How to Write Song Lyrics
that Build the Song's Vibe

How can you answer in one article "How to write song lyrics?" You can't. But a good place to start is the vibe. When we talk about the vibe of a song...we mean that feeling, mood, that groove...that transports you.

Every part of the song is working together to produce this strong vibe. This is what great songs do. This is the goal in learning how to write song lyrics -- create a mood.

That's why when you hear a great song, you can't imagine a different lyric or a different melody choice. You don't feel like the chorus lacks something, or the bridge is lame....It's all in perfect concert!

So let's look closely at the job of the lyricist in this equation.

If the lyricist doesn't do it right, the composer can't make a great song from it. (And that works both ways.)

So, just looking at lyrics...what do we need to achieve?

Let me set out some simple, but important guidelines for creating the Song Vibe. Consider this lyric songwriting 101.

Rule #1 for How to Write Song Lyrics

The point of view must be clear.

The listener must know who is talking. Who's perspective am I listening to?

This may be less or more defined depending on the song.

For example, it might be a song about some social issue. You might only know that the speaker is a concerned person who feels strongly about whatever the topic is.

On the other extreme, the point of view may be clearly defined and specific. In this song we might have "Muffy" who is furious at "Bubba" and letting him have it...you get the drift.

However specific or vague, make sure the point of view fits the content of the song and lets the listener know what they need to know!

Rule #2 for How to Write Song Lyrics

Language must fit the VIBE.

Some words, by their very sounds, are harsher, some are softer, some are bolder, some are sweeter.....I'm not talking about meaning. I'm talking about SOUND!

There are many ways to say the same thing. This sends us back to point of view. Who is singing/saying these lyrics? Then how would THEY say what you are trying to say?

The sounds themselves help create the mood. And don't forget that if you are trying to flow with the language, many words are just not very flowy or singable. This is not poetry.

Poetry is poetry. And lyrics are lyrics. Poetry is meant to be read. Lyrics are meant to be sung.

Say them aloud in rhythm or sing them (if you are the composer too.) Although the meaning of the word may be just right, the word may not sound right.

It may not be very sing-able in the context. Not without sounding rather clumsy, or harsh, or bold, or overly sweet, whatever...

Or that may be what you want? Is it? Maybe you want to sound clumsy, or harsh, or overly sweet...

Remember: we are talking about SOUND here, not meaning? What does the song vibe dictate?

Rule #3 for How to Write Song Lyrics

Not too little...not too much.
(For more on Song Form click here.)

There is a reason that we edit songs. You might say that great songwriting comes not from the writing, but from editing.

You have to carefully craft the song form. Making sure that you have given the listener just enough to draw them in and transport them with you. But not so much that they are bored, lost, distracted, or worse -- repulsed.

You have to make choices. Do you need a chorus? Or maybe just a refrain? Do you need a bridge? How many verses are needed?

There is a "rhythm" to song form that you grow in as you write. You will gain much from studying other great songs. (This is true with ALL songwriting techniques. Listen and study, then listen and study some more...)

The "rhythm" for the song form and length needs to be grounded in the content. In other words, your lyrics need to fit to the form.

Rule #4 for How to Write Song Lyrics

Simplicity is King! (For more on Simplicity click here.)

Repeat after me. Simplicity is King...simplicity is King...It is hard to get our head around this.

But if you study hit songs, no matter what the genre, there is one recurring trait...simplicity.

Do not misunderstand me! Simplicity is NOT SIMPLE!!!

But when everything has been stripped away except what is needed to set the mood, tell the story, share the vibe, then it's perfectly simple!

Remember great songs come not from great writing, but from great editing.

Rule #5 for How to Write Song Lyrics

Using Meter and Rhyme
(For more details on this click here.)

The choices you make in meter and rhyme also help shape the song vibe. Each of these needs to be examined carefully.

The length of phrases used. The rhyme patterns. All of these will impact what mood you are creating.

There is not just one choice or possibility. There are many combinations.

However, there is at least one choice for meter and rhyme (and all the other elements we've discussed above) that will work perfectly, beautifully!

BINGO - all the elements have come together and a VIBE is created!

It's like finding your soul mate.

You can hang out with lots of different folks. But we all want to find our one true SOUL MATE.

As we learn how to write song lyrics, we want to learn to create a perfect blend of language and feeling.

Many tools can (and should) be learned and practiced.

Now you know the goal. You are searching for the song vibe.

It's like searching for your soul mate. Once you find the perfect combination of language, and music, and rhythm, etc. You will create an awesome VIBE.