5 TIPS FOR WRITING BETTER LYRICS

1. SHOW, DON'T TELL

Instead of naming a feeling outright, try making the listener visualize it by describing it using its effect on the world around you. Like the great Martin Scorsese once said, "Don’t tell me about the moon shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass".

Artist to reference: Isaac Wood (from Black Country, New Road)

2. BE ABSTRACT

Avoid being too direct with your lyrics and rely on impressionism. Often painting an image with words means skipping rapidly between scenes & colors, giving the track more intrigue and nuance.

Artist to reference: Billy Woods (from Armand Hammer); Adrianne Lenker (from Big Thief)

3. BE PERSONAL

Adding small, personal details to your lyrics that only you or your circle will understand will make everything feel more intimate and real. Anythign from your friend Philip’s bar on the street to that apple tree that’s growing in your grandparent’s garden will allow the listener further immerse themselves in your world.

Artist to reference: Phil Elverum (from The Microphones)

4. THINGS DON’T ALWAYS HAVE TO RHYME

Often the need to make words connect in a pretty way can stop you from expressing yourself in a way you truly want to. A jagged sequence of sounds can capture the listener’s attention and highlight a line in a very quick & easy manner.

Artist to reference: Father John Misty, Geordie Greep (from Black Midi)

5. REALITY IS A PRISON

Approach lyrics like you would a movie or a book. While most songs could be categorized as a romantic drama or an action movie, turn yours into a fantasy epic or a sci-fi novel and tell an absurd yet immersive story.

Artist to reference: Daveed Diggs (from clipping.)