Songwriting Tips
If a song doesn’t flow, don’t waste your time
Songs are a funny thing, and the best ones, are the ones that just flow out as you write them. You don’t need to fight with them, they just flow out. Some of the best songs ever written have been written in under half an hour. I’ve spent tons of time trying to write songs that aren’t flowing, and they never turn out as good as the songs that just flow out. Not to say that this is always the case, but especially with beginning songwriters, they usually don’t work out very well.
Don’t get distracted
One of the worst things you can do while you’re writing a good song, is to get distracted. Inspiration doesn’t come all the time, so when you have it, don’t waste it. Get in the habits of writing your songs with your cell phone off, or not near a computer, where things like Facebook, and Youtube can easily distract you. I always write my songs out in my music room, with my phone turned off. That way, if I start writing a good song, I don’t get all distracted, and mess up the song I’m writing.
Steps to Take:
- Turn off your phone/computer when you’re writing songs
- Only write half of a song, instead of working out the whole thing, in case it’s bad
- Don’t give up on a song until you’re sure it’s bad
- Don’t listen to other songs right before you start writing
- Complicated songs aren’t “better”, so don’t discount your easy songs (Iron Man, Smoke on the Water)
- Change up how your songs sound, don’t write 20 fast rock songs, or 20 sleepy slow songs
- Meaningful lyrics are good lyrics. Filler lyrics work to, but people can’t relate to them
Another thing, which I said briefly above, is that often times I don’t write the full song, I just write a verse, and a chorus, so that way I don’t waste my time on a song if it’s a dud. Also, that leaves open some space for inspiration, and changing it later, because usually after you write a song, it’s hard to think of other ways to change it.
In summary:
- Don’t get distracted when you’re writing songs
- If a song isn’t flowing, move on
- Writing half a song can really save time, in case the song is a dud