1 Topic by johncross21 (edited by johncross21 2011-01-06 23:43:02)

  • From: Orpington London
  • Registered: 2006-10-22
  • Posts: 390

Topic: Writing lyrics - help

Does anybody start a song with the lyrics

I've got to try that because I can put together a chord progression but I've got no lyrics sad I need to get out a notebook and write down some words.

but how do I know how long each line of the lyric should be (how many syllables)

or doesn't it matter ?

I suppose I'm used to thinking about poetry writing. I wrote some poetry when in school you started with he first line and then copied the rythym and each line was the same length. my poetry was okay (nothing great)

how does writing lyrics differ ?

I want to write rock, pop, reggae. I probably won't be doing Hip Hop, Rap or Prog Rock operas.

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  • From: Alabama Gulf Coast
  • Registered: 2008-06-24
  • Posts: 1,819

Re: Writing lyrics - help

You can write music or lyrics first.
Starting off it may be easier to write out a chord progression and find words to fit. The number of beats in a line is set by the chord progression. The beats in the lyric line must line up and match the music. Tap your foot as you play the chords and again as you pronounce the words.
A Roget's Theosaurus book helps you find rhymes and words with similar meanings.

We pronounce it "Guf Coast".
Ya'll wanna go down to the Guf?

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  • selso
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  • From: El Paso, TX
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Re: Writing lyrics - help

I start with the music then write the words. The music usally sets the tone. As long as your words fit the progression you should be cool.

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  • KAP54
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  • From: London Ontario Canada
  • Registered: 2008-06-04
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Re: Writing lyrics - help

Hi John smile

For me a little piece of a melody will pop into my head at any time. It is from that that I build the rest of the song. The melody dictates the chord progression and how the lyrics will play out. I have never written out a chord progression without a melody or lyrics and it feels to me that it would be easier with a melody in mind as to how to write the lyrics and Chords, but then I'm no pro at writing and I could be wrong.

I hope that helps you out smile

Remember there is no definitive formula for writing a song other then have a passion for it and it will come to you and if you are happy when it is finished that is all that counts.

Best of Luck and I hope to read/hear some of your tunes in the Songwriting Forum.

Ken

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  • From: Tooele Ut
  • Registered: 2006-03-04
  • Posts: 4,049

Re: Writing lyrics - help

To see if that is the way for you to go, pick out a favorite poem from a book and set it to music.  That will tell you if you are caopable of doing it in that order.  If that is difficult, then you may have to come up with a melody first.

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  • From: Orpington London
  • Registered: 2006-10-22
  • Posts: 390

Re: Writing lyrics - help

I remember an album by Billy Bragg and Wilco wrote which was based on lyrics that Woody Guthrie had written which the tunes had never been recorded. It was called Mermaid Avenue. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqFmNUz7WhY

So I thought that writing lyrics on the train commute to work might be a good idea but i was worried that I would write loads of lyrics too long or too short to fit the music.  I think I will give it a go and see what happens.    I suppose I can always edit them to fit the chord sequence.

at the moment I'm listening to songs which i like and then changing the words. then when I've written the words I change the chords. sometimes a little but sometimes a lot.  it might keep some of the original vibe but you end up with new words and a new progression.

i have  a couple of songs written. I wrote the chord progressions first using I IV and IV and a few variations. the theories easy. I knew the chords would work but I didnt have much idea of what the songs were meant to sound like. looking back I can't remember now whether they were reggae, blues or rock. one day i'll rewrite them with a very distinct style. so you'll know that this is a regage song or a rock song because it will have that feel. that may have to be a fairly brutal recasting. can't make an omlette without breaking eggs.

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  • From: carson,washington
  • Registered: 2009-09-22
  • Posts: 350

Re: Writing lyrics - help

Hey John, Good advice above. I'll bet most writers start off with the melody like Kap says. No expert here
     but maybe experimenting like Pete suggests so to find what works for you. I have songs that came
     about both ways. Also whenthe words don't seem to fit try different phrasings and rearranging the
     words or inserting dead space or pauses. You can tweek it anyway you want because it is YOUR song.

     Let your creative side barr no exeptions. Good luck, Mike

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