Sometimes it's nice to know you're on the right track

I came across a simple article by Jason Bridges called "Lyrics and Songwriting Ideas" which outlines some general principles to writing lyrics.

When I was reading this I realised that what he was saying reflected my opinions as well. It's good to know that great minds think alike ;)

Writing lyrics for a song may seem difficult at first. Some people think it takes years of formal training to write good lyrics and become a decent songwriter.

I believe it's quite the opposite though. Lyrics are all around us every day, if we just be observe. You have to develop a lyrical mindset. Songs can be written about anything.

It is easy to get ideas for writing lyrics by listening to conversations in day to day life and by observing activities going on around you.

Inspiration can be found everywhere, in magazines and newspapers, on the radio, and even in your workplace. Some songwriters start out composing their thoughts as a story, and then putting these ideas into lyrics and rhyme.

When you get your lyrical ideas down on paper, you refine it and start searching for words that will make your lyrics rhyme. However, you don't always need your lyrics to rhyme.

Don't just add words to a song because they rhyme, if they don't make sense in the song. Also, if you can't get the last part of the lyrics to rhyme, you can try to think of combinations of words that would rhyme. Whatever you do, you want your lyrics and rhymes to flow naturally.

Don't worry about trying to finish an entire song in one sitting. That just isn't practical most of the time, although sometimes someone can feel really inspired and write whole songs worth of lyrics at once.

Really though, you should just write the lyrics down as they come to you, and you will eventually be able to take the best lines and best phrases to complete the song with original lyrics.

As with everything else, practice makes perfect. The more you write, the better you will become. Besides just jotting down lyrics as they come to you throughout the day, try to schedule a regular time each day and think about how to compose those lyrics into a meaningful song.

Some people find early mornings to be the best time, when they feel refreshed and get better ideas.

Today, there is even songwriting software available on the internet to help aspiring lyricists. You may want to look at some of the songwriting software on the market.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Bridges

You would've noticed that there were some really good points raised here.

1. "A song is totally based on its lyrics and melody".
That's right. A song is made up of 2 parts. Everything else is arrangement and aural packaging.

2. "Lyrics are all around us every day".
Lyrics are words and words are used to communicate every thought and feeling we have. Put yourself in the middle if a city and listen to the conversations around you and (if you let it) you will hear hooks for songs all over the place.

3. "Songs can be written about anything".
Amen to that!!

4. "Inspiration can be found everywhere"
Again, only if you allow yourself to be inspired. Give your inner critic some time off from his/her duties and immerse yourself in inspiration.

5. "Whatever you do, you want your lyrics and rhymes to flow naturally"
Forced rhymes aren't very nice to listen to. Your lyrics don't have to rhyme if the lyric doesn't want to. Concentrate on the rhythm of the words as well.

6. "Don't worry about trying to finish an entire song in one sitting".
Let things happen organically and naturally. This is not a race here. As long as you devote some time every day or few days to writing songs you'll be fine. Sometimes you can't choose when a song finishes.

7. "The more you write, the better you will become"
Like with any craft or skill that one learns. Practise makes perfect.

Until next time, keep on writing,

Corey Stewart
Singer/Songwriter/Musician
www.coreystewartonline.com
www.orangutangmusic.com
www.myspace.com/coreystewart

While you're here you might as well check out my other blogs
The Bizzo - Indie Music Industry Tips
Recording Studio And Live Music Tips

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