How To Overcome The Lyric Writing Hurdles That Are Keeping You Behind

The lyric writing side of songwriting is known to create an enormous number of problems for some folks. No matter how hard they try, they are unable to write a single line that they can be pleased with.

In many cases these very same people make phenomenal advancements in writing music and melodies. However they just can't seem to figure out how to come up with suitable lyrics to match them.

If you are facing such a situation, there's probably no need to worry. By taking certain appropriate steps you should be able to overcome lyric writing hurdles and write songs that deliver.

(1) Here are some essential ideas for overcoming these hurdles.

1. Collaboration

If you're very good at writing melodies but can't seem to write a single line, one solution might be collaboration. Instead of beating your head against the wall for ideas, find someone who is very good at writing lyrics and work together. You may be surprised at the wonders that can emanate from a combination of his excellence at writing lyrics and your brilliance at writing melodies.

2. Lyric writing tools

Perhaps you may be hoping for some other solution. While you don't mind the idea of collaboration, you want to allow yourself to get better at writing lyrics, instead of leaving it to someone else.

As far as I'm concerned, the importance of laying hold on good songwriting "tools" should never be underestimated. Educate yourself as much as you can. Make use of songwriting books, programs, courses, software, articles or whatever valuable resources that you have at your disposal.

3. Motivation

You've probably heard it said a thousand times ... Without motivation, you won't go very far. This also applies to your lyric writing. While the songwriting "tools" outlined above can help you improve, without adequate motivation failure is inevitable.

(2) Here are a few tips to help you generate lyric writing ideas.

1. Use different lyrics to bring the same message across.

Choose a theme which is known to have made a few hits. What message does this theme bring across? Write different lyrics that bring the same message across. A typical example of this is John Denver's "I'm Leaving on a Jetplane" and Wyclef Jean's "Gone till November". These songs made hits in different eras. Their basic message was similar ... Baby, you don't need to cry because I'll return.

2. Add a unique twist to a cliche.

Turn on your radio and you will hear cliches being repeated over and over. Using these very same cliches is simply a futile exercise. My suggestion is to add a unique twist to these cliches. This is something I am focusing on more and more.

A typical example of adding a unique twist to a cliche is found in Dianne Warren's "Unbreak my Heart" made popular by Toni Braxton. The ever popular cliche, "break my heart", was twisted.

(3) Here are three lyric writing suggestions.

1. Write a song about a particular incident. Your song should tell a story.

2. Write lyrics that have absolutely nothing to do with anything you've actually experienced.

3. Get lyric writing ideas from newspapers, magazines, movies, TV and so on.

Overcoming lyric writing hurdles involves a lot of determination, hard work and perseverance on your part. Implement the suggestions presented above and move one step closer to lyric writing success.

About The Author

Mantius Cazaubon offers lots of valuable songwriting tips, techniques, suggestions and advice on his site http://www.ultimatesongwriting.com. Visit http://www.ultimatesongwriting.com for the ultimate truth about lyric writing and songwriting.

mantius@ultimatesongwriting.com

Classical music
Minneapolis Star Tribune, MN - 3 hours ago
In his third appearance with the Chamber Music Society of Minnesota, Fleisher and duo partner Katherine Jacobson will play Ravel's "La Valse" and Schubert's ...
Pop music: A fall preview Minneapolis Star Tribune
all 4 news articles

MTV.com
Kanye West to Close Video Music Awards
New York Times, United States - 13 hours ago
The hip-hop star Kanye West will be the closing act at the 25th annual MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, The Associated Press reported. ...
Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera to appear at MTV Video Music ... Telegraph.co.uk
Britney Spears to open MTV Video Music Awards guardian.co.uk
MTV's VMAs: DOA? E! Online
Boston Herald - Hartford Courantall 1,305 news articles

BBC News
Music tastes link to personality
BBC News, UK - 48 minutes ago
According to new research, the type of music we listen to reveals a lot about the type of person we are. The BBC is not responsible for the content of ...

Canada.com
Napster to Offer Digital Music Service across Wide Range of Lenovo ...
MarketWatch - Sep 5, 2008
the pioneer of digital music, and Lenovo today announced a co-marketing agreement under which Napster's award-winning music subscription service will be ...
New Lenovo PCs offer free Napster service CNET News
Napster faces challenges within and without Reuters
Napster offers free trial on Lenovo PCs Electronista
socalTech.comall 24 news articles

The Smart Set
Musical taste linked to personality
The Press Association - 2 hours ago
Heavy metal fans are gentle, indie music listeners lack self-esteem and lovers of pop music are uncreative, according to research. ...
Research shows music taste defines your personality 3 News NZ
Musical tastes reveal personality – study Dispatch Online
Classical to Rap: Music lovers have much more in common than you ... Independent
BBC News - CBC.caall 76 news articles

'Twilight' author Stephenie Meyer on music videos and mermaids
Los Angeles Times, CA - 23 hours ago
Susan Carpenter of the Los Angeles Times caught up with "Twilight" author Stephenie Meyer on the set of a music video for Jack's Mannequin, ...
'Twilight' Author Stephenie Meyer Tries To Drown Jack's Mannequin ... MTV.com
Stephanie Meyer's Vision for Jack's Mannequin: Ocean Stalking Andrew? Buzznet
all 5 news articles

Spirituals concert to raise money for music academy
DavidsonNews.net, NC - 3 hours ago
Davidson United Methodist Church is creating a new music outreach program for children in the Lake Norman area who do not have access to music education. ...

Genoa music teacher killed in crash
Port Clinton News Herald, OH - 5 hours ago
By KRISTINA SMITH HORN • Watchdog/enterprise reporter • September 6, 2008 WOODVILLE TOWNSHIP -- A Genoa pianist and music teacher died Friday after her car ...

The Canadian Press
Lead nominee for music awards bridging divide between country and pop
The Canadian Press, WINNIPEG - 18 hours ago
Farrell's songs, much like Twain's, try to bridge the narrowing divide between new country and pop music. Farrell said she listened to country legends such ...
Staying real helped Jessie Farrell connect with fans Canada.com
all 23 news articles

Boston Globe
"Stand Up to Cancer" inspires with music, messages
Orlando Sentinel, FL - 40 minutes ago
That's the best review I can give this inspiring mix of music, pep talks and medical news that aired Friday on ABC, CBS and NBC. The high point for me? ...
TV TODAY Superstar singers join cancer fight Detroit Free Press
Star-heavy Hollywood takes a stand Boston Globe
all 14 news articles

Wind Chimes and more...

Windchimes for great gifts!

Writing Hit Songs