How to Write a Song: A Step-by-Step Guide for Aspiring Songwriters

Songwriting is a blend of creativity, technique, and emotional expression. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced musician looking to refine your skills, understanding the process of writing a song can help you craft music that resonates with listeners. This guide will walk you through the steps of songwriting, providing tips and insights to make your creative process smoother and more effective

With that said, here are 8 steps to take when writing your next song!

1. Find Your Inspiration

Every song begins with inspiration. This can come from personal experiences, emotions, stories, or even other music. Here are some tips to find inspiration:

• Personal Experiences: Reflect on your life experiences, relationships, and emotions. Authenticity often resonates with listeners.

• Stories and Scenarios: Create fictional stories or scenarios. This allows you to explore themes and narratives that you may not have personally experienced.

• Music and Art: Listen to different genres of music, read poetry, or look at visual art. These can spark new ideas and emotions.

Here are some questions to get you started to find some personal inspiration.

1. How can you make a mundane morning interesting lyrically?

2. What is a lesson you have had to learn repeatedly? IE You make a new version of the same mistake. 

   1. Think dating the same type of person, habits that make you unhappy. Tell the story of this throughout your life. 

3. Describe an emotion using each of your senses. 

   1. Anger- A white hot anger that pours heat off of my skin. The smell of burning hair as my vision closes in. 

4. What was your last experience with a stranger like?

5. How has your view of success changed throughout your life?

6. What change does the world need?

2. Develop a Concept

Once you have your inspiration, develop a clear concept for your song. This includes:

 Draw from Personal Experience

Many popular artists find their themes in their own lives. They reflect on their personal experiences, emotions, and relationships to create relatable and authentic songs.

Adele

She is great at diving into her personal experience to find a common theme that we all experience. Read “Someone Like You” and see how you can relate to the experience of an ex moving on while you still have feelings for them. Wishing that it isn’t over. 

Drawing from personal experience is diving so deep into an experience you find a common theme that we all experience. 

Someone Like You

I heard that you're settled down

That you found a girl and you're married now

I heard that your dreams came true

Guess she gave you things, I didn't give to you

Old friend, why are you so shy?

Ain't like you to hold back or hide from the light

I hate to turn up out of the blue, uninvited

But I couldn't stay away, I couldn't fight it

I had hoped you'd see my face

And that you'd be reminded that for me, it isn't over

Never mind, I'll find someone like you

I wish nothing but the best for you, too

"Don't forget me, " I beg

I remember you said

"Sometimes it lasts in love, but sometimes it hurts instead"

"Sometimes it lasts in love, but sometimes it hurts instead"

You know how the time flies

Only yesterday was the time of our lives

We were born and raised in a summer haze

Bound by the surprise of our glory days

I hate to turn up out of the blue, uninvited

But I couldn't stay away, I couldn't fight it

I had hoped you'd see my face

And that you'd be reminded that for me, it isn't over

Never mind, I'll find someone like you

I wish nothing but the best for you, too

"Don't forget me, " I begged

I remember you said

"Sometimes it lasts in love, but sometimes it hurts instead"

Nothing compares, no worries or cares

Regrets and mistakes, they're memories made

Who would have known how bittersweet this would taste?

Never mind, I'll find someone like you

I wish nothing but the best for you

"Don't forget me, " I beg

I remember you said

"Sometimes it lasts in love, but sometimes it hurts instead"

Never mind, I'll find someone like you

I wish nothing but the best for you, too

"Don't forget me, " I begged

I remember you said

"Sometimes it lasts in love, but sometimes it hurts instead"

"Sometimes it lasts in love, but sometimes it hurts instead"

Observe the World Around You

Kendrick Lamar:

After the Kendrick/Drake beef it is safe to say that Kendrick is the GOAT. Studying how he approaches lyrics and storytelling is a great way to start developing a concept for your songs. 

"To Pimp a Butterfly"

"To Pimp a Butterfly," Kendrick Lamar’s critically acclaimed album, is a masterpiece that delves into themes of race, identity, and self-worth. The album combines elements of jazz, funk, and spoken word to create a rich, textured soundscape that enhances its storytelling.

Personal and Cultural Identity

Exploration of Self-Worth and Fame:

• Background: Lamar grapples with the pressures and contradictions of fame and success. The album reflects his inner conflicts and the burden of being a role model.

• Lyrics and Emotion: In "u," Lamar explores his feelings of self-doubt and guilt, providing a raw, unfiltered look at his struggles with mental health and self-worth.

Example: "u":
Loving you is complicated

I place blame on you still

"DAMN."

"DAMN." continues Kendrick Lamar’s exploration of personal and societal themes, but with a more introspective and spiritual approach. The album’s narrative structure and thematic depth earned it the Pulitzer Prize for Music, making Lamar the first non-classical, non-jazz artist to receive the honor.

Personal Reflection and Struggle

Duality of Human Nature:

• Background: The album delves into the dualities of human nature, such as fear and courage, love and hate, and pride and humility.

• Lyrics and Emotion: In "DNA.," Lamar examines the complexities of his identity, acknowledging both his flaws and strengths.

Example: "DNA.":
I got loyalty, got royalty inside my DNA

3. Write the Lyrics

Lyrics are the heart of a song. Here’s how to craft compelling lyrics:

• Start with a Hook: The hook is the most memorable part of the song. It can be a catchy phrase, melody, or chorus. Make it stand out.

• Verse and Chorus: Structure your song with verses and choruses. Verses tell the story, while choruses reinforce the main theme or emotion. 

• Use Imagery: Use vivid imagery and metaphors to paint a picture with your words. This makes your lyrics more engaging and relatable.

• Rhyme and Rhythm: Pay attention to rhyme schemes and rhythmic patterns. This enhances the musicality of your lyrics.

The Taylor Swift Approach:

In Taylor Swifts Speech for the NSAI’s songwriter of the decade aware, she brings up that she has three approaches to writing lyrics. 

1. “Quill Lyrics” 

   Quill lyrics are more old fashioned, steeped in metaphors. Here is an example

   “How’s one to know

   I’d meet you where the spirit meets the bones

   In a faith forgotten land

   In from the snow, your touch brought forth an incandescent glow

   Tarnished but so grand”

2. “Fountain Pen Lyrics” 

   Fountain pen lyrics are modern with a poetic twist. Taking a common phrase and flipping its meaning. Trying to paint a vivid picture of a situation, down to the chipped paint on the door frame and the incense dust on the vinyl shelf. 

   “Cause there we are again in the middle of the night

   We’re dancing round the kitchen in the refrigerator light

   Down the stairs, I was there

   I remember it all too well

   And there we are again when nobody had to know

   You kept me like a secret but I kept you like an oath

   Sacred prayer, and we’d swear to remember it all too well “

3. “Glitter Gel Pen Lyrics.”

Glitter Gel Pen is carefree.

My ex man brought his new girlfriend; she’s like ‘oh my god’ but I’m just gonna shake and to the fella over there with the hella good hair, won’t you come on over baby we can shake, shake, shake.

When you are writing lyrics, see if you can approach it through three different personas of your own choosing. 

4. Figure Out the Energy Curve

The energy curve of a song refers to the dynamic progression of intensity and emotion throughout the track. Understanding and effectively managing the energy curve is crucial for maintaining listener engagement and delivering an impactful musical experience. 

Map out where you want peaks and dips of energy throughout your song. Here are some examples. 

1. Introduction

Setting the Tone:

• Purpose: The introduction sets the tone and mood of the song, giving listeners a sense of what to expect.

• Energy Level: Typically, the energy level is lower at the beginning to create anticipation. This can be achieved through sparse instrumentation, a gentle melody, or a gradual build-up.

• Example: The soft piano intro in Adele’s "Someone Like You" sets a reflective and somber tone, drawing the listener in.

2. Verse

Building the Story:

• Purpose: Verses are used to develop the story or theme of the song, providing details and context.

• Energy Level: The energy here is usually moderate, serving as a build-up to the chorus. Instrumentation and melody should be engaging but not overwhelming.

• Example: In Ed Sheeran’s "Shape of You," the verses have a rhythmic, catchy beat that maintains interest while setting up the chorus.

3. Pre-Chorus

Increasing Anticipation:

• Purpose: The pre-chorus serves as a bridge between the verse and chorus, increasing anticipation and excitement.

• Energy Level: The energy level rises, creating a sense of urgency and leading naturally into the chorus.

• Example: The pre-chorus in Katy Perry’s "Firework" builds tension with escalating vocals and instrumentation, setting up the explosive chorus.

4. Chorus

Peak Energy:

• Purpose: The chorus is the emotional and musical peak of the song, delivering the main message or hook.

• Energy Level: This is where the energy is at its highest. The chorus should be impactful and memorable, with fuller instrumentation and more intense vocals.

• Example: The chorus of Queen’s "We Will Rock You" features powerful stomping and clapping rhythms, creating an unforgettable high-energy moment.

5. Bridge

Providing Contrast:

• Purpose: The bridge offers a contrast to the rest of the song, often providing a different perspective or a moment of reflection.

• Energy Level: The energy level can vary. It might drop to create a calm, reflective section or rise to add a new peak of intensity.

• Example: The bridge in Beyoncé’s "Halo" introduces a softer, more introspective moment before returning to the powerful chorus.

5. Compose the Melody

Melody is the tune of your song. Here’s how to create a captivating melody:

• Sing or Hum: Start by singing or humming different tunes over your lyrics. Experiment until you find a melody that fits.

• Use Chords: Play around with different chord progressions on a piano or guitar. Chords can inspire melodic ideas.

• Keep It Simple: A simple, memorable melody is often more effective than a complex one. Focus on creating something catchy and easy to sing.

6. Add Instrumentation

Instrumentation brings your song to life and will be one of the most important tools you have when developing energy curves. 

More instruments= more energy. 

Try not to have to many instruments in the same frequency range. (We dive into that in “The 40 Day Single”)

7. Refine and Revise

Songwriting is an iterative process. Here’s how to refine your song:

• Feedback: Share your song with friends, family, or fellow musicians. Listen to their feedback and make adjustments. You can get feedback in our Discord found here-

• Take Breaks: Take breaks between writing sessions. This gives you fresh ears and a new perspective when you return.

• Polish: Pay attention to the details. Refine your lyrics, melody, and arrangement until everything flows seamlessly.

8. Record and Share

Once your song is complete, it’s time to record and share it:

• Recording: Use a home studio setup or professional recording studio to record your song. Ensure good quality sound.

• Mixing and Mastering: Mix and master your track to balance the levels and enhance the overall sound.

• Release: Share your song on streaming platforms, social media, or through live performances. Engage with your audience and promote your music.

We dive into songwriting, recording, mixing and master in private lessons. You can learn more about them here.