Songwriting: The Secrets to Success
Music has a special power to touch people’s hearts in profound ways. Writing good songs is a skill that can be honed and refined with practice – it needs to be. At the core of every great song lies a powerful story, emotion, and melody, all difficult skills to master. The greatest songwriters of all-time combine these skills, and others, to reach the pinnacle of their success.
In this article, we will explore the secrets to writing compelling songs; whether you’re an aspiring songwriter or an experienced musician looking to enhance your craft, these insights will guide you towards creating memorable and impactful compositions.
Tap into Your Emotions
One of the secrets to writing good songs is to tap into your own emotions and write about your experiences. Honest and authentic songwriting resonates with listeners, making personal tales seem more real. Get started by identifying a specific emotion or experience that you want to express, something you have felt. For example, Taylor Swift’s hit song “Love Story” masterfully captures the feeling of young love and longing experienced by the singer. It’s something that has resonated with others as well – Love Story has been the backdrop for real-life proposals!
Tell a Compelling Story
Humans are wired to connect with stories, and whilst we’ve covered how telling your own story is a good thing, feel free to tell someone else’s. Crafting a narrative within your song can make it more relatable and engaging, even if it is fictional. Writing a good song is a bit like writing a story – having a purpose, a moral to the story that leaves an imprint on the listener. Always ensure that your story has a clear beginning, middle, and end, as with the Kenny Rogers song, “The Gambler”. He uses clever metaphors for life, wrapped up in a story about a chance meeting on a train.
Craft Engaging Lyrics
Strong lyrics are the backbone of any great song, and those lyrics can stand the test of time if put together correctly. They have the power to evoke emotions and tell a story – they’re the method by which you can convey those important emotions. Use vivid imagery, metaphors, and relatable language to captivate your audience. Bob Dylan is a fine example of a great lyricist – his iconic song “Blowin’ in the Wind” showcases poetic lyrics that address thought-provoking questions about peace and equality.
Create Memorable Melodies
Melodies are the hooks that catch listeners’ attention and linger in their minds. A catchy melody can make a song unforgettable. Experiment with different chord progressions, scales, and rhythms to find a melody that resonates. Florida-based singer-songwriter Bacon James explains how a melody is a good way to frame your song and make sure that it catches the listener’s attention. A good melody can make an average song great, but it can also make an important message be heard. The Beatles’ “Yesterday” is a timeless example of a simple yet incredibly memorable melody – it was also one of those songs written in less than half an hour.
Embrace Collaborations
Never be afraid to get a second opinion, or even to allow someone else to work on your song. Collaborating with other songwriters and musicians can bring fresh perspectives and ideas to your work. John Lennon and Paul McCartney wrote much of the Beatles’ catalogue, well over 1,000 songs. Elton John frequently worked with Bernie Taupin, one doing the lyrics, the other the music. This is obvious in Taupin’s references to growing up in the English countryside, evident on tracks such as “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”, which exemplifies the magic that can happen when talents combine.
Polish and Refine
One trick to songwriting that rarely gets mentioned is self-evaluation and polishing. As we’ve mentioned, some songwriters finish a masterpiece in 20 minutes, such as “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes. However, in order to make a song great, you may have to polish it, refine it and develop it. Try to experiment with different arrangements, instrumentation, and production techniques. The Michael Jackson track “Billie Jean” underwent meticulous refinement to become the legendary hit, and has since been rerecorded, sampled and covered.
Written by Connie Flynn
