How to Write a Song that Matters

1. Embrace Poetic Thinking to Spark Songwriting Inspiration

There is a sensation we get when we know that something we've heard, or the thought we've just thought, has the makings of a work of art.

Cultivate inspiration. Poetic thinking is the foundation of songwriting. It involves looking at the world from different angles and allowing your mind to make unique associations. To court inspiration, set aside time for activities that stimulate your creativity, such as:

• Walking in nature
• Visiting museums
• Watching movies
• Reading poetry or literature

Capture ideas. When inspiration strikes, pay attention to the initial spark. It could be a phrase, a melody, or an image. Record these ideas immediately, as they can be the seeds of your songs. Keep a notebook, voice recorder, or smartphone app handy to capture fleeting moments of inspiration.

Explore loosely. Allow yourself to play with ideas without judgment. Let your mind wander and make connections between seemingly unrelated concepts. This free-flowing exploration can lead to unexpected and powerful songwriting material.

2. Follow the Voice of the Song to Guide its Development

The Voice is the world, or the overall feel, of the song. The Voice is the tone that will reside throughout the lyrics and music.

Identify the Voice. As you begin to develop your song, listen for its unique voice. This includes the choice of narrator, point of view, and overall tone. The Voice will inform decisions about lyrics, melody, and structure.

Let the Voice lead. Allow the Voice of the song to guide your creative choices. It will help you determine:

• Appropriate language and imagery
• Musical style and instrumentation
• Song structure and arrangement

Stay consistent. Throughout the songwriting process, check that your choices align with the established Voice. This consistency will create a cohesive and powerful song that resonates with listeners.

3. Harness the Power of Metaphors and Specific Details

Specific details can give a sense of place, as well as a freshness, beauty, and credibility, that brings our stories to life for our listeners.

Create vivid imagery. Use metaphors and specific details to paint a picture in the listener's mind. This brings your song to life and makes it more engaging and memorable.

Balance general and specific. Find the sweet spot between universal themes and specific details. This allows listeners to connect with the song while experiencing something unique and authentic.

Elements to consider:

• Sensory details (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch)
• Geographical locations
• Time-specific references
• Cultural touchstones

Transmute experiences. Use metaphors to transform ordinary experiences into extraordinary ones. This technique can elevate your songwriting and create deeper emotional connections with listeners.

4. Craft Lyrics that Balance Universality and Personal Experience

We create characters that become strong enough to speak for themselves, sometimes with their own cryptic interior logic, but we are doing ourselves and the world a favor by coming to a personal understanding of what our narrators say, no matter how inscrutably they deliver their stories.

Find your truth. Write about experiences and emotions that are authentic to you. This personal connection will infuse your lyrics with genuine feeling and resonance.

Expand the perspective. While drawing from personal experiences, consider how your story might connect with a broader audience. Look for universal themes within your specific narrative.

Techniques for balancing personal and universal:

• Use the "Invisible B" technique to leave some details unspoken
• Employ relatable metaphors
• Focus on shared human experiences and emotions

Edit for clarity. Ensure that your lyrics make sense to you and effectively communicate your intended message. This clarity will help listeners connect with your song on a deeper level.

5. Use Musical Elements to Enhance Narrative and Emotion

The chords we choose for our songs are constructing musical narratives that ideally support the lyrical narratives, and vice versa.

Align music with lyrics. Choose chords, melodies, and rhythms that complement and enhance the emotional content of your lyrics. This creates a cohesive and powerful song.

Explore chord progressions. Experiment with different chord progressions to create various moods and atmospheres. Consider:

• Major chords for uplifting or positive emotions
• Minor chords for melancholy or introspective moments
• Seventh chords for tension or complexity

Use dynamics. Vary the intensity of your music to support the narrative arc of your song. This can include changes in volume, tempo, and instrumentation.

Incorporate musical bridges. Use instrumental sections or bridges to provide space for reflection or to introduce new perspectives within the song.

6. Navigate the Crossroads and Endings of Your Song

Looking over the song when "the ink is not dry," when it's not all the way finished, can actually be the most exciting part.

Embrace uncertainty. Recognize that doubt and uncertainty are normal parts of the creative process. Push through these feelings to complete your song.

Refine and revise. Take time to review and revise your song, paying attention to:

• Clarity of message
• Consistency of voice
• Effective use of metaphors and details
• Musical cohesion

Trust your instincts. Listen for the "Aha! Moment" when your song feels complete. This often comes as a sudden realization or emotional connection to the finished work.

Be open to feedback. Share your song with trusted friends or fellow songwriters. Their perspectives can help you identify areas for improvement or confirm that your song is ready for a wider audience.

7. Share Your Songs and Grow as a Songwriter

Performing for an audience of ten people or more is how we can find out how our songs connect with the world, imperfect a science as it is, and sharing our art is part of a bigger personal and overall human experience than we have when we keep our songs to ourselves and our pets.

Embrace performance opportunities. Share your songs through:

• Open mics
• Song circles
• Live performances
• Online platforms

Learn from audience reactions. Pay attention to how audiences respond to your songs. This feedback can inform your future songwriting and help you understand which elements resonate most strongly.

Collaborate and learn. Engage with other songwriters through:

• Songwriting retreats
• Workshops
• Collaborative writing sessions

Balance artistry and commerce. As you share your music more widely, stay true to your artistic vision while being open to opportunities for growth and exposure.

Remember that songwriting is a journey of continuous learning and improvement. Embrace the process, stay open to new experiences, and keep writing songs that matter to you.

Last updated: August 14, 2024