Tips And Questions

[drummerboy65]

hi i have done the song and it fits perfectly

[A_Perfect_Sonnet]

How do you spell "shoot you in the ****ing face"?

[hockey22]

Hi- quick question
Does anyone know of a website that will allow me to type in or click the name of the notes and then the computer will turn it into sheet music that I can print?
Thanks

[drumass04]

No.

You can buy programs that will allow you to do it. One of the most powerful composition programs is Sibelius. Unfortunately it can cost upto about £400. The student version (which is probably all you'd need) is around £100.

It's impossible to download Sib. as you have to have licences to put it onto your computer (all part of their protection policy).

You can download a demo version off the Sibelius website however. This lets you compose for many instruments, as I said this can be downloaded (for free) friom their website. You can't save on it however, and when you print it has a huge watermark over the top.

Tim

[deathscreamingsheep]

If your looking for a traditional band set-up you might be better off with just PowerTabs or Guitar Pro.

[blink182markhoppus]

to write a punk song is easy just think of something and what ever you see in your head a pic perhaps write about it.

example: i wrote a song about sex now what i saw was an imature teenager and wrote about it.

[blink182markhoppus]

hey a love song isnt at all complicated write (if this is to a special someone) about how u feel about them use some metaphors and go nuts. not to many though otherwise its weird. and if not to a special someone then think of someone that is special to u.

example:quotin blink here but "in the car i just cant wait to pick u up on are very first date is it cool if i hold ur hand is wrong if i think its lame to dance do u like my stupid hair would u guess that i didnt know what to wear im so scared of what u think u make me nervous so i really cant eat.

see wear im goin with this just write about how u feel and make it fun if possible sounds better.

[Little Android Man]

i am relatively new to song writing. i know the basics pretty much of song writing and i have a fairly good vocabulary, but i just can't seem to come up with any insparation..

i was wondering where all of you guys get your inparation from.

[MidnightHysteria]

There's volumes on that in the previous pages in this thread. Just for kicks, flip through pages 30-33 (chosen arbitrarily) and the final 2 pages of posts and you'll find most of what you need.

[jon53essex]

Lyrics?

I totally agree with all this stuff about amybe avoiding the overly dark and morbid etc.

In my band, we go simple, around relevant things, not just twisted love songs and deep dark stuff bout death. I think loads of indie stuff, and punk aswell works best with simple real life lyrics - like blur, rather than the whole in depth nonsense. Personal opinion though.

I'd jsut think of something to wirte about, try and come up with one or two catchy lines. Thats it! Fill in rest with waffle - voila! a song is born

[deathscreamingsheep]

Fill in rest with waffle

No really don't.

[holy_roller99]

how do you guys get your inspiration? like for me it is hard to find something that inspires me for some reason. love and stuff isn't something that inspires me too much though.

[A_Perfect_Sonnet]

Stop trying to be inspired and just free write, you'll be suprised what your subconscious brings up.

[DeadReligion]

Somebody posted a thread about broadening vocabulary. I suggest reading Bad Religion lyrics. Lol. Actually, that can work. Also, try the Word of the day archives at dictionary.com.

[holy_roller99]

i read lyrics all the time and anything i free write i find i don't like and the funny thing is is the best stuff i try to remember to get to a notebook and it " leaves my brain" so to speak. very hard to get some good stuff.

[Green Day's Favorite Son]

here is a song i wrote yesterday i've wrote 4 song lyrics and everytime i show people they they say it's not bad but it's nothing special they say it's plain and i try to not make it plain but it gets better but al the songs are the same basic quality here is the song (I have a 3 member punk band btw)

Why do they keep staring at me?

Is there still blood that you can see?

Nobody came to my aid

They were probably all afraid

I guess no one seems to care

That I’m still choking on my own air (verse 1)

You all think you’re the ****

I’m get so sick of it

But all that you are

By far

You’re all just jerks (chorus)

I know I did nothing wrong

Is it cause I didn’t play along

Maybe it’s just for today

I still feel the dismay

I guess it’s only for kicks

I wish they’d die those ****ing dicks (verse 2)

You all think you’re the ****

I’m getting tired of it

But all that you are

By far

You’re all just jerks

Ya they’re all just jerks (outro) (chorus)

[MidnightHysteria]

1) Wait out the 24-hour period and create a thread for this rather than posting it here (of course, it's too late now, but this can be advice to all newcomers).
2) I'd hate to see what they think bad lyrics are.

[DeadReligion]

1) What's the difference between alliteration, assonance and consonance, I read the definitions, they pretty much sound like the same thing :-/.

2) A. A faint moan, a window tainted by winter breath.
^ I like this line, but I don't know if it holds the window/winter alliteration (or what I'm guessing alliteration is) together well.
B. A faint moan, a window tinted in winter breath.
^ I don't know if this uses the "in" sounds too much, or if it sounds good alliterating that much. Which is better?

Mods, if you don't like the fact I posted a line of my lyrics here, than my SN is in my public profile, ask me and I'll remove it, or remove it yourself, if you're so inclined.

[deathscreamingsheep]

Alliteration is like this: Taking Time, Bordomes bane etc the starting letter is the same on two words either next to each other or close enough for the two words to provide the natural flow that alliteration does.

Assonance: A group of words that sound when read like they are supposed to mean. Alliteration is linking to assonance because it is a tool you can use to create assonance.

Consonance: A set of words with a similar sound e.g. tinted in winter from your own lyrics. Though don't take me up entirely on this one, I'm a bit shady in regards to it.

[slack]

consonance is basically a repetition of sound among nearby consonants, like stroke and luck.

assonance is repetition of sound among nearby vowels, like "jack flash"

alliteration is repetition of sound at the start of neighboring words, like jumping jack

[Bren_Bren]

I'm starting a band with My friends The thing is The all (3 of them) listien to metal mostly and I listien to hardcore/posthardcore. I was wondering if there is anyway major diffrences anyone can point out as far as how to scream the lyrics and what to write about. ( does anyone have any tips on screaming ive been usually just doing it by letting air esacping from my lungs kind of like ur cheking your breath kind of but its sound like a whisper so im not sure if im doing it right (i wish i could get a sample of wat it sounds like but i am unable to do so.) (oh and WUt im trying to aim for is glass jaw anytips?)

[drumass04]

Try the Jam session, there are threads on screaming every day in there.

This is more a songWRITING and lyrics forum than vocals. :thumb:

[Hate ur self emo]

I have no problem comming up woth some good lyrics but i struggle with creating an original beat. I have to use a beat from other songs. is there any tips on how to make ur own beat and singing style to the lyrics

[DeadReligion]

Then you've come to the wrong place.

[imnotapunk]

What makes a ska band lyricly

[BlindMantis]

How can you nake lyrics flow without rhyming for example if my rhyme structure was.
a
b
a
b
What sort of word should go under the first A that will flow nicely

[deathscreamingsheep]

It's not just the word on the end that gives a poem/lyric flow.

Poetry was invented long before rhyme became a standard convention and so there are lots of ways of making a flow.

Firstly and most obviously near-rhymes, these are words that sound similar but don't actually rhyme with a word e.g. remain and portray. This is usually because some of the vowel sounds are the same or similar.

Then there is alliteration. Using this actually does create flow.

Other devices are consonance and assonance (there's a definition for all these words on this topic I think on this page).

Metre is also good to use: this is to do with syllables per line, rhythm and stresses. One example of metre is Iambic Pentameter (10 syllables a line with a stress on the even syllables) though this is very constrictive and there are many other ways in which metre can be used.

[BlindMantis]

Thanks for that it has realy helped me the only other thing im having a problem is coming up with an original rythem. I have to use rythem from some of my favourite songs. Is there any tips to comming up with your own rythem

[!aaa!]

Don't try to be too complex with your wording, for instance saying "I love you" is a lot more effective than saying "I, Myself, am ultimately attracted to you on manifold levels". What looks good on paper may be tricky to put to music if it's almost shakespeare in its vocabulary. Some of the lyrics to great songs are pretty simple.

[i am the robots]

Thanks for that it has realy helped me the only other thing im having a problem is coming up with an original rythem. I have to use rythem from some of my favourite songs. Is there any tips to comming up with your own rythem

Do you play any instruments?

[spuck]

you folks have any tips on writing melodies?
i can NEVER get any that sound right...

[drumass04]

Study a little music theory, it really does help. I'd also suggest asking the same question in the Jam Session as they will probably be able to give you more information than we can here.

[jonnyward]

im having real trouble with writing songs. apart from having nothing to write about or inspire me, i have no talent. every song ive written (which is not many cos im rubbish) seemed ok but not great at the time, seem rubbish now.
im trying to write a song at the moment about a girl i know, but i cant even make it rhyme. i have 2 lines for it which my little sister could of written for me! help!!!!!:wave:

[jonnyward]

im having real trouble with writing songs. apart from having nothing to write about or inspire me, i have no talent. every song ive written (which is not many cos im rubbish) seemed ok but not great at the time, seem rubbish now.
im trying to write a song at the moment about a girl i know, but i cant even make it rhyme. i have 2 lines for it which my little sister could of written for me! help!!!!!:wave:
i could resort to a blink 182 style where i only write songs about porking your mom one.:lol: :naughty:

[insanepunkguy]

i can give you some tips for writing guitar pieces in different styles. One of the best is if you want to make your music heavy, tune it to drop D, lightly palm mute the strings, and use all your fingers on the top 3 strings coming up with some good rhythm parts. Look at some more melodic scales and base the melody parts around those, but dont make them too complex, often the very melodic but very short simple ones work best for this style.

[ITRIEDVOODOOONCE]

thats an ok tip insanepunkguy, but that was extremely generic. "heavy" music could mean blink 182 to some, and Job For A Cowboy to others. On guitar, if by heavy you mean more metal, resort to minor 3rd's between many of your chords, and make them diminished or just straight fifths. then lead over it and have a grand old time. But dont do just what i tellyou. Use it as a base to build your own writing style.

[A_Perfect_Sonnet]

Tune your strings down until they shake in the wind, then play whatever you can up and down the neck... works for Korn.

[jonnyward]

its not so much the guitar parts its more the lyrics. even when i have something good to write about, i cant get what i feel down on paper into something that works

[fiver-fiver]

the band 'Tapes 'N Tapes' has this little trick they use to write lyrics. they'll get down all of the guitar, synths and drums for an entire song, and then the singer will listen to it and hum along to it, or scat. then, he'll find the words that best fit what he just hummed, and kinda dub over his humming line. so, for the most part, all of the lyrics are random, but alot of the time they say something even more interesting or deep.
plus, the lyrics flow with the rest of the instroments really well. it sounds really well when they're done.

[DFelon204409]

What genre is that band?

[emotionalfeedback]

im interested to find that out aswell Felon...
sounds like some unique style, i wonder if they have a record deal.

-- study musical theory it really does help as drumass said, he's correct. just find an interval(s) you like and stick with them, and then practice practice and try stuff out.

[Kapura]

I've just been messing around with my new guitar, playing chords, making some rythmes...

But how do you make a song???

I've been thinking of verses, but i can't get a riff for my lyrics, or lyrics for riffs!!!
can you give me some tips??

~KN~

[slack]

Imagination?

[slip_knot576]

Hey, I need help. I'm stuck writing the same topic just different words and music. I mean I'm not even like what I write about. I'm a good writer, as in poems and stories and this comes easily for me but yea. Just tips and hints if you could.:confused:

[insanepunkguy]

Tune your strings down until they shake in the wind, then play whatever you can up and down the neck... works for Korn.

actually tuning drop d is usually enough for most heavy bands (and when i say heavy i mean heavy metal). It just means you can do power chords up and down the neck at the fuc,kin speed of light (if you can move your fingers quick enough)

[LO$ER-KID]

Sometimes I'd feel really inspired to write good strong lyrics..I'd be able too write maybe the first verse but then I start to go down hill, like loosing the plot completely..Thats when I get frustrated and screw it up.. could anybody help me on keeping the flow of my writing.Thanks..

[slack]

Do you try to perfect each line before moving on to the next?

[FA]

I don't, I write what comes to me, and then go back through it all (like a rough draft of a paper), and edit or remove the things I don't like. It's best to just get everything in your head on to the paper in my opinion, and then THAT'S when you go back through and edit everything. Also, forcing everything just to have a piece of work is rather pointless. Give it some time, most my work is anywhere from 1-10 days of writing.

[amalina]

guys...i want 2 make a song.....wat should i make 1st...lyrics....or de music......lolz.......

sorry about my english.....

[Kapura]

guys...i want 2 make a song.....wat should i make 1st...lyrics....or de music......lolz.......

sorry about my english.....


i've read alot sice my question... ooohm...

first you gotta get an Idea in your head, like uh.. you can't say,
Oh, I wanna make a song about ummm.. a nerd punk thing.

you have to let things that 'group' together just come to you, and then make them into ryhming words..

BUT DON"T TRY TO MAKE A SONG THAT HARD let it come to you

~KN~

[bard2dbone]

If you start with lyrics, sing how you think they sound rhythmically. Then figure out that rhythm. Then try to fit a melody to it. Then try to figure out your chords.

In other words: baby steps. You should actually do multiple steps automatically without thinking about it. For me, the first part I usually have to think about is what notes am I singing? Now what chords will all those notes fit in?

If you start with riffs, what does this riff make you think of? Does it sound angry? Sad? Confused? Okay, now write down phrases about feeling that way. They don't have to make sense yet. Look at those phrases. Now freely associate in your mind. Do kind of a stream of consciousness thing. 'This makes me think of animals, which makes me think of my dog, which makes me think of taking her to the vet, which makes me think of having to go to the hospital, which makes me think...' It still doesn''t have to make sense yet.

Now look at all those things you just thought of. Which one speaks to you? Use that one for your basic lyrical idea. Usually you will find that whatever feeling you picked initially will still go with whatever subject you now have, That's becasue our brains aren't really as random as they feel.

Try it.

[punkemohardcorekid]

only advice i have is....don't write like others. by that i mean, you could hear something awesome, and write something "inspired" by it, but it's not the same when you do it. example: drowning metaphors have no meaning anymore.
oh ya and if you wanna learn how to do something, look at good AND bad examples. that way you are able to tell what makes things good and bad.

[mullets suk]

Does anyone here find it a little harder to write happy, or happy sounding songs. this is because i dont like writing about being lonely,sad,or wot ever. i find it predictible and boring. so ive been trying to write non-depressing songs,and its kinda hard.any help?thaks.

Also,I've been listening to the Epoxies lately and there a sci-fi,new wave punk band. there lyrics are about bad things like the end of the world, and things along those lines. yet these songs sound really happy and not depressing at all. so is it the music that make the lyrics,or the lyrics alone.

[Spencer]

I have a problem.. And im sure its one that no1 can fix. But I when singing think I sound ok but when I record my self. I sound HORRIBLE. Its not the note or the pitch its just the tone of my voice its low but its really not... Sounds like boreing... Seriously I sound like patrick from sponge bob lol.. Is there any chance my voice would sound diffrent if I sing louder? Cause all I do is sing a little above a wisper when recording becuase I don't want anyone in my house to hear my horrible voice.. My dad is a singer and my sister is a singer could it just be I CAN'T?

[Spencer]

Does anyone here find it a little harder to write happy, or happy sounding songs. this is because i dont like writing about being lonely,sad,or wot ever. i find it predictible and boring. so ive been trying to write non-depressing songs,and its kinda hard.any help?thaks.

Also,I've been listening to the Epoxies lately and there a sci-fi,new wave punk band. there lyrics are about bad things like the end of the world, and things along those lines. yet these songs sound really happy and not depressing at all. so is it the music that make the lyrics,or the lyrics alone.

Yea I think you definatly have to be a very happy person to write happy songs. If I try to sit down an wright a song with no emotion it sucks but when I totally feel it inside me And I write it down its soo much better but always depressing. ALWAYS, how can you feel that much emotion to write a happy song? And when you are feeling that much emotion and your happy your probably out doing something fun not sitting home writeing lyrics

[pohl_56]

Hellol thread. I can't believe I have never posted over here.

So I have a question, not really a problem but a question. I have a notebook filled with about 25 pages of random thoughts and lyrics and poetry and all this stuff that, hopefully, will sometime turn into songs. I just tend to write down whatever pops into my head and run wiith it so thats not the problem.

Problem is I cant seem to ever sit down and change anyting with it to match music. In fact, I really dont have music to match with which sucks. I play guitar, keyboard, and bass but have not been able to come up with anything for the lyrics. I know I am thinking too hard about it but cant escape.

My question to you, the viewer, is this: How might I go about editing my songs/lyrics?

Did any of that make any sense? I know what I mean but cant express it.

Did any of that make sense?

[slack]

If you can't ever manage to put your lyrics to music, maybe you ought to try writing with meter, or write jibberish that sounds good when read outloud, so that you can at least start to see words musically, if that makes any sense. Personally, I try to use sound devices (rhyme, alliteration) alot because it helps me find melodies and such, even if I don't have music written for it (which is usually the case). And if all else fails, try humming along with the words. Seriously. Sometimes it works. :)

Other than that, I dunno. Why don't you post some small examples in this thread. It'll help to see where you're coming from.

[systemfreak79]

should you put a person's exact name? or mabey make a different name but have it sumbolize the person you are speaking of? example: sadie-alkaline trio, janie's got a gun-aerosmith. see what i'm talking about?
and
is it best to make a song with a disctinct meaning or just have it be whatever and spontaneous. like, having a song that takes direct stabs at a subject, or mabey have a song that is too vague to pinpoint one meaning?

[slack]

Depends on who you ask. Some people like the really abstract stuff; I don't.

I don't know the details behind the songs you mentioned, but I would think using a person's real name could count as slander if it was specific enough.

[oXSundayDriveXo]

i have a good idea for writing lyrics its what i do i play acoustic and sing so ill just pick a few random chords that sound right ill turn my computer mic hit record ill have an idea of the topic of what im singing of and ill just let random words out while im recording even for 20 minutes sometimes than ill go on word pad or w/e play the song and write down all the random things ive sang and try to put them all together i used to do it just singing before i played guitar worked out okay too

[pohl_56]

So I figured out my problem last night actually. After I posted I went and did some work and got some stuff together. It might just all come together afterall.

*Is happy and thanks for the advice.

[systemfreak79]

thanks for that tip, i am do the same thing, just without a computer, i'll play some chords, write them down, and then sing over it. then i go get my bass and just do some cool stuff with all that. thanks slakjaw, that helped me quite a bit. i believe i'm going to write a song within the near future, but i'm going to discribe a group of people but summerize it in on person,thus. the vagueness.

[**AJ**]

Heres a tip.

Write something different.
Everybody is sick of:

"Dark Crimson blood writing your name on my wall"
And "Dont tell me what to do i am so punk rock"

I like punk music, but i like the different varieties.
and i have seen lots and lots of different songs and structures and meanings.
But im sick to death of hearing cliche'd punk. Or Stupid Emo music.
Theres a tip.
Write different.
Play different.
Be different.

[emotionalfeedback]

my lyrics i write can be decent, i have proven it in the past. and now it seems everytime i try to write a new song it's just a bunch of boring cliche's. how do i avoid these?

[TojesDolan]

Don't use them. Think of metaphors that aren't as used...

I don't know what can be helpful, really. If you are aware of your clicheness, why not just avoid it?

Another thing I find useful is to avoid themes like love or self-hatred, because they tend to be very, very cliché-swarmed.

I'd also give things new twists... like adding murders to the love relationship, or relating it to your football game.

[xxxsaosinxxx]

all my lyrics dont really flow together how can i change this?

[slack]

my lyrics i write can be decent, i have proven it in the past. and now it seems everytime i try to write a new song it's just a bunch of boring cliche's. how do i avoid these?Maybe you should try working with a song idea over a period of weeks. Sometimes when I think a word or phrase sounds cool, I'll wait a couple days and try to forget about it. And then I'll start revising and scrapping things because I'm probably at that point when I'll be as objective as I'm ever going to get about my own stuff. So just take some time to let ideas soak in.

And if you know what the cliches are, then ****, you're on easy street. Don't use them. Just keep in mind that the first draft of everything tends to be ****. So don't beat yourself up over cliched drafts. Spend some time and rework them.

[slack]

all my lyrics dont really flow together how can i change this?Read more books and keep trying? I dunno man, that's probably the only thing you can do.

[FA]

all my lyrics dont really flow together how can i change this?

Like slack said, there's really nothing easier to do than just exercising your mind by reading and writing more and more. Keep writing and eventually it'll all come together...probably.

[xxxsaosinxxx]

thanks guys that will probly help alot :chug:

[Modest Mouse]

Hey i play guitar and ive been writing lots of songs , and im wondering how do i write lyrics to them .. and is it ever better to leave a song by your band without lyrics.... and whenever i try to write lyrics they've become emo and lame do you know of any inspirations that can get me off that track??

[slack]

Hey i play guitar and ive been writing lots of songs , and im wondering how do i write lyrics to them .. and is it ever better to leave a song by your band without lyrics.... and whenever i try to write lyrics they've become emo and lame do you know of any inspirations that can get me off that track??Read fantasy. Anymore I'm inclined to say you should write about anything but suicide or heartache/relationships. I'd rather read a shitty lyric about dragons and sorcery than a tired rant about how somebody feels.

And there's are tons of bands that have songs without lyrics. Mogwai, Explosions in the Sky, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, and Slint are some of the ones that come to mind. It isn't a question of which is 'better'. Whichever suits you.

[Modest Mouse]

Thanks slack i really appreciate it , hey ive noticed you've been telling other people how to write lyrics, so, do you have a band out there and do you write yourself?

[slack]

Ha, no I'm not in a band at the moment. It actually seems harder to find the right people than to write songs. So I'm learning some new instruments and doing as much of it as I can by myself. Anyway, I just like giving advice, but I'm not a pro or anything. :)

[Benster]

all my lyrics dont really flow together how can i change this?

Do you mean the meanings of the words in the individual lines don't connect enough with the meanings of the next line? I wouldn't worry, as long as there is an overall atmosphere. Listeners will usually latch on to a few lines, or even just a few words. They may not actually register most of the meaning of the song, and they might still love it. It's poetry, after all.

I think you mean the flow of the lyrics in terms of their sound and meter. In which case, I would practice singing one line many times. Hopefully, your mind will come up with a next line that flows naturally, in terms of sound, from the last. Then, you can go back and fix the meaning a little with a re-write if you want.

e.g. "Supercalifragilistic..."
"...bistic...?" "...operatic..."
"...expialidocious."

Some syllables just flow more naturally, easily and smoothly from other syllables. If you can talk, you can find them. Keep repeating the previous line, using the melody to guide you if it's already there.

[Matt_B_No1]

I find That if You Use real-life experiences or something Close to you its easier to form a structure

[rockbrigade]

rockbrigade - have you ever heard Saosin or Circa Survive? Both bands have the same singer and he has a very high voice. It's not whiney really, just extremely high.


well i actually went and tested it (with a keyboard and a guitar tuner to help out) and im not that high after all

Im a tenor and without falsetto my more comfortable range is D3 to F4 (is this any good???) and i can get audible falsetto from C3 to A4


***Question***: i figured out that im better at slower paced genres because if im not holding the note long or sliding into it i have problems hitting the note....

as you can imagine this can be bad if i have to sing at a quicker rock pace...

how can i address this????????

for now im trying to get better at just jumping on a single note along with the keyboard WITHOUT just sliding up a scale....(im already good at sliding)

are there any better ways to adress this???

[johnnyuk]

I have the opposite problem, dont seem to have a problem with writing the lyrics for my songs...up to a point...but as yet ive not been able to match a single song with any music ive tried to do for it. :(

get the lyrics infront of you if you can with either your guitar or piano/keyboard etc at the ready.
(not sure what instrument you play) forget about musical riffs for starters.
use a simple basic chord. could be any chord. C major for instance. strum or play the chord on the piano then go up the chord with your voice. mix the notes up until you find a melody your happy with. ok then try adding your lyrics. you can say one word for each note or span the words over two or three notes etc.
it's no different than doing a jigsaw puzzle. you have to add the lyrics piece by piece. each time you get a piece correct you can then move onto another chord and do the same until your melody is working. once you have the melody that should indicate how the riff should sound.
keep it simple at first. your building the foundations for the entire song and they have to be strong to support all the musical phrases which you add afterwards etc.
Try it and see ok
I hope this helps you.
Johnny

[I AM CANADA]

hey guys. right now i have a huge problem when i add in guitar to my music. right now i have the basic idea of what chords are goanna be the riff of my song. but every time i try adding lyrics to the chords, i come up for the same crappy rythem that screws up the sound of the lyrics. it is really hard to describe, but basicly, i take the rhythem that i am playing on the guitar, and sing the lyrics in the same ryhthem. it sound like crap, and is super anoying, because it is all i can do.

do you guys have any tricks to getting a better rythem for my song that is not all the same through out it, and that will add to my lyrics, not take away from it.

ps. my four chords in the riff are: D B G Am
and a verse of the song is:

You came and saved me
With all that you gave me
Only to tear it away
Cause of what I can't say

notice how all of the chords change at the same time in the lyrics. it has a greenday feel, which is bad, because i hate greenday.:smash: i want to be able to have a riff with a slightly different rhythem than the lyric's rhythem, if you know what i mean, but everytime i try, the lyrics come out the same as the guitar part. any tricks on how to come up with a better riff? i will take any sugestions.

**All of the underlined words are the chord changes. for example the "You came and saved me" goes You (D) came and (B) saved (G) me (Am) and so forth.




hope you guys know what the hell i am talking about.

[Nightvision]

The guys in the Jam Session forum might be of more help than in here. :)

[slip_knot576]

I find all my songs are pretty much the same length. I see that they only have two verses, bridge,a dn of course a chorus. SOmetimes if i'm lucky i have three verses. Any ideas or help to help me vary the length a little bit? Thanks in advance

[Nightvision]

Stretch the verses out a bit - instead of a 4-line verse, up it to 8. Chuck in a pre or post-chorus... it's more or less something you have to consciously do.

[slip_knot576]

Alright, I preciate it. MAybe it's just a sense of style or whatever cause i can write long poems and all. Oh well Later

[crazysockmanface]

need help! i know thisisnt the spot to do this in, but I'm desperate (no, i'm not coming out of the closet). The other day I say a very helpful thread on vocals, like how to trainthem and keep them moist and stuff, but now i can't find it. does anybody know how to get to it. Id appreciate it. sorry i interrupted.

[Azza2006]

1. Write what you want
2. Write about what you want
3. Personal experiences are awesome to write about as most people can connect to them

[metaliq]

If you guys are looking for ways to structure music, don't necessarly stick to the norm. Listen to mewithoutYou and read his lyrics.

For example:

mewithoutYou - I Never Said That I Was Brave

You might sleep, but you'll never dream
Onward! Progress! Or so it seems.
You might laugh, but you'll never smile.
Come on in and waste away awhile.

When dreams of rings of flowers fade and blur
Giving way to that familiar ill
come over and part your soft white curtains
Where I'm waiting for you still
If you'd unlatch the window,
If you'd let me lay there on your floor
If you'd give me another chance,
If you'd forget the pain I caused before
No use in saying how I'm sorry
So I'm trying not to speak
I'll sing in silence, lay beside you
With my face there on your cheek
My stomach swears there's comfort there
In the warmth of the blankets on your bed
My stomach's always been a liar-
I'll believe it's lies again.


Now listen to the song. See how it is laid out?

Maybe you can draw something from that.

[wearelistening]

> Think of the title of the song first.

www.wearelistening.org

[Nightvision]

> Think of the title of the song first.

www.wearelistening.org

What the hell? That's probably the worst piece of advice I've seen in this thread. The title is usually the absolute last thing I look to come up with - if you title the piece before you've written it, you're constantly going to be trying to tie in your song to the title. My advice to any new songwriters is to do your title LAST.

Oh, and no advertising.

[Headless Bassist]

i'm looking for the order and names of the different parts you must consider when making a song:confused:

like intro, outro, so on, so on....

i know it's probablly in this post but its 51 papges long, come on i'm not looking through 51 pages of thread and the search thing is not that good:rolleyes:

[slack]

Verse, Chorus, Bridge.

[Headless Bassist]

can't only be 3, you listen to any song and there's more then 3 transitions in a song

[slack]

Right. Those are the major parts of a song, though. There's also the pre-chorus, pre-bridge, intro, outro, etc.

[Headless Bassist]

that's what i'm looking for, you see i need an example of the list of parts that modern day songs have, like any modern day song, can someone please list them in order, i make r&b and rap beats but never a full song, really could use the help on this one

[jonnyward]

hey guys. right now i have a huge problem when i add in guitar to my music. right now i have the basic idea of what chords are goanna be the riff of my song. but every time i try adding lyrics to the chords, i come up for the same crappy rythem that screws up the sound of the lyrics. it is really hard to describe, but basicly, i take the rhythem that i am playing on the guitar, and sing the lyrics in the same ryhthem. it sound like crap, and is super anoying, because it is all i can do.

do you guys have any tricks to getting a better rythem for my song that is not all the same through out it, and that will add to my lyrics, not take away from it.

ps. my four chords in the riff are: D B G Am
and a verse of the song is:

You came and saved me
With all that you gave me
Only to tear it away
Cause of what I can't say

notice how all of the chords change at the same time in the lyrics. it has a greenday feel, which is bad, because i hate greenday.:smash: i want to be able to have a riff with a slightly different rhythem than the lyric's rhythem, if you know what i mean, but everytime i try, the lyrics come out the same as the guitar part. any tricks on how to come up with a better riff? i will take any sugestions.

**All of the underlined words are the chord changes. for example the "You came and saved me" goes You (D) came and (B) saved (G) me (Am) and so forth.




hope you guys know what the hell i am talking about.
yeah play it as powerchords and its the same as ''why do you want him''

[healthylw]

My most daunting concern about writing lyrics is trying to fit them to music afterwards. Are there any conventional methods to seamlessly do this, or is it kind of guess and check? I have never been able to prewrite a poetic piece, and then affix it into a song.

(sorry if this has been asked already, I don't think I can read over 1,000 posts in one sitting...)

[BassFish]

that's what i'm looking for, you see i need an example of the list of parts that modern day songs have, like any modern day song, can someone please list them in order, i make r&b and rap beats but never a full song, really could use the help on this one

If you want an example

Intro
Verse
Pre-Chorus
Chorus
Verse
Pre-Chorus
Chorus
Bridge
Chorus
Outro

[jurialmunkey]

(sorry if this has been asked already, I don't think I can read over 1,000 posts in one sitting...)
You're not expected to be able to sift through this whole thread, so don't worry. It's just a place to ask questions just like this. ;)

My most daunting concern about writing lyrics is trying to fit them to music afterwards. Are there any conventional methods to seamlessly do this, or is it kind of guess and check? I have never been able to prewrite a poetic piece, and then affix it into a song.

It definately is a daunting task. It really depends on how you write them. If you pay careful consideration to meter, rhythm and flow then usually you can get a feel for it (Especially if you have some idea of a melody). I'm not sure if there are any conventional methods and it is very difficult to do seamlessly without some sort of editing, unless it is a very rigidly structured poem.

I guess everyone has their own way but I can give you my opinion.

Usually I take the starting sound of the first line of the section I'm writing music to, then sing out the vowel sound to the note my voice naturally wants to sing it at. Sitting with a guitar, I find that note then play around with different chords that contain the note in different inversions till I find something I like.

I then progress with the rest of the line feeling out the melody half writing by singing out what comes to me and half sort of feeling out the melody on guitar. When I can sing the line along with playing the exact same melody and it feels right; I then tweak the melody to my own interest and liking. Then I try to find some sort of key that the melody fits to.

I then play around with the rhythm of the melody and figure out chords/riffs/ideas that voice those notes and hint at others within the key. Then its a matter of combining all those ideas and tweak all aspects to fit together coherently. Then I progress to the next line and see if the same fits.

Sometimes I will change the riffs/chord structure etc etc slightly to add diversity and flow nicely with the lyric.

Alot of the time it's really hard to just write a poem and then fit it to music if you didn't already have some semblance of a preconceived idea or theme of how the lyrics would go. Other-times it can almost dictate the music. Most of the time it's hit and miss though, unless you already knew what you where going to do with the piece prior to writing. As with anything practise alongside perserverance makes perfect. This really is a skill where you need to practise it over and try many different approaches and then one day hopefully it will just click and you will learn shortcuts and things you should do first in order to save time.

I hope that made some sense..??! And that it wasn't just un-helpful rabble. I really am not sure how helpful this was.. Anyway. :rolleyes:

[healthylw]

Yeah thanks for that, it is basically the method I have loosely been using (and made some decent songs with.) What gets me is when I go and read all these crazy poetic ballads and stuff in this forum, deep with imagery and poetic tools, and it seems too daunting of a task to take some piece of writing like that and insert it into musical form. You are absolutely right when you say that the music almost dictates the lyrics, I just find it awkward to alter some incredible poetry because a sentence is too long, or a syllable doesn't fit. Thank you.

[zero self]

does anyone else's art suffer when they're happy?... happens to me sometimes.

actually, thinking of a song title first can serve to inspire u. if the lyrics don't fit in with the title when u're done, just change it. :)

something that i use occasionally: say a line that sounds nice. it doesn't have to make sense, just please ur ears. if u can get an idea from that, or see meaning in what u said, it could become a song.

[Oh, Cassandra]

Pretty words and phrases are a wonderful inspiration.
Although I usually prefer them to make sense, so I have an idea of what I'm writing about.

[Grumma]

Best tip ever; dont try and write power metal if you have a deep singing voice :lol:

[ultim8bassist]

not all of the songs u write have to rhyme. they can be very good songs if the lyrics just have meaning. they dont really have to rhyme. i think this is why it is hard for some people to write music they think sounds good.

[Littlejohn]

Is there a term for a poem or a song that is written with a reacuring first line for example, Pearl Jam's Wishlist



"I wish I was the verb "to trust" and never let you down,
I wish I was a radio song the one you just turned up.


The song continues on in that pattern, and I find that I can write better and more easily in that kind of format. And I was just wondering if there is a poetic term or just a general term to call that format?.

This was posted in S&L, so I just moved it here hoping El_Goodo would venture into the correct thread. Everyone in the original thread said it was repition so I thought I would explain in a more in-depth way (This is what we're studying in Lit right now, so I get to sound intelligent for a bit)

It's actually just a form of repetition called anaphora, or the repetition of words or phrases at the beginning of consecutive lines or clauses. This is the opposite of epistrophe which is the repitition of words or phrases at the end of consecutive lines or clauses. Not to be confused with apostrophe which is a figurative device in which a human speaks to an inanimate object (i.e. "Oh, frigid earth why must your bite be so cruel"). :smoke:

[leedapie]

does anyone else's art suffer when they're happy?... happens to me sometimes.


It used to be the case back in highschool, actually! But since then, when I'm not happy then I'm... well, not happy of course, and things other than happy or at least content now hinder my ability to write. Because they're there, teasing me. When I'm happy, there's nothing stopping me. Interesting how that works?

(I've now decided to ramble a bit more!)

What else, is that again, back in highschool, I could take the inspiration from what ever it was that I was un-happily feeling and make a nice angsty and / or dark (imagery wise) set of lyrics or poetry... And they were okay, I was happy enough with them. Now, while I can write more when I'm happy, I can also make those nice angsty and / or dark sets of lyrics or poetry, but I like them even more. They have more flavour to them? And with the added 'flavour' comes a more powerful statement in the meaning or image to the reader.

Then again I don't really write that kind of lyric or poetry often >.>;

[akash29]

hey peeps... i know a lot of lyrics sites n have a gud database of lyrics but it is hard to find karaoke tracks on the net.. i've tried these sites:-
http://www.makemykaraoke.com/
http://www.karaoke123.com/ etc.. but do ne of u know any better sites for singalong tracks?

[Schirf]

One tip that I would add is to consider the potential for whole verses or entire songs being a metaphor instead of thinking in terms of short, in-line metaphors.

Look at "My Wife, The Arsonist" (http://www.musicianforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=430581) by Disco Donkey. He may take the poem as a literal piece strewn with small scale metaphors, but I think the work is better when you interpret all of the fire references to be a giant metaphor for both love and the dreadful mental damage that a “loved one” can do. The protagonist is still the same controlling bastard he describes in the lyric, but the fire references don’t have to be literal. My wife read it and saw it as describing her ex-husband who hid her medicine as a means of controlling her. Same end result, larger scale metaphor.

[deathscreamingsheep]

New question. I'm currently trying to create some big catchy sing-along anthemy songs for my band.

I don't really want to lose much depth to the lyrics for example in the verses so I'm thinking I'll keep to a strict metre to help keep the verses singable, but in regards to chorus how do I really make it catchy and singable lyric-wise (obviously a lot is to with melody and so on).

I've been listening to a lot of pop music recently to inspire me for catchy melodies, but I get really stuck when it comes to lyrics.

[A_Perfect_Sonnet]

You could just use emotion instead of worrying about fitting it into a perfect meter or simple enough wording. People like music that makes them feel something, that's why they sing along.

[Schirf]

Feel something, yes, but the emotion doesn't need to be very meaningful. How many people sing along to "Roxanne (http://www.geocities.com/artuntitled/music/police/policelyrics.html)" by The Police? Not the greatest lyrics in the world, but you can get nearly everyone in the room to sing to a popular Police song. I'd argue that the clarity, rhyme, and repetition are just as if not more important than deep meaning in 99% of all sing-along-songs.

This really is what I mean when I say that there is a difference between a good poem and a good lyric. A piece can be both, mind you, but a middle of the road poem could be a great set of lyrics, simply because the weighing of the two should use different scales (pun unintended).

[mike_heuer35]

alright guys here is probably the most beneficial tip if you are still in school... honestly it helps even though it may sound lame...

pay attention in english class haha... you can learn every trick to writing just by taking some initiative and paying attention... it's amazing to think they have something useful to say... but seriously... you pick up on things like, personification, metaphors, simile, all that good stuff... its in your everyday english book... also if you ever have rhyme troubles, that is if you try to rhyme... i understand mixed feelings towards rhymes... i use them if it comes naturally or fits well... this can also give your some some twists but i'd try sites like.. http://www.rhymezone.com

I also cannot the importance of practice and research... I've been reading through alot of the tips and they all make some decent points... you don't always have to write about your own experences, music is really starting to loop back into stories, but in my opinion your own experiences will always make relationships more personal with your fans... like say you have someone come up after a show and say what was that song called here... it spoke to me... songs like that save peoples lives... i think it feels better saying that it came from something that actually affected you... for instance... well this is a bit off topic and im not preaching or whining... its just there... i had a friend commit suicide about 3 months ago... and i still can't write about it.. i can try and it wont form... when stuck with issues like that... and if you're about getting a message out just say it at your shows... wow that had nothing to do with this haha sorry about that

so pay attention in english class it can actually improve your song writing
there is always room for improvement
dont get discouraged
keep the faith

[mike_heuer35]

Alright, I'm now going to write a song about a bad girl that lies to my friends and always tries to trick guys. How the hell do I start out?

haha... you can go alot of ways... quit caring about what people think... you could just like yell a profanity at the top of your lungs if it pleases you and then break into the rest... you shouldn't worry about like impressing people or anything... i have issues starting songs occasionally... but you just have to think of it in a storyish way... you could somehow introduce her as a character into it... there really is no right or wrong way to go about it... i would suggest dropping a slick one liner as your first bit... but do what you want man... its always your call

[ryanesx7]

i've got lots of ideas for songs, but always find it hard to start them, sometimes i try to get into too much detail!

also i always write in a sequence of events, like one thing happens and then another, not much about anything else (u know like feelings, environment etc)

[slack]

ibreathemusic (http://www.ibreathemusic.com/forums/archive/index.php/)

Maybe that'll be helpful to some of you guys. It's a forum that basically touches on all aspects of music and songwriting.

[whj247]

beefiest cloud, that really helps me. i usually read my lyrics over and i'm like...this is ****. but, maybe somethin good could come out of em. thanks for the good advice.

[Modest Mouse]

would this be complete **** for lyrics or good

I cant believe we’ve got this far,
this whole thing seems fake
Im starting to look back and regret
the decisions I make

I don’t know if you can cope alone
you cant make your own decisions
I cant stick here around for long
your love is like a prison

(intensify) (power chords)
you gotta get back away from me
cant you see I need some space
some times I feel I gotta go
I gotta leave this place

is there anybody out there
faced with this opposition
I cant take it anymore
my internal derision

Chorus: 2x
You got to stop relying on me
you got to leave me alone___
you need to keep your distance
I think I’m starting, starting to lose control

(not chorus anymore)

you start to make excuses
it seems your pretty useless

(Dylans chorus)
I’m leavin’ you behind me now
Letting your heart fall and hit the ground
You know that you can’t stop me now
I’m runnin’ away at the speed of sound

(chorus add on/finale)
I’m tired of your arms that smother me
I’m gaspin for some air now can’t you see
Just alittle space is what I need
Just alittle air so I can breeth
I’m leaving you today just watch me leave
An’ escape plan is what I’ve conceived
You were so full of life or were you full of ****
If it’s gotten to that point I’ll have to admit
That in my life you will just be a speed bumb
Get out or I’ll just toss that hunk of junk
yea yea yea yea yea yea yea yea yea
na na na na na na na na na



can you give me any constructive criticism we already have guitar so we have voicings but i dont know bout the lyrics kinda repititave

[jonnyward]

would this be complete **** for lyrics or good

I cant believe we’ve got this far,
this whole thing seems fake
Im starting to look back and regret
the decisions I make

I don’t know if you can cope alone
you cant make your own decisions
I cant stick here around for long
your love is like a prison

(intensify) (power chords)
you gotta get back away from me
cant you see I need some space
some times I feel I gotta go
I gotta leave this place

is there anybody out there
faced with this opposition
I cant take it anymore
my internal derision

Chorus: 2x
You got to stop relying on me
you got to leave me alone___
you need to keep your distance
I think I’m starting, starting to lose control

(not chorus anymore)

you start to make excuses
it seems your pretty useless

(Dylans chorus)
I’m leavin’ you behind me now
Letting your heart fall and hit the ground
You know that you can’t stop me now
I’m runnin’ away at the speed of sound

(chorus add on/finale)
I’m tired of your arms that smother me
I’m gaspin for some air now can’t you see
Just alittle space is what I need
Just alittle air so I can breeth
I’m leaving you today just watch me leave
An’ escape plan is what I’ve conceived
You were so full of life or were you full of ****
If it’s gotten to that point I’ll have to admit
That in my life you will just be a speed bumb
Get out or I’ll just toss that hunk of junk
yea yea yea yea yea yea yea yea yea
na na na na na na na na na



can you give me any constructive criticism we already have guitar so we have voicings but i dont know bout the lyrics kinda repititave
Yeah, i think that is pretty good, maybe one or two lines need a bit of work, ie. "I’m tired of your arms that smother me
I’m gaspin for some air now can’t you see"
"Get out or I’ll just toss that hunk of junk"
and maybe a few more, but on the whole, some good lyrics. Keep it up:thumb:
btw. i like how you use those kind of stage directions to help give a feel of the song:D

[Bub]

Hmm, needing a tip here really. Something I've come across a lot in my writing is the potential overuse of pronouns. "I", "you" particuarly, and their extensions. I just wrote a line in a song I'm on now, and it came to about 4 of these pronouns. Any way to get around this at all?
I don't want a quick solution to my current problem, more, a detailed technique of getting around it in the future. Sustainable development, that's where it's at!

[drumass04]

That is something that I had a problem with when I first started writing, and still do occasionally.

A lot of the time the personal pronouns aren't actually necessary to the piece. If you're saying 'I am tired and my limbs ache' for example, you could say something like this; Tired, my limbs ache. As you can see this eliminates the personal pronoun.

I'm sure someone else can give you a much more detailed method, and there must be others out there. We probably all reduce the amount without thinking about it as it begins to become second nature!

Hope that helps, and hope that someon else can give you more help!!

Timmy

[slack]

Don't write so much about yourself, or if you do, phrase it in such a way that it doesn't sound like a diary entry.

[Bub]

heh nah never written about myself really :P
More of a "you" thing. Going for the typical dominionating metal song where the "you" suffers and dies, basically.
I just end up writing things like "you reach down inside yourself to your heart and you.."

(not literally cos that's a horrible line - but that sort of thing). Seems to me:
"reach down inside to your heart" is more of a command than a narration, and I'd rather have narration.

I guess "reaching" would work, but that sort of requires an additional clause? "reaching down" doesn't work on its own, seems to meyou'd need "reaching down whilst...."or "reaching down as..."

[Mitch2oo6]

You answered your on question pretty much. Just get into the habbit of proof reading your songs, and eliminating any unneccessary pro nouns.

[superjoe]

any tips on topical song writting? in the style of woody guthrie and early bob dylan? what is topical songwritting exactly?

[Nightvision]

it's a tricky one, to be completely honest - some might say pick a topic that is dear to your heart and just go with what you feel - personally, I believe that whilst this is true to en extent, you won't get away with it solely on emotion - you have to be able to write properly before you can start to think about going topical. By properly I mean you should know how to use imagery, be familiar with the various techniques and tricks you can use to make lines stick, that kind of thing.

We see a fair few angsty 'anti-war' songs in here from 14-year-olds who hate Bush but can't seem to give a valid reason why other than it seems to be cool to do it, and those are prime examples of what your song can look like if you try to wing it on your feelings alone.

[XxAsFixIatexX]

"The crimson smell lost it's potency"

Crimson is a color.

And about the whole metaphor thing...
I could be wrong, but I thought that a metaphor is a stronger comparison than a simile.

[slack]

Crimson is a color.o rlyAnd about the whole metaphor thing...
I could be wrong, but I thought that a metaphor is a stronger comparison than a simile.Because a metaphor is more immediate.

[B Radd]

I have the opposite problem, dont seem to have a problem with writing the lyrics for my songs...up to a point...but as yet ive not been able to match a single song with any music ive tried to do for it. :(

u should try to write ur lyrics and music together, its alot harder to match ur music to ur lyrics or ur lyrics to ur music.

[Mitch2oo6]

You should learn some spelling. Anyway.

I have the worst writers block ever. I am no longer able to write. I haven't written a single half decent piece since The Oaken Door, I'm afraid. I'm doing all the things, listening to alot of different lyrics, ll that jazz, but I cant brake it.

[GuitaristD]

I am a 16 year old male. And about a year ago I could sing really well in a falcetto...Now I can't. I stopped using it for a while and started singing more in a normal singing voice, now I want my falcetto back and it's just really scratchy or not there. Is there anyway I can get it back or is it gone for good? ME and some friends are doing a chili peppers cover band and I am supposed to sing johns part (useually high background vocals) and I can't do it. Thanks guys

[SubtleDagger]

Read the rules.

[Minus The Flair]

I am a 16 year old male. And about a year ago I could sing really well in a falcetto...Now I can't. I stopped using it for a while and started singing more in a normal singing voice, now I want my falcetto back and it's just really scratchy or not there. Is there anyway I can get it back or is it gone for good? ME and some friends are doing a chili peppers cover band and I am supposed to sing johns part (useually high background vocals) and I can't do it. Thanks guys

You need to go to the Jam Session

[sjada]

Im in a metal band and am trying to write something that fits in with the genre. Its not really heavy as far as metal goes butIve been having difficulty trying to balance intelligent writing with not making my singer sound weird. Anyone have a similar situation?

[the_uber_penguin]

It can't really be done. If you're going to write something intelligent it's going to sound pretentious to some people. F'k 'em. Let the people who appreciate intelligent writing appreciate your lyrics, let the rest either decide they don't mind it and listen to the music instead or go home.

Or...if you really want to challenge yourself, write intelligent, meaningful lyrics but in a way that make sense in a more traditional sense to anyone who can't be bothered to scratch the surface.

[slack]

Im in a metal band and am trying to write something that fits in with the genre. Its not really heavy as far as metal goes butIve been having difficulty trying to balance intelligent writing with not making my singer sound weird. Anyone have a similar situation?I don't really know what "intelligent" writing is. I thought that was ... well, everything.

You know what would be cool? Writing lyrics for a metal band and never mentioning hell, damnation, forests, swords, or riders of some sort.

Write a song about fishing and be the most hardcore of them all.

[Bub]

I wrote a love song for metal but it was riddled with metaphor. In fact I personified a loss for love as a Phantom, and wrote it about. Can be found Here (http://www.musicianforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7786189#post7786189) if you're interested!

And about the intelligent writing of lyrics for metal...I don't know what your standard of intelligence is, but I have a...marginally intelligent song up here and that's pretty heavy metal. You can check it out here (http://www.sputnikmusic.com/forums/showthread.php?t=480017), its called Following Unsung (http://www.sputnikmusic.com/forums/showthread.php?t=480017)

What I tried to do there was make it a bit more dumbed down during the chorus and prechoruses, where the listeners get into it more - I always find the verses are where the FANS get into it more. Choruses win fans, verses keep them. And its already been put to music and sangs really well when sung, but still, some people can be picky about lyrics.

I'd like to hear a response to if it helped you and if indeed it did not, or any comments you wanna leave at all. You could probably help me! lol
Cheers

[sjada]

Hey, thanks Bub. I think I've got a better idea of how to go about writing this kind of thing now (liked those songs, by the way). In the least, I think this might help me to get out of my writers block. If you feel like critting anything that I post in the near future for this kind of thing, it would definitly be appreciated. Thanks!

[acoustic_latina10]

hey so after reading some of the tips for songwriting and coming up with lyrics...my problem is coming up with a melody. any tips?:rolleyes:

[deathscreamingsheep]

Despite poetry in lyrics I actually prefer a simple chorus. Especially if you want lyrical hooks, but still don't stint on power and delivery.

Example, one of my favourite choruses of recent times is by the rapper Sway:

I put my heart and soul into this music. I will not fail. This is my demo.

[hajenkadenkados]

You know what would be cool? Writing lyrics for a metal band and never mentioning hell, damnation, forests, swords, or riders of some sort.

Write a song about fishing and be the most hardcore of them all.

word!!! that would be amazing

[NickyMaLONE]

don,t try to write 50 verses lyrics if you have one good verse leave it. don,t spoil it with useless ****

[PECOAE]

Usually I have a riff or a song I've created on the guitar or the computer or piano or bass and I create the lyrics as I go along.

Then, as I figure out the structure to the song, I change and format the lyrics to fit my theme.

I usually sing the first things that come into my head - usually whatever mood I'm in - and usually the song I'm playing is also in that mood, so it becomes easy for me.

Sometimes it stems from my experience in the last few days.

Sometimes I free-write.

Sometimes I think about life and think about how things matter in the big scheme.

Just don't do this too much - you could get lost in it.

It's easier for me, however, as I sing the song, write the song, perform the song and record the song.

Hopefully I'll have a band soon enough.

[Minos]

I don't really know what "intelligent" writing is. I thought that was ... well, everything.

You know what would be cool? Writing lyrics for a metal band and never mentioning hell, damnation, forests, swords, or riders of some sort.

Write a song about fishing and be the most hardcore of them all.

That would be Progressive Metal, btw...some band that I cannot remember the name of pulled that off. As for intelligent writing, in my opinion that would be In Flames versus Slayer.
"Collect the stars to shine for you, but start today, they're only a few. A sign of times, my friend." vs.
"Bastard sons beget your cunting daughters,
Promiscuous mothers with your incestuous fathers."

Now which sounds more intelligent?

Anyway, my advice actually comes from another band. During an interview, a member of Savatage was asked about the trends of modern metal (angry stuff) vs. their own variety.

His response was remarkable. Essentially he said everything we create is art. The primary goal of art is to incite some feeling into a viewer/listener. The reason so many people cling to hate and anger is because it is the easiest to incite. You want to piss someone off? Go into the street and throw a rock at them. You've made them feel angry. But to make someone feel love...this is much more difficult.

So go out, write what you like, just realize that there is more to life than death.

My songs are typically cynical, I don't want you to feel depressed, or angry. I just want someone to agree, and have fun :P.

[slack]

"Collect the stars to shine for you, but start today, they're only a few. A sign of times, my friend."

vs.

"Bastard sons beget your squirreling daughters,
Promiscuous mothers with your incestuous fathers."

Now which sounds more intelligent?eh, one has more modifiers than the other. It's not a question of intelligence, really. But if you'd like, I prefer the first because the structure doesn't seem so repetitive, unlike the endless adjective/noun, verb/noun, adjective/noun, adjective/noun pairings in the second. :)

[PECOAE]

I've never though lyrics had to be restricted.

If I was in a metal band, I'd probably still be singing about how life is powerful and to use it, and to do stuff, and to save people and to ... etc.

*runs away*

[Bub]

I've never though lyrics had to be restricted.

If I was in a metal band, I'd probably still be singing about how life is powerful and to use it, and to do stuff, and to save people and to ... etc.

*runs away*

A lot of metal bands do indeed sing about that kinda stuff. Lyrics really aren't that restricted, you can write about anything - but a metal song about some cute little animals playing games with each other isn't gonna hitit off well with the crowd - you're not gonna get a good reaction.

That doesn't mean you have to write for the audience - I mean it has to be fitting with the style - not a stereotype of the genre, but the genre itself.

[Leftovers]

erm... what do i have to do to be allowed to star a new thread and show the stuff i've been working on ???

thanks...

PS: if someone comes with a hardcore song without all the things slack said, man that would be awesome...

[TheBigMachine]

I came up with a prog-rock equivalent, will that do?
You have to wait 24 hours before you can post new threads.

[FA]

I go fishing occasionally and I enjoy it...that'd be fun to write on, whether or not you were serious...



But will I? Doubtful.

[TheBigMachine]

No, Im serious, the song is on the boards at the moment.

[PECOAE]

A lot of metal bands do indeed sing about that kinda stuff. Lyrics really aren't that restricted, you can write about anything - but a metal song about some cute little animals playing games with each other isn't gonna hitit off well with the crowd - you're not gonna get a good reaction.

That doesn't mean you have to write for the audience - I mean it has to be fitting with the style - not a stereotype of the genre, but the genre itself.

Thank god someone understands.

Usually I think a cliche is in the writing, not in the topic.

The writing is the most important - thats where you wanna be original.

[charolastra]

does writing under the influence of some substance, legal or not, really "awaken" those creative juices and make you write better, and more creatively?

just wondering because most of my bandmates tend to intoxicate or tweak themselves before they get into the process...

[ATC]

Not really. More than likely, all that does for them is make them more comfortable, enough to write. Most lyrics written when high just plain suck.

[TheBigMachine]

I, Mitch, have a prolbeamo. Everything I write these days seems to just come out as prose. Hell, the first two stanzas of my last piece were prose...But now, what I try to write comes out as flowless, and rather descriptive prose.

Tips?

[slack]

So write prose that has a flow. You're talking about the fishing piece, right? From what I remember it had decent sound. If you think your writing has too much descriptiveness, then just limit yourself to thoughts and what people say. Read your favorite lyricists. Who are your favorite lyricists, by the way?

[TheBigMachine]

I dont actually know their names. Well, all the obvious ones that I picked up in the community thread, Elliot Smith and the likes. I like alot of the 'emo' lyrics, some of the bands FA mentioned. They're actually very beautiful. But specifically, I dont really have a favourite, I use elements from whatever I hear and happen to like.

[adMan]

Originally Posted by slack
You know what would be cool? Writing lyrics for a metal band and never mentioning hell, damnation, forests, swords, or riders of some sort.

Write a song about fishing and be the most hardcore of them all.



its been done! a local band, also very good friends of mine - sheeth - there lead singer wrote a song about breaking his toe, which was named "tono" and also wrote a song about fishing called "slaughter in the water".

****ing incredible song writer that guy is.

go and check em out - www.sheeth.com - www.myspace.com/sheeth

also, listen to a band called psychostick. its comedy metal at its best.

rock on lads.

[slpntrx5]

TIPS/ADVICE

im not sure if someone already said this, and i'm not gonna go through over 50 pages to find it, but the way i learned and improved was pretty much just listening to a lot of bands i most admired, and having my band crit my lyrics as i cranked out songs by the ton. im finally somewhat satisfied with what i write most of the time.

[White]

Question about Proggressive Rock writing. Now I am about to enbark on my first prog song, but I am really trying to fit this song directly in witth what prog rock is defined to have in its lyrics, according to wikipedia it mainly revovles around Fantasy, science fiction, Religion, Philosophy, and war. Luckily Religion, Philosophy, and fantasy are the three things I love in life (next to drums lol)

So ya, I am trying to combine those three elements in my song, but I keep on trying to make every line rhyme and have meaning behind it. Like all my lines turn into philisophical sayings.

Right now I am going to base my song around the idea of beating your inner problems, And in my song I use a troll and the bridge to represent your inner problem, Now in the song it will give stuff like hidden tips as to over come it, like for say "listen to yourself to hit the throat" sort of line.

So what do your purpose i do lol, cause I just don't know how to start it, or to continue it.

[slack]

You know, all you have to do to get more "flow" (jesus christ I hate that word) is use alliteration/assonance occasionally, and maybe a rhyme where it really matters, like at the end of a stanza, for example, since rhyme typically makes something sound "complete". A lot of rhyme, or a rhyme structure, is really not that necessary if you're writing freeverse.

As far as philosophical musings go, don't beat people over the head and you'll be okay.

[FA]

freeverse ftw

[slack]

Yes.

I don't know how people write structured poetry. Sounds like torture.

[kidthatplaysguitar91]

How the **** can i get over this damn 2 month writers block????

[drumass04]

Write anything, and everything...it'll come back. I'm the same at the moment, I started writing a script, I lost it, and I've tried starting again and I'm finding I can't write a thing.

Just keep on plugging at it, try writing something different, something new, something the same. It'll come back!

Timmy

[sportsfan4427]

you lost a script...that must've really really sucked

[cadencethefire]

i know this isn't EXACTLY designated for a question like this one BUT:

Since you guys are singers i would appreciate some insight as to where (in general) you guys hang out. Not to say that you're all the same but where would i go about finding a singer and i've already tried all the obvious places...

[Surf]

not all necessarily singers. i can't sing for the life of me. and i'm pretty sure there's not one big park where all the singers hang out. to be honest thats a really stupid question. what you really want to ask is "how do i find a singer?" and even then this is probably the wrong place. my advice. ask around your school (assuming you attend one), your town. put adverts in papers. if the worst comes to the worst, there's a classified section on this website, try posting there.

please refrain from such crass generalisations and ridiculous assumptions in the future.

[cadencethefire]

well i made the assumption based on the fact that usually singers are songwriters as well sorry. I know there's not some park where singers hang out,

so what i should have sait was: if there ARE singers that hang around this thread, i'd like to know if there's a place that YOU go to (for example guitarists, drummers and bass players go to guitar center, sam ash or just local music shops) but so far i've had no luck posting ads or going to music shops.

sorry to just come off as jerk but there are common things singers do (besides singing) one of the first that came to mind was songwriting

[Surf]

to be honest, you're better off going to jam session, and asking something like "how do i recruit a singer?"; that forums more focused on this kind of thing, and guys there will probably have more experience.

[TheBigMachine]

Jam session is where it's at for anything to do with singers/singing. Go there.

I had a funny idea last night. How does one write a song in which some angel and demon become best of mates, and then God and Satan decide that's this is no good and cunningly plot and plan a big break up? During the way, all of heaven and hell splits, siding with either the other two or God and Satan, resulting in four gods, and three heavens/hell. Because the other two don't believe in heaven and hell anymore.

[Surf]

it'd help if you were john milton. but since you're not, i've no idea. if you really want to write this, i'd start by reading milton's paradise lost and regained, isiah and revelations from the bible, Mmarlowe's dr faustus and dante's divine comedy, just to get some background info on what you seem to be aiming for. then plan out the story, and divide it into chapters (or if you want to be really clever, cantos) and the write around that. i wouldn't advise it though, because unless you're very thorough, people are going to pick holes in it, and you'll just end up sounding like some shoddy death metal band. if you think you can do it, then by all means go for it, but if you want to do it right, it'll take a lot of work.

[cadencethefire]

to be honest, you're better off going to jam session, and asking something like "how do i recruit a singer?"; that forums more focused on this kind of thing, and guys there will probably have more experience.


thanks i will

[White]

well i made the assumption based on the fact that usually singers are songwriters


not all the time lol, Geddy Lee (Rush) sings, neil peart is the lyricist,

thats all i got lol.

[holy_roller99]

How the **** can i get over this damn 2 month writers block????

I know. join the club

[TheBigMachine]

Hey white.

Surf: Yeah, it was just a fleeting idea I had. I might it later, when Im not so busy but it's back into storage for now.

[JD man]

hi guys
Am I going to get flamed if I just compliment someone without actually writing a real crit? Because some stuff I just like but dont really have much to say about. Should I just keep my mouth shut in these situations?

[TheBigMachine]

Well, it depends. You can say what specifically you liked most, that's ok I guess but dont just post "yo man nice song" kinda thing. Point out what you like and why you liked it.

[slack]

... any feedback is generally better than nothing.

[TheBigMachine]

But doesn't it frustrate you when someone comes up saying "Nice song" and that's like it? It'd only take an extra thirty seconds to type why you liked it, it's not hard...But yeah...

[JD man]

cool
I get it. I can manage to say what I like. But real analysis is just really difficult for me with certain pieces.

[deathscreamingsheep]

Yes.

I don't know how people write structured poetry. Sounds like torture.

Structured poetry > freeverse.

[Surf]

Structured poetry > freeverse.

depends who's writing it.

shakespeare, marlowe and most 'older' poets thrived on structured writing, whereas most modern poets, t s eliot, heaney and (my favourite) Duffy write incredible freeverse that really wouldn't work in different situations.

having a structure (e.g. sonnets) allows you to convey a point in a defined manner (three arguement quatrains and a conclusion) in a generally accepted manner, ergo allowing a greater sense of ambiguity and poetic dimension

however, freeverse can make words come alive in ways a structure could never achieve. too much to go into depth here.

i prefer reading and writing freeverse, but the favourite piece i've written is a sonnet, so go figure.

[deathscreamingsheep]

Well in terms of writing for song lyrics I prefer a structured style, partly because lyrics is oral poetry and oral poetry usually sounds better when there is some form of define meter or rhyme or other form. Also, in terms of poetry as a whole I prefer reading the 'explosion within a box', where structure is conformed up to a point and then when the poet breaks structure at points of climax or for some other reason it seems all the more impressive. Given that, I also enjoy poets such as T S Eliot.

[tearsofthesoul]

I don't really know about writing lyrics because whenever i do I just say what comes but afterwards when i read it i think they sound bad any tips to make it better?

[Surf]

guide at the top of the page.
but essentially, work with what you've got; edit it, pt it down for a few days, read it again, make changes again etc etc until you're happy with it. then post it.

[Aus_rock_god]

Be honest. Only write what you know about it. People can tell when you're bullsh!tting.

[nerd1211]

hey where should i start with singing? is there any good websites?

[Surf]

http://www.sputnikmusic.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=10

this is jam session, there's some stickied threads at the top of the page; they should help you out a bit

[miromir]

I think sometimes it's a great inspiration, when you done with instrumental to sing on it. Try maybe you get something cool.

[TheBigMachine]

I disagree with that - while this can work to a certain extent, maybe for a nice hook or one liner, in most cases the lyrics are more than mediocre, they're bad. This is because to write good lyrics, you need time. You gotta relax a bit and take the time to perfect it.

[insaneflyingmonkey]

Yeah, I find that in doing that, the only good stuff I get are singular lines, but then again, I've barely been able to write more than one line at a time for the past six or so months.

[TojesDolan]

It's actually harder to come up with a clever lyric, or a catchy chorus, than come up with a catchy riff. That's actually easy if you know your theory.

To avoid that problem I write a) Instrumentals and b) Poetry

That's it.

[Surf]

i can't write chorus', and having no melodic musical ability rules out most actual songwriting and instrumentals. so, poetry for me. good thing that i prefer poetry to music anyway

[White]

Well Today was rough. See Me and my semi-girlfriend broke up on Friday and Today I find out saturday that her and my best friend were making out, so ya, it was a day filled with pain, hate, and mixed emotions, but when it comes to music I do like depressing style stuff, but depressing with philosophical meaning and religion, etc... and I am about to write about this here in a sec, but im wondering where to start, so what do you think I should start with, how angry I am, or how I want things to go back to the way they were, its realy been bugging me, thanks.

[Surf]

best advice, if you have no ideas, freewrite for several pages, then re-read it and see if there's any ideas you like. you may be too angry to write anything good, or at least objective

[White]

Ya thats pretty much how I feel, I know if I wrote it would just be harsh and thats what I hate in some songs, so i know the writing right now won't do me any good

[Aus_rock_god]

I disagree with that - while this can work to a certain extent, maybe for a nice hook or one liner, in most cases the lyrics are more than mediocre, they're bad. This is because to write good lyrics, you need time. You gotta relax a bit and take the time to perfect it.

I never write lyrics unless I'm 100% sure with what I'm doing.

I'm never afraid to scrap them either.

When lyrics suck to you, they suck to everyone.

[guitarist7]

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

hello, first off, please comment on this thread/lesson to tell me what you think. also, this perception of songwriting produces more profound deep poetic jim morrison vibes and will only work if you (consider yourself an "intellectual" with words.


ok, first off set the mood, meditate, eat shrooms, read a thought provoking book, light some incense, whatever. then write a free verse poem on anything, though i find it hard to write a poem based off imagery but what ever. personally i like to write them on the doors of perception, and the wall of reality that has doors you can travel, but anything you honestly dig and believe in will work. dont edit the poem, just stick it under your bed or where ever and dont look at it for about 3 days. then try to recreate the enviorment you were in when you wrote it and relax and then get a pen and paper and try to capture the essance of the vibes when you wrote it, and write about your reaction to reading the poem, the deja voo from it or what ever you are feeling, come in touch with your sense and produce your true thoughts. then write about five 4 line verses and then write a chorus about writing the first paragraphs.

try it, tell me the goods bads and weather you think this is some crazy stupid theroy coming from a 14 year old dumb hippy or if you think its great, but please leave a comment, its easy to sign up, and i want feedback.

waylon fairbanks,14

[TojesDolan]

Don't be so hard on him.

It's well prepared but I don't necessarily agree. You don't have to be a drugadict to write good songs/pieces. YOu just need to be mildly literate and very creative.

[Surf]

hello, first off, please comment on this .....


blew. my. mind. man.

[Surf]

on the subject of rhyming:

...Rhyme being of no necessary adjunct or true ornament of poem or good verse, in longer works or especially, but the invention of a barbarous age, to set off wretched matter and lame meter; grac't indeed since by use of some famous modern poets, carried away by custom, but much to their own vexation, hinderance and constraint to express many things otherwise, and for the most part, worse than else they would have express't them....a fault avoided by the learned anciets in both poetry and good oratory. this neglect then of rhyme so little is to be taken for defect, though it may seem so perhaps to vulgar readers...ancient liberty recover'd...from the troublesome and modern bondage of rhyming.

so yeah, steer clear of dull rhyme scheme. unless you want to appear 'vulgar'

[beso negro]

I have a quick question:

Is erotic poetry allowed here? The poem I wrote the other day was an erotic poem, but it was more romantic than vulgar.

[dyuaru]

Just wondering if anyone could give me some tips on writing funk style lyrics. I usually write more rock styled lyrics and am getting into funk so I was just wondering if there are any guidelines or tips to writing in the style of funk.
Some examples would be Sly and the Family Stone, James Brown, the Brothers Johnson, Jimi Hendrix, etc.

Thanks.

[TheBigMachine]

One thing I've always found, is that it sucks to write lyrics to fit a genre. Writing lyrics to fit a tune is another story, though. Me, I write lyrics regardless of both. But if you really feel you need some structure, get a funk melody, then write lyrics to it.

[SixStringKing]

just read some of their lyrics.

[Surf]

there's no predetermined rule for writing for a genre. write anything, then put it to funk music.

[RunAmokRampant]

Try practicing writing for a 'genre' that you've never been particular with or have had no previous affiliations with. It's a good way to avoid cliche within that style of writing because you've got no or very limited knowledge of that style.

It has worked for me before.

[TheMisterBungle]

thats an awesome idea dude
i kinda suck with lyrics but im trying to get better
i'll try this

[TheBigMachine]

there's no predetermined rule for writing for a genre. write anything, then put it to funk music.

Just what I said, except you put it better.

[TojesDolan]

Funk?

Well, funk is all about having fun. Write happy lyrics, write music in major modes, and try keep everything upbeat.

That's what I do anyway.

[Toaster]

I'm having trouble picking a "perspective" for writing lyrics. It's hard to explain what I mean.. when I'm writing, it seems like I come back to "I did this I did that" or "I hate this or I love this" or "you love this you did this". I have trouble writing a more open-ended poem. My writing seems to be really linear and structured, and I hate it. Any suggestions or advice on this?

[Surf]

experiment. try writing from lots of different perspectives. different perspectives will evoke different feelings, try different ways and see what the differences are.

try writing the same piece out from as many perspectives as possible; your own (first person), addressing the reader (second person, i.e. you...), outside of situation/narration style (third person); and see what effect it has on the tone etc.

you could try writing from weird perspectives, just to get a little glimpse of insight into something you would generally ignore/pass over. from example, write from the view point of a toaster as it watches the events in a kitchen. could lead to something interesting.

its all about experimenting. if you find a style you like, go with it

[TojesDolan]

Sure toaster.

It's all about the metaphors. Use them so things don't seem so obvious. Say:

"You love this, you did this"

"bees like hives swar the flowers,
the flower of your sweet secrets
beneath your skin, the skin
in your legs."

or something like that. I don't know. It's easy, just have a good idea and give it awesome metaphors. REad some emily dickinson.

[Surf]

or there's a nice collection by carol ann duffy (i'm plugging her again) called the world's wife. she writes from the perspective of women throughout history, often ones who are overlooked. mrs freud, mrs darwin, delilah. makes for interesting reading.

[hope lost]

Yeah I love carol ann duffy.

You read 'Havisham'?

Duffy takes on the persona of Miss havisham from great expectations, evoking the bitterness of being stood up on your wedding day.

You want a brake-up poem, read that.

[Surf]

*break-up poem

but yeah, its that kind of idea. its called Revisionary writing. other examples would include Grendel by Gardener, or Ulysses by James Joyce. its done alot with shakespeare's characters

[slack]

Anne Sexton kind of did the same thing, revisiting old fairy tales like Cinderella, Rumplestiltskin, and Little Red Riding Hood.

Anyway, I sometimes wonder which perspective will be the best for a particular subject. It's not a big deal as long as you remember you can write about the subject forever, choosing a new angle to focus on each time. It's not like writing about it is a once in a lifetime opportunity. If it doesn't work out, just try again.

[Toaster]

Sure toaster.

It's all about the metaphors. Use them so things don't seem so obvious. Say:

"You love this, you did this"

"bees like hives swar the flowers,
the flower of your sweet secrets
beneath your skin, the skin
in your legs."

or something like that. I don't know. It's easy, just have a good idea and give it awesome metaphors. REad some emily dickinson.

Actually that's very illuminating. I'll go for the metaphors. :p

[Jude]

It's not just the use of metaphors to describe images that makes lyrics interesting. Relating a whole situation or scenario to something else both adds an element of interest and makes it easier for an audience to identify with and relate to your song.

I love to use the Porcupine Tree album "In Absentia" as an example. It's a concept about serial killers, psychopaths, rapists, child abusers and other such social outcasts. But the style of most of the lyrics is such that someone hearing them without knowing what the album is about could easily interpret them to clearly be about something else - the album has songs about childhood nostalgia, disillusionment with life, sex, damaged relationships, etc. etc. which when viewed through the lens of the album concept take on completely different meanings. (www.porcupinetree.com has all the lyrics if you're curious)

This style has become one of my favorites.

[slack]

I like consistent imagery in poetry. That's what impresses me the most. If you're writing about hospitals and how it's a perfect summer day outside, the grass isn't just green, it's scrub green. Gown green.

[TojesDolan]

I like when people don't pay attention to what they are writing and go completely off track. That's so awesome as well.

Then again it's confusing and gay.

[TriviumMetal65]

:thumb: when writing a metal song always use the first three frets on the first string on guitar.

[Migraines]

When you find yourself writing lyrics for a metal song....


STOP :thumb:

[Nightvision]

:thumb: when writing a metal song always use the first three frets on the first string on guitar.
If this is serious, this is one of the funniest posts I think I've ever seen. If it's intended as dumb, then it's so-so.

[TojesDolan]

Probably it's crappy humoristo.

But he's probably right all the songs are written in E F and G lol

[skoolsucks6996]

okay so i have NEVER written a song...and im so confused on where to start....i have ideas on what to write about but its hard to start......anyone have sugesstions?

[TojesDolan]

It's impossible to. Writing is a personal experience, therefore each one of us satanizes or praises particular parts or memories or whatever.

It's all about the vibe.

[hellomynameis]

Don't worry about what you write, just write, your first stuff won't be good, everything takes practice. (to skoolsucks6996)

And try to make it meaningful, or semi-meaningful atleast.

[slack]

Worth reading

http://wwwstage.valpo.edu/english/vpr/mcdonaldessay.html

[Spydie]

I'm just beginning in the "singing" scene.
I have a couple questions: what type of Mic should i get?
I can inhale, how do i exhale?

Thank's in advance

[lord of darkness]

I think this part of the forum is rather about the lyrics themselves than the "singing" you should go in the jam session I think(I,m not sure), For the mic part, try them...that's the best way to go, about brands, "shure" are well known, not sure of the model though...For the breathing part...I heard it depends on the voice you want to push through...but I really don't know much about it, perhaps google it : singing lessons or something

[Jon]

01. I am a firm believer that you do not have to have a personal experience to write about something. (IE: I've never had a close friend of mine die, but I can write about it).
I am.

Pretty much everything I write is from personal experience, and I believe that writing about stuff that you have no experience with (marriage, break ups if you're young, drug overdoses) is awful song material.

This is why social life = good songs; no social life = bad songs. Also why my songs about relationships now that I'm in a serious one are good, and when I was 13 they were awful.

I can think of one major exception to this -- when you're basically telling a story, or writing impersonally from your experience - see Skid Row - 18 and Life, Bon Jovi - Livin' On A Prayer etc.

Also with literal imagery, its a fine line. Don't make it cliche, but then again Andy McCoy, my favourite song writer, writes lyrics that are so ...simple? that its uncanny.

I actually quote Hanoi Rocks in conversation but there is no way I could ever write like them.

I'll quote later.

[Surf]

I'm with the first guy. I rarely write about experiences; other ideas are much more interesting.

However, very often when people try this, it can come across as fake/unrealistic. The ability to empathise and project yourself onto others is a vital part of writing.

[lord of darkness]

Exactly what you said Surf. Writing about something you haven't experience will be pretty interesting if you know how to properly project it on yourself, but still I believe for beginners it might be easier to write about something you have already experienced, when you've got your base, than you can move up to experiments with things you haven't lived personally. Also I think a mix of the two can just be as even better, giving the best of both worlds. But what one should definitatly avoid is talking about something he has no experience with, if he knows he can't properly do it. I know practice is important and you have to practice to become good, but than again, starting with your own experience before is easier I think, then you move up, also, reading stuff other writters do (writters who don't write from personal experience but properly do it) might be a lot of help.

I must also agree on something, although I suggest beginning with our own experiences, writing from something you have not lived youself is REALLY interesting and valorising (is that a word in english?)

[Jon]

any virgins itt? non-drug users?

please write me a verse or two about sex or drugs and we'll see what it sounds like

[TojesDolan]

I am a virgin. I'll make a thread about it.

[FA]

Not all of my writing is particularly a personal experience to me, but me writing stupid dreamlike fantasies and such are the experience in itself...but a lot of my pieces come from actual dreams I've had...and some of it is real life...but i don't like writing about my real life as much, because I live my life...I want the paper to have its own :)

[Grumma]

Kinda on a tangent:

How do you determine what type of singer you are ie baritone, bass or what have you?

[Surf]

Try going to the jam session down the bottom of the front forum page. There's a few voice help threads there, Merkaba's voice hotline thing should be the one to check; they'll help you alot more than I could.

[Grumma]

Aight, sweet

[music girl]

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It really compeleted my music life:thumb:

[TojesDolan]

So I'm in a real college studying electronic fundaments in order to get to a sound engineering major sometime in the future. Good times.

[Surf]

So I'm doing a degree in a subject I love but it doesn't exactly lead directly into a career. Hurrah for English!

[TojesDolan]

Philosophy?

Psychology?

:‪lol:

[Grumma]

Or just about any arts degree :p

[synergy]

Im looking for a word or sentence that means something doesn't exist, or untrue. can anyone help? thanks

[Surf]

http://www.thesaurus.com

?


And there's more than just synonyms.
Try a simile or metaphor or something; its usually much moe effective.

[TojesDolan]

no‪

[TheBigMachine]

stupid fags.

[FA]

Im looking for a word or sentence that means something doesn't exist, or untrue. can anyone help? thanks

http://www.thesaurus.com

?


And there's more than just synonyms.
Try a simile or metaphor or something; its usually much more effective.

this...

[Grumma]

So who wants to write me a Satanic mantra!

Or has any ideas on one

[Surf]

I think it would be terrible and would advise against it.