Song writing for most people tends to be a terrible nightmare. The main reason for this is the lack of understanding of songwriting basics that would make the song easier to write. Instead of focusing on how the song will be structured they may turn their attention more on how they want the product to sound. As a result, they give up and quit writing songs. This article will look at songwriting in terms of the basic elements of writing.
The first verse or the beginning of the song is where the focus should be initially. The listener’s attention must be drawn in at this point and it is the duty of the songwriter to ensure this. For this to happen, it is important to engage the imagination of the listener by drawing pictures in their mind using the lyrics of the first verse. It is important that changes in the verses come in the words and not in the melody of the song. The initial verse as well as the others that come after it must flow freely, naturally and conversationally.
The chorus, which usually follows the first verse, must be written thereafter. Here is where the writer can affect the emotions of the person listening to the song strongly. As such, it is sung repeatedly following every verse to keep the emotions of the listener engaged throughout the song. The hook and most important lyrics of the song are contained in the chorus, as it is a summation of the whole song. It may be wiser to first write the song’s chorus or hook and then follow this up by writing the verses of the song.
A refrain, which is another basic element of songwriting, can also be added to every verse in the song to sum up the theme of the said verses. This line is repeated in each verse and can be either the first or the last line. One can also include a bridge when writing songs. This is a contrasting piece of music that causes the flow of music to break while affecting the emotions of the listener. Plots and twists in the songs story are relayed in the bridge and secrets are revealed in this part of the song. For practice, one should listen to contemporary music and try to pick out these basic elements.