Lyrics
Outline the verses, choruses, and bridge to your song. Many songs, especially love songs follow a very similar pattern, containing 2-3 verses, 2-3 choruses, and a bridge. On a piece of paper, write the following structure for a basic love song: Verse 1 - Chorus - Verse 2 - Chorus - Bridge - Verse 3 - Chorus. Leave room between your headings to write your lyrics on your paper. Verses usually consist of 4-6 long lines, or 8-10 short lines. Choruses are usually about 4-6 lines long. The bridge of a song is usually a 2 line section between the second chorus and the third verse or chorus.
Pick a title for your song based on your loved one’s characteristics. Think about the person you’re writing the song for and make a list of some of the things you really love about them. Then, pick one of their characteristics that you want to expand on in your song and use it to influence your title. Keep your title between 1-4 words to keep it simple. For example, if you want to write a song about how your loved one is a happy presence in your life, you may title the song “Joy” or “Happiness.” Whatever you choose for your title, make sure the rest of your lyrics match the theme.
Figure out the lyrics of your chorus first. Since your chorus is the most repeated section of your song, try to write it before any other part of your song. Use simple words so your song is catchy and easy to sing along with. In your chorus, try to repeat the title of your song 2-3 times so your loved one will get the song stuck in their head. Plan out 4 lines using similes or metaphors to create imagery. For example, if you want to write a song called “Joy,” you may use a chorus like: Your joy is a wave spreading over me, And reaching out to the end of the sea, Your joy makes me feel at home, Because with you I’m never alone You may either make the first two lines one rhyme and the last 2 lines a different rhyme, or you can alternate so line 1 rhymes with line 3, and line 2 rhymes with line 4. Taylor Swift Taylor Swift, Singer & Businesswoman Make music to help channel your emotions. "There are so many emotions that you're feeling, you can get stifled by them if you're feeling them all at once. What I try to do is take one moment - one simple, simple feeling - and expand it into three-and-a-half minutes."
Choose an alternating rhyme scheme for your verses. Verses are what tell the story throughout your song, so you can use them to expand on how you feel about your loved one. Use an A-B-A-B rhyme scheme so alternating lines end in the same sound. Pick a focus for each verse so you’re not repeating the same thing throughout the song. For example, you may have the first verse talk about the past with your loved one while the second verse talks about the present or future. Try to include similes or metaphors that aren’t cliche to express how your loved one makes you feel. You don’t need to include a third verse in your song if you don’t want to.Tip: Try using near rhymes, or slant rhymes, if you can’t find a word that fits perfectly. For example, you may rhyme “alone” with “home” since they have similar sounds.
Make the lines in your bridge rhyme with one another. A bridge is a transition that presents or answers a question or further emphasizes the main point of your song. Your bridge gives the person listening to your song a break from the pattern of the chorus and verses. Continue talking about your theme during the bridge in a way you haven’t touched on yet. If you’re going from your bridge right into your chorus, end it with a line that flows well into the chorus. For example, you may sing, “And when I’m with you, I feel…” to transition into the chorus, “Your joy…” If you want a longer bridge, repeat the 2 lines you’ve written.
Chords and Melodies
Pick chords on a major key to make your song sound happy. Choose a set of at least 4 chords to use in your love song. During each section of your song, play through the 4 chords in a different pattern. Make sure your chords aren’t in minor since it will make your love song sound sad. For example, you may play C-F-G-F during your verse, but in your chorus, you may switch to A-F-C-G. Try using the E-flat Major, A Major, or B-flat Major for your love song since they have many cheerful notes. You can switch from a major to a minor key or vice versa in the bridge. If you don’t play an instrument, ask a friend or partner to help you bring your song to life.
Play extra notes over the chords to add more interest to your song. If you want to add extra pitches and melodies to your instrumental, try playing notes in the chord or key you’re using in a different rhythm. Try out a few different note patterns to see what fits best with the song and how it sounds with the chords you’re playing. This is done easily on a piano but may be more difficult to play on a guitar or other stringed instrument.
Use notes from the chords for your vocal melody. Look at the notes you’re playing during your chord in the section of the song you’re trying to sing. Match the tone of your voice to one of the notes you’re playing so your singing is in tune with the instrumental you’re writing. As you work through your song, change the pitch of your voice to keep your lyrics from sounding monotonous. Work your voice up to the note you’re trying to hit. Play the note you want to include in your melody and warm up your voice by starting on a low note. Continue to raise the pitch of your voice until you reach the pitch you want.Tip: Put your highest note near the start of your chorus so anyone listening knows that it’s the beginning of a new part of your song and to make it catchier.
Pick different rhythms for your vocal performance to keep your song interesting. If you keep the same vocal pattern throughout your whole song, it might sound boring. Hold different syllables in your lyrics for longer and shorter amounts of time to add different rhythms to your song. Follow the same rhythm patterns in each of your verses so anyone listening can easily differentiate the parts of the song.
Sharing Your Song
Show your song to another person to get their feedback. Before you settle on the song you’ve written, show a friend or someone else close to you to see what they think of it. Ask for any specific parts they liked or disliked or any lyrics that should be changed. Stay open to the criticism so you can present the best song to your loved one. Only make the changes that you feel are necessary. If your friend makes a suggestion but it goes against what your heart is telling you, then don’t follow the advice.
Record your song on a computer if you have recording software. Set up a microphone so you can easily play your song at a computer. Use the microphone to record the instrumentals first and then record the vocals. Once the song is finished, you can adjust different volumes and export the audio to share online. Don’t record your instrument and vocals at the same time since it will be harder to make adjustments. Use free programs like Audacity or Garageband for Mac to help record your song.
Perform your song live for your loved one if you can. Try to find an opportunity to play your song for the person you wrote it for. Try looking for open mic nights at local cafes if you want to play it publicly, or just sit down at home and play it for them if you want a more personal moment. Make sure to practice your song before playing in front of other people since you may feel a little nervous.
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