How to Write One Song

1. Anyone can write a song: Embrace your inner songwriter

You are a songwriter! No doubt about it—and definitely as much as I was before I wrote any songs.

Songwriting is universal. Everyone has the ability to create songs, regardless of musical training or experience. This belief stems from the idea that songs are essentially individual thoughts - ephemeral, portable, and capable of evoking powerful emotions. The key is to give yourself permission to create and to recognize that your unique perspective is valuable.

Connection is the goal. At its core, songwriting is about making connections - with others, with ourselves, and with the world around us. By embracing your inner songwriter, you open yourself up to a powerful form of self-expression and communication. Don't be intimidated by comparisons to famous songwriters or professional musicians; focus instead on your own authentic voice and experiences.

2. Focus on writing one song, not many: The power of singular creation

To me, the difference between one song and songs is not some cute semantic trick; it's an important distinction, and it's more precise about what you're actually doing.

One song at a time. By focusing on writing just one song, you remove the pressure of creating an entire body of work. This approach allows you to fully immerse yourself in the creative process, giving your undivided attention to each element of the song.

Disappearing into creativity. The goal is to reach a state where you lose yourself in the act of creation, where time seems to evaporate and you're no longer consciously trying to do or be anything. This singular focus can lead to profound moments of inspiration and self-discovery. By concentrating on one song, you increase your chances of achieving this ideal creative state and producing something truly meaningful.

3. Overcoming obstacles: Time, judgment, and self-doubt

I believe that the only way to teach someone to write songs would be through teaching them how to give themselves permission to write ONE song.

Identify and address common barriers. Many aspiring songwriters face obstacles such as lack of time, harsh self-judgment, and fear of failure. Recognizing these challenges is the first step in overcoming them.

• Time: Prioritize songwriting by setting aside dedicated time, even if it's just a few minutes each day.
• Judgment: Embrace imperfection and view early attempts as necessary steps in the learning process.
• Self-doubt: Remember that every songwriter starts somewhere, and your unique voice is valuable.

Reframe your perspective. Instead of viewing songwriting as a daunting task that requires innate talent, see it as a skill that can be developed through practice and persistence. Give yourself permission to create without the pressure of perfection, focusing on the joy of the process rather than the end result.

4. Develop a daily songwriting routine: Invite inspiration through practice

Inspiration is overrated. Have we established that? As you know pretty well if you've read this far, I believe that you have to invite inspiration in.

Consistency is key. Establishing a daily songwriting routine creates a structure that invites inspiration and fosters creativity. By showing up regularly to write, you train your mind to be more receptive to musical ideas and lyrical insights.

Elements of a songwriting routine:

• Set aside dedicated time each day for songwriting
• Create a comfortable, inspiring workspace
• Keep tools (instrument, notebook, recording device) easily accessible
• Experiment with different exercises and techniques
• Review and refine previous work

By making songwriting a habit, you increase your chances of stumbling upon moments of brilliance and develop the skills necessary to turn those moments into fully-formed songs.

5. The music of words: Exercises to unlock lyrical creativity

I believe all words have their own music. And along with that music, I believe words contain worlds of words and meanings that are, more often than not, locked beneath the surface.

Explore language playfully. Engage in exercises that help you break free from habitual language patterns and discover new ways of expressing ideas. These exercises can help you tap into the inherent musicality of words and uncover unexpected lyrical possibilities.

Lyrical exercises to try:

• Word ladders: Pair unexpected verbs with nouns
• Book stealing: Find words that fit your melody from random book pages
• Cut-up techniques: Rearrange existing lyrics for new meanings
• Conversation mining: Turn everyday dialogue into song lyrics

By approaching language with curiosity and openness, you can unlock a wealth of lyrical material and develop your unique songwriting voice.

6. Collecting musical ideas: Building blocks for your songs

Riffs, bits of vocal melody, chord progressions, sounds, samples, loops, beats—basically anything in the sonic realm that you think you'd like to hear again and might be helpful in the construction of a song someday.

Create a musical library. Develop the habit of collecting and storing musical ideas, no matter how small or incomplete. These fragments can serve as valuable starting points or inspiration for future songs.

Methods for collecting musical ideas:

• Record voice memos of melodies or riffs
• Keep a notebook for jotting down chord progressions
• Use music-making apps to experiment with beats and loops
• Learn and adapt parts of songs you admire

By building a diverse collection of musical elements, you give yourself a rich palette to draw from when composing new songs.

7. Pairing words and music: The magic of song creation

I'm not sure I can demystify something I feel wholly inadequate to explain. For me, the moments that make my scalp tingle a bit are when I hear myself sing a lyric out loud for the first time.

Trust the process. The act of combining words and music can often feel mysterious and unpredictable. Embrace this uncertainty and allow yourself to be surprised by the connections that emerge.

Approaches to pairing words and music:

• Start with a melody and find lyrics that fit
• Begin with lyrics and develop a complementary melody
• Use "mumble tracks" to shape the vocal melody before finalizing lyrics
• Experiment with different combinations until something clicks

Remember that the goal is to create something that feels authentic and emotionally resonant, even if the process isn't always linear or logical.

8. Recording and refining: Embracing your voice and the creative process

It's almost impossible to work on songs without recording yourself at some point. Even people with the ability to notate music make simple demo versions.

Document your progress. Recording your songs, even in rough form, is an essential part of the songwriting process. It allows you to listen objectively, identify areas for improvement, and track your growth as a songwriter.

Tips for recording and refining:

• Use simple recording tools (phone apps, basic microphones) to capture ideas
• Experiment with different recording environments to find what works best
• Don't be discouraged by the sound of your own voice; focus on the song itself
• Use recordings to refine melodies, lyrics, and overall song structure
• Be open to revising and reworking songs over time

By embracing the recording process and viewing it as a tool for growth, you can overcome self-consciousness and develop stronger, more polished songs.

Last updated: August 14, 2024