The Art In Writing A Song

Most people envy those who can write a song that has a powerful meaning. Whether it is about love, anger, happiness, or sorrow, people turn to music to express themselves. It could be the artist expressing their emotions through lyrics, or the listener expressing themselves by relating. Regardless, music connects to the soul.

As a musician, I often hear a good song and ask myself how did they come up with these lyrics? But I have found that is the wrong question to ask. Instead, I should be asking what the meaning is behind the lyrics. Once you find their meaning and relate, you can find your own way to write a lyrical masterpiece. Anyone can become an artist. It does not take right-brained or left-brained, it takes emotion. The only difference between an artist and an every day average joe is that artists feel emotions on a whole new level. They are able to feel pain, joy, excitement, any emotion and express them through words. Revealing your thoughts without worrying what others will think will transform you into a true artist.

Now, to write a song, you need to sit back and think. Ask yourself what it is your feeling. If it helps, get a pen and some paper and write down all the emotions you are feeling and try and describe them. Do not think of any one else's opinion until after you have a rough draft (this is important because in order to have others relate to your lyrics, you have to relate to them first). This is what makes writing songs so frustrating. If you try to think of other people's feelings so that you can write a song that they can relate to, you are not really writing what relates to you. Yes, other people are your audience but in order for an audience to relate, YOU have to relate.
You can start out by confessing a mood. For example:
Happiness- The thought of you brings a smile to my face
Then think of what it means to smile- My spirit has been lifted and I feel free
Next, ask yourself how can you feel free simply because of happiness- I am free because I can laugh, I can smile, I can love, I can dance, I can sing, I can play and I can live (things you can do that make you feel free)
(You can go as far as you want but make sure each thought relates to the previous one).
Then, move to your verse, for example:

I think of you and happiness surrounds
My spirit is lifted, my feet can't touch the ground
I can laugh, I can dance, I can love, I can sing
With your embrace I can do most anything

See? Simple. Some people prefer to rhyme but it all depends on the rhythm. It is not written anywhere in a secret handbook that your lyrics have to be like the example above. It is actually simple to rhyme but using words that are compatible makes your lyrics that much better.

Once you have written a song, do not be ashamed to show your close friends. In fact, their critique will help you become a better writer. Think about writing an essay. Is your final draft exactly the same as your rough draft? Or do you edit it and ask for people to read it in hopes that their opinion will perfect it? Point is, you cannot be afraid to show people your work. The whole challenge in being an artist is being able to tell others exactly how you feel.

Lastly, you do not have to be a master at guitar or piano to be an artist. Writing a song, or even a poem in ways that others feel your heart and soul is what makes you memorable, that's what relates you to other people. Most importantly, have fun and do not let anyone discourage you. Think of all of the things, people, and places that inspire you and use them as your muse. Just because one person does not relate to your song does not mean no one will.

Remember- Music washes from the soul the dust of everyday life
Have fun and start writing!