Songwriting

[cancer]

[COLOR=DarkRed][SIZE=1]I am really needing lyrics for songs for my new band, but there is a problem. I'm not sure exactly how to write a song or how to get a good start on lyrics. Does anyone have any advice or formulas for writing a decent song? I just want to know how to get started. It's hard for me to express emotion in words, so I really need help. Thanks. The genre of music is hardcore and screamo. Our website is [URL=http://www.myspace.com/divinemisfortune]HERE[/URL] [/SIZE][/COLOR]

[Jakehammaren]

Well, write about something you're passionate about. Also, decide if you want a lyrical theme. For example - I play in a Viking Metal band, and I'm really into the whole Norse/Pagan thing, so our lyrics are generally about winter, great battles, the Gods, etc. [URL=http://www.myspace.com/vikingedda]Click here and click on "lyrics" next to the song Fimbulwinter for an example of my lyrics.[/URL] Maybe they'll inspire you :laugh: Actually, these are pretty emotional lyrics as far as our stuff goes. (And pay no attention to the lameness of my vocals on that song... I was sick that day, but we had set a deadline for ourselves and I was determined to meet it)

Since you're in an "insert something here"-core band, you'll probably want emotionally charged lyrics, mostly about misfortune/women. If there's something in your life that's really bothering you, pick up a pen and start jotting down metaphors. Or, since you've got Hardcore influence, you could do the whole political thing. It's really your call. Lyrics have to be from the heart, especially in the "---"core scene, where lyrics are payed close attention to.

[Box Hoy]

[size=1]You definetly want to write something your passionate about. Anything that is on your mind alot you should write. When I write lyrics, it's usually about something in the world that's troubling me. It's always political either. Alot of stuff is about social injustices.
Metaphors are key in lyrics as well. If you just write, it may work, but metaphors are good because people have to search for your meaning. That's how I think you can make a bond between the band and the listeners.

In terms of the structure of your song, it depends. Normally the verses support a main idea in your chorus. I try to change the number of lines and length of the chorus up to make it stand out more, but that's just me.

Btw. I added your band, and later I'll add you to my band's freind list.[/size]

[Tyler Koregaten]

Well,
I graduated from Juilliard. And I've composed quite a few songs with lyrics. When writing lyrics, make sure it something that if you read it, it makes you feel moved, something that motivates you. My musicology professor at Juilliard once said [I]Lyrics are simply your own expressed words set to music.[/I]

So basically, if it interests and motivates you, that's all you need.

Dankes hvor!

~Tyler

[DeadSeraphim]

[QUOTE=Box Hoy][size=1]You definetly want to write something your passionate about. Anything that is on your mind alot you should write. When I write lyrics, it's usually about something in the world that's troubling me. It's always political either. Alot of stuff is about social injustices.
Metaphors are key in lyrics as well. If you just write, it may work, but metaphors are good because people have to search for your meaning. That's how I think you can make a bond between the band and the listeners.

In terms of the structure of your song, it depends. Normally the verses support a main idea in your chorus. I try to change the number of lines and length of the chorus up to make it stand out more, but that's just me.

Btw. I added your band, and later I'll add you to my band's freind list.[/size][/QUOTE]
[size=1][color=indigo][font=arial]You'll find that doesn't hold true at all. Choruses are where people put the hook, and the memorable lyrics people always get right at concerts, verses are what have the meat of the song, and the main ideas, concepts and metaphors. Writing around a chorus is a surefire way to get a top ten hit, of course, but just because it's popular doesn't mean it's good songwriting.[/font][/color][/size]

[cancer]

[COLOR=DarkRed][SIZE=1]Okay, thanks, I've finally written good lyrics. Now I just need to know how to fit them into the music with all the guitars, drums, and bass. Is there a certain way to make it easier to figure out how to arrange lyrics in a song? And is it best to write lyrics after music or before? Is there a website that explains parts of songs, such as bridges and breakdowns? Thanks.[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[Jakehammaren]

Generally, I write lyrics before the song is written so I have a pool of lyrics to choose from when we have a new song. For example, we have a new song ready, and I had 3 or 4 sets of lyrics to choose from because I had already written a handful. I simply picked the one that fit the rhythm and atmosphere of the song the best.

That's just how I do it. Most actually prefer to write the lyrics after the song is done, but I find that stifles what I can do with the words.