not had sleep for 3 days and my mind isn't working quite right... they don't come when i'm very happy and "la la la" and my minds pefectly fine and everything is grate with the world, becuse there no streagh of feeling, there nothing i'm asparing to...

now odn't get me worng, i LIKE being happy, and i don't like being depresed and down and stuff... but the best art is drawn from those feelings with asprashions to somthing better

[Permanent Solution]

yes only 1 in 4 are, prity much all the time... it dons't mean we can't all feel low...

but right, let me explane this.. happy songs are hard to write... the diversity of life, of feeling and of exprashion, comes from adversity... it comes form challanges... bieng happy is what we are aiming for, and even when we are happy, what makes it worht a danm is the fact that somthing will try and stop up being happy...

Songs and storys, and what makes storys intresting, is not where they want to/are going to end up that important, its how they get there and what they face and overcome to do it... so writieng complety happy songs is like writeing the end of a story, it very quickly becomes boreing and cliché

i mean the best "love" songs, are the ones where your wanting to be with some one, had some one and lost them, are haveing trouble with some one... any that are "i love you, and where togather and you make me so happy" can only be that, there just so hard to make intresting or to write in an intresting way...

My best writeing/lyrics/art/drawing comes when i'm feeling down or i'm pissed off, and when i've not had sleep for 3 days and my mind isn't working quite right... they don't come when i'm very happy and "la la la" and my minds pefectly fine and everything is grate with the world, becuse there no streagh of feeling, there nothing i'm asparing to...

now odn't get me worng, i LIKE being happy, and i don't like being depresed and down and stuff... but the best art is drawn from those feelings with asprashions to somthing better

Haha, touche...it just pisses me off to see people labeled as depressed who are not actually depressed, of course everyone feels down, but it is very different from always being down. I guess it just pisses me off because I actually am depressed but don't take anything for it, which makes me a volatile person on some subjects, have a nice day, since you can enjoy it :)

[ihatemybass]

Does anyone have any tips on how to stay on topic during a song? I seem to write about things that matter to me but i always tend to want to put too many things on one songs. I cant ever write a song about 1 thing unless its super general.

[SkaRabbit]

If You want to get better at writing lyrics and you are still in school one sugestion i can come up with is pay attention in your english lessons. you can learn alot from your teacher about writing if u listen. plus they also explain things like metaphores etc well. and the fact you study alot of poetry on alot of key lyric writing material such as love it might help you get some ideas. so no matter how boring you might htink it is, it pays to pay attention in english. also take a notepad or bit of paper to english. who knows what ideas you can get from listening to other peoples poetry songs etc.

This is my first post to the Forum hope it helps.
thanks to everyone elses ideas to, they help. i particulary like the list of words near the begining of this thread.
(please excuse my lack of punctuation im in a hurry)

You guys Rock! Keep on Skankin!

[potocheese]

i want to know how to compose a song... what u do first?
write the song or think about the tune for the song?
and i want a rock n roll or some kinda new wave song.... plz helppppp...
email me lipzig@nitro.com.ph thnx!

[a1rflow]

^ ^ yea i need help too.. i sometimes find it easier to get the tune first, then lyrics...

[guitarfreak1882]

When writing the tune dont try and think about it just fool around with diffrent chords and bends and ect. to see what you can come up with. :thumb:

[hotcod32]

well song writeing is hard... its that point in a band where you stand there and think "right, lets write a song" and you look at each other, come up with a riff but find it just repates over and over and no one can sing...

Basicly you can do it one of tow ways... you can write lyrics and the tune there sung too and then write music around that... or you can write muisc and then write lyrics around them...

what i've found works is you come up with some music, and then just "sing" along to it with errm "nonsensacle" stuff like "woohooo" and so on untill you have a tune that sits above the music, you then work your words to fit that patten

[xKONRADx]

what i've found works is you come up with some music, and then just "sing" along to it with errm "nonsensacle" stuff like "woohooo" and so on untill you have a tune that sits above the music, you then work your words to fit that patten
good advice

[TheStubby]

Yeah, I recently joined a band. We're much like The Used. What I need to figure out is how to write lyrics like they do. I have no clue how to do it. Thanks in advance for the help.

[A_Perfect_Sonnet]

well, dont try and be like the used because they suck... so that would make you suck more...

dont try and copy lyrics from another band, because then you lose your image and are absorbed into the mind set "they are just like __________".... and youll never get recognized like that

[TheStubby]

well, dont try and be like the used because they suck... so that would make you suck more...

dont try and copy lyrics from another band, because then you lose your image and are absorbed into the mind set "they are just like __________".... and youll never get recognized like that

i know, we're not being The Used. We're just that style of music. And some people think they suck, some like them. And I like them. Everyone has different views. I was need help trying to write lyrics that dont suck :p

[A_Perfect_Sonnet]

refer to paragraph #2

[CrucialPunishment]

This doesnt have anything to do with lyrics but does anyone know how to scream like The Used, Story of the Year, etc.? I've tried and i can't do it.

[Permanent Solution]

Check out the Jam Session forum :)

[A_Perfect_Sonnet]

This doesnt have anything to do with lyrics but does anyone know how to scream like The Used, Story of the Year, etc.? I've tried and i can't do it.

isnt it odd that someone posted the same thing almost twice in a row? those bands SUCK... stop posting here :/

[izzy]

Sorry if what I have to say has already been said, there's so much to look through.

All right:
1. I don't think people should be striving to be the next Dylan. No one is instantly a great lyricist. Keep at it, you'll develop. Have patience.

2. When starting off, don't worry about originality. What's in your mind should be expressed, don't be pressured into writing about something you're not feeling (ex. optimism). If you're depressed, write about what's making you depressed. It wouldn't be very healthy to keep that bottled up.

3. When you get serious, find out what you don't want to do with your lyrics(ex. repetitive rhyme schemes, overly depressing lyrics), that way it's easier to make music you like.

4. Find music that you like, break down what you like about it, and try plugging that into what you're doing. Make sure to focus on more than one artist, it's just better if you have multiple sources.

5. Don't let people tell you how NOT to write your stuff. Write the way you want to, don't think, "This isn't the way I write." You need to expand your styles, otherwise you'll be stuck in a rut and your music will sound repetitive. Be open minded when it comes to writing.

[random guitarist]

thats true. most people think that writing in a depressed way is easier. its just a bad habit that can easily be broken though
a tip for those who dont know how to go about matching lyrics to music: just grab the guitar, play the song, and start singing. even if the words arent there yet. you will be surprised how easy it comes. just make sure you're being confident. may be better to do it alone.

[imbay]

some say it's the lyrics
some say it's the music
some say it's the tittle
i say it's the music video

picturing your song would help you alot.
i admit i've never written a single song.=) hehe
keep the tips coming!

[Los3rKid]

hey guys, this thread is awesome! neway i need help with songwriting i play punk and i know everyone says not to limit yourself to one style of music but punk is the style that i enjoy playing. neway bak to the topic i can write alot of good punk songs, like verses and choruses nd watever but i cant write riffs or music at all, im absolutely hopeless. could sum1 pls give me sum tips??