Below is a list of tips and pointers that may help you improve your lyric writing skills.

Lyrics tell the story, convey the story, and communicates information from the writer to the listener.

Write what it real for you, what you feel, and what you love. But before you begin write, ask yourself, would an artist want to say this and would millions of people want to hear it.

Generally, a 3 minute song contains 28 lines of lyric (to tell your entire story and evoke the desired emotion in the listener).

Lyric Writing Notes:

1. Start with a title or interesting phrase.
2. Write down other phrases, images, and thoughts suggest by the title (as single words or short phrases).
3. Try making short sentences with the words and phrases. Make sentences from difference points of view: you, I, we, they, etc. No rhyme is required.
4. Write and develop the music – Think about the feeling the music invokes; angry, happy, sad, energetic, fast, slow, etc.
5. Speak the words to the music before attempting to sing them. Use natural melody from syllables.
6. Most of the time, begin working on the chorus and then the verse, and then the bridge if applicable.

The 3-step lyric writing techique:

1. Start with a title
2. Outline the story
3. Write the actual lines of lyric

A strong title:

• grabs your attention
• envokes powerful emotions
• is unusual
• is interesting or intriguing
• is clever

Plots or story lines for songs:

• Attitudinal - a song that expresses a single attitude or emotion.
• Situational - a song that explores a situation.
• Story Song - has a plot with a beginning, a middle, and an end.

Avoid Redundancy - Each line of lyric should:

• make a contribution to the overall song/story
• further the development of the story
• lets the listener know (more and more) how the singer is feeling

Lyric Checklist

• Adheres to one of the most successful song structures
• Has an interesting title and idea
• Has a universal theme – not too personal for others to relate to
• Makes the singer look good
• Has verse lyrics that clearly lead to the title
• Contains one focused idea
• Evokes one emotion
• Maintains one consistent tense
• Uses correct pronouns
• Contains opening lines that "grab" the listener and set the emotional tone
• Maintains one consistent tone and style throughout
• Uses fresh imagery
• Sounds Conversational
• Avoids Clichés
• Is not redundant; the second verse adds new information
• Does NOT preach
• Does NOT "tell" how the singer feels – the listener feels it
• The bridge (if applicable) adds a new angle
• Each line logically flows from the previous line and into the following line
• Employs rhymes in the appropriate place(s)
• Has a title that "pays off"