Tips For Beginner Songwriters: How To Turn Your Thoughts Into Music Part 2

Miss Sam playing keys with a student!

Welcome back to part two of songwriting tips for beginners! Last week, we discussed some thought exercises that would get ideas flowing. Now, let’s discuss the transfer of those budding thoughts into concrete lyrics.

First, have you ever had a random phrase pop into your head? No matter how obscure, write them down. Creativity can be subconscious, free-flowing in a way that you can’t always generate with intention. So, don’t see the phrases as just random; see them as opportunities to build themes that you can expound on. Time to get well acquainted with the notes app on your phone!

Now, let’s say you take out the pen and paper, ready to let all your ideas flow and make your first song. All of our thoughts are kick-started by our senses, and all songs are simply developed thoughts! Allow yourself to become deeply aware of your senses and see what words/phrases they inspire. Songs filled with imagery can make the listener feel like they are being taken to a world that the songwriter creates. Try to view songwriting and world-building as two sides of the same coin. Which leads me to the point- you can become a better writer by becoming an avid reader!

Okay, the first line of the song. Here we go. Uh, “I walk a lonely road.” Wait, that’s already a lyric in a popular song. Um, “I…” How do you feel? Lonely? Tired? Bored? Restless? Do you want to write in 1st person? Whose perspective is the song in? These are great questions to ask yourself. Now that we know what emotions we want to convey, and whether or not "I", "you", "we", "they", or "he/she" is saying them, let's move forward!

Now, let’s talk song structure. The USA Songwriting Competition provides us with "Verse/ Chorus/Verse/Chorus/Bridge/Chorus." It is also known as the ABABCB structure, where A is the verse, B is the chorus, and C is the bridge. I consider this the structure used in most popular music. The first verse is where I usually set the tone for the song. Introduce the listener to your message and ease them into all you have to say. The chorus contains the central message or the "heart" of the song. In my experience, I put the catchiest and most impactful lines in the chorus because it is what is sung/played the most, and it is arguably the most memorable part of any song. Lastly, the bridge is the culmination of everything that you have written. I have heard it described as the climax of the song or the peak of the listening experience. This is just one way of viewing song structure, but it's a good place to start!

I'm a strong believer in diving in headfirst, so let's put these methods to work, shall we? Here is a mini preview of how to start a song using the tips we've gone over in parts one and two!

Central Feeling: Empowered

What I Want To Say: I am strong and capable of doing/being anything I choose to be

My Musical Influences: Journey, Adele, Tamar Braxton (All artists that create anthems with intense lyrics)

Phrase That Comes To Mind: "I claim my power back."

Senses I Feel: I can see someone standing tall, dressed in a flowing gown with gold, glittering detail. I can hear drums pounding and horns blaring. I can smell incense burning. I can taste something like honey, a sweet and satisfying flavor. I can feel the texture of cotton but fluffy, like a cloud.

Perspective: First Person

First Line of The Song: I've come to claim all that is mine.

It sounds like I've got a big power anthem on my hands! I hope that this has helped to orient you and ground your ideas so that you can begin to write your own music. Here at Healing Waves, we can come alongside you on your songwriting journey and help you express yourself through music. Invest in yourself and your dreams by working with us! Contact us for a consultation; we are so excited to work with you!

Miss K