Songwriting 101

Part 1: Common Song Structures

·         Most common song structure: ABABCB

A = verse, B = chorus, C = bridge

·         6 primary parts of a song:

1.      Intro

Catch listener attention by introducing singer’s voice. Typically, slow and more lowkey.

2.      Verse

Chance to tell and develop the story.

3.      Pre-chorus

Optional. Lift the impact of chorus. Can be utilized with different harmonies.

4.      Chorus

Serves as the climax, the big idea, the summary, the catchiest part (hook) of the song. Song title usually appears in this part.

5.      Bridge

Happens once toward the end of the song. A change of pace in the song. Can be achieved through switching to a relative key.

6.      Outro

Signs that the song is coming to an end. Done by slowing down the intro or chorus.

·         

        Common song structures:

1.      AABA (32-bar-form)

2.      Verse-chorus form

3.      ABABCB

·         

        Variations on common song structure:

1.      No chorus

To make up for this, each verse typically either begins or ends with a refrain: a line or few lines that repeat throughout the song.

2.      No bridge

So much repetition. This structure relies on the use of a refrain to keep things interesting and to help give the song focus.

 

Part 2: Where to Begin

1. Think of your source of inspiration.
2. Choose a topic.
3. Write anything in your mind as a journal.
4. Start formulizing a strong chorus by write down the most important thing you want to tell in the song.
5. If the chorus is done written, go back to your journal and figure out how to organize it into two verses.
6. After developed a chorus and two verses, try to discover the final point of the song you want to make, or it called the bridge. Bridge can be different in the form of lyric and rhyme from the other two.
7. Finally, we are halfway done! Now, jump to the melody part. Be creative and just let the melody flow through your lyrics. Sometimes, you have to rewrite some parts of your lyrics in order to make it more suitable.
8. Last thing to do is reevaluate the entire song to reassure the lyrics and the melody are in sync.

 

References:

·         LeeAnne, C. 2012. Songwriting 101: Where to begin? (Part A: Writing Lyrics First). [online]. Available at: https://thesongwritersblog.wordpress.com/2012/03/16/songwriting-101-where-to-begin-part-a-writing-lyrics-first/. [Accessed 28 May 2021].

·         MasterClass. 2021. Songwriting 101: Learn Common Song Structures. [online]. Available at: https://www.masterclass.com/articles/songwriting-101-learn-common-song-structures#what-is-song-structure. [Accessed 28 May 2021].