He's a brief set of notes of scribbled down amongst the exercises of speed writing (for the want of a better expression ) and then show and tell.
Boydie will be happy its about rules, no rules and song craft...
![Grin ;D](http://songwriterforum.co.uk/Smileys/default/grin.gif)
Hope they make sense, they did in the room and using it for real worked.
![Smiley :)](http://songwriterforum.co.uk/Smileys/default/smiley.gif)
Neil
Writing lyrics to a set structure, we following a limerick with its 5 lines and with 1,2, 5 and 3, 4 rhyming. Then added a chorus.
Talked about simple traditional song structures, A, A, B, A with the first or last line of the A often being the title and hook.
Try coming up with melody with any instrument, just singing. This should free you up from chordal harmonies inherent in say a guitar. it may also open you up to major to minor opportunities.
Holding a chord creates tension
Try occasional passing chords - perhaps diminished or augments to inject interest.
How important melody is on verses. If you have the first two lines try which may repeat try to end on a different note on the second line to give it more variation.
Think of concepts or themes for groups of songs. Create deadlines to start and finish songs.
use the same words to mean different things - e.g. one dollar more...
idioms are great for titles and lyrics
use rhyming boxes
songcraft, economy of language, focus and be specific. maybe have a small idea but the detail gives it real meaning
dont get stuck, rough things out and refine later
listen to the sound of words, the meter, use of various rhyming schemes
use of ghost rhymes to set things up and then use a different word or meaning - your brain will get them both
Chorus - should take you somewhere new - different by key, melody, rhyme. It should be Big, repeat
Middle 8 can be used to take you somewhere completely different both musically and lyrically before bringing you back and should create some relief
Try getting concept and creating a structure and storyboard first before your write the lyrics and also
consider the musical style
Be personal and universal at the same time, song should be familiar and yet new and surpass
Think about self commissioning a song, as if you're writing for an artist and aim for them
Over write lyrics and then pick the best bits.
You can use time to illustrate and tell a story e.g. past, present and future
Brain fade, any questions happy to try and explain.