the vivid vida
Aseda’s Pro Tips on Writing a “Good” Song
Write a Song with Lyrics
Sounds easy right? Not always. It can be overwhelming to figure out where to begin! Start with a subject. What is the song about? Why are you writing the song? What is inspiring you? A color? An animal? A car?
Next, come up with a sentence. Something like, “I love you” or “What a beautiful, sunny day!” That will become your chorus. Songs typically feature a series of thoughts strung together in a sequence. That sequence consists of two to three verses (the explanation to the main thought), a chorus (the main thought), a bridge (an extra thought) and, at times a tag (the main thought repeated).
Write a Song About Somebody
(example: “Consequences” by Camila Cabello; https://youtu.be/k73EBmeJ950 “Without Me” by Halsey; https://youtu.be/aYr4fDuLhXg or “Delicate” by Taylor Swift https://youtu.be/tCXGJQYZ9JA)
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Make it a bit more personal; Who is the song about? Is the song sung to them? In honor of them? Indirectly directed at them?
Write a song without words
(example: “Fly” by Ludovico Einaudi” https://youtu.be/k016mR9tQdI or “A Gathering on 57th” by The Paper Kites https://youtu.be/9uK6Lxx7TIE )
Pour out from your heart. Think of a melody, any melody at all, and go from there! It doesn’t have to make sense musically- as long as the emotion is correct, the listener will get the point!
Write a song about you.
(example: “Why Her Not Me” by Grace Carter; https://youtu.be/dtWzfRc6uUs “Head Above Water” by Avril Lavigne https://youtu.be/EKF6ghfcQic or “The Way I Am” by Charlie Puth https://youtu.be/EQnk-h-LCpQ )
The subject of the song is yourself- who are you? What have you experienced in life, and what is your take on it? What stories do you need to share? What thoughts do you need to express?
Write a song that sounds like your favorite artist.
(example: Alvarez Kings (https://youtu.be/PuJg7ttz0jU) and The 1975 https://youtu.be/0Q2Q3-U-BQ4 )
It is okay to draw inspiration from those you admire! If you hear something that you like, take that idea and run with it but NEVER copy! That’s stealing and it’s not cool (and also illegal).
Write a song for somebody else.
(example: “Gone Too Soon” by Daughtry; https://youtu.be/wKBhAG2SNKE “Grow” by Frances https://youtu.be/BoHK9iUMjkw or “1-800-273-8255” by Logic https://youtu.be/cycUHgg0zzU)
The subject of the song does not always have to pertain to you. The music does not always have to be performed by you! Sometimes, as artists, we give our art as a gift to heal and to help those around us.
Write a song for no reason at all.
(example: “Light it Up” by Major Laser https://youtu.be/r2LpOUwca94 or “Freaky Friday” by Chris Brown and Li’ Dicky https://youtu.be/8SgmWihcCYM )
In songwriting it is important to have fun! Sometimes the silly, “useless” ideas can turn into something entertaining!
Write a song that YOU love.
(example “Africa” by Toto https://youtu.be/QAo_Ycocl1E or “Fireflies” by Owl City https://youtu.be/psuRGfAaju4 )
It doesn’t matter if it’s not a “good” song! If it is good to you, it is good. Sometimes artists need to create art for their enjoyment, not always for the enjoyment of others. If others come to admire it as well, it makes it even more rewarding! Often times, this is how the best songs are created!
Write a song to inspire others.
(example: “Everglow” by Coldplay; https://youtu.be/xn_1hFdE-5g “Only Love” by Jordan Smith https://youtu.be/RL97ApuJEho or “We Are the World” by Michael Jackson https://youtu.be/9AjkUyX0rVw )
Artists exist to inspire other artists! By writing a song that has a message meant to touch others and make the world a better place, we are contributing to society in a way that is fulfilling for both ourselves and future generations after us.
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