“How to Write a Song” by Allyson Jones Think back to the last time you heard your favorite song. You plant your headphones on, close your eyes, and completely immerse yourself in the music. You hang on to every word and every note, enchanted by the passionate vocals and addictive melodies. But have you ever wondered what really goes into making a song? Every Songwriter uses different methods to compose a song. In fact, if you were to type “how to write a song” in a Google search bar, you would get about 685 million results! When it comes to songwriting, the possibilities are endless. After years of trial and error, I’ve come up with a simple, four step process on how to write a song. This process strikes a perfect balance between
The chorus is where you get the main point across to the listener. It must be exciting and addictively catchy. The bridge, typically placed before the last chorus, is melodically different from the rest of the song. It provides a respite from the existing melody. The structure of the song, or the order in which the four components are placed, is completely up to you. Just make sure the song is harmonious, and does not sound choppy or awkward. The last step in the songwriting process is probably the most overlooked. This step is to revise and edit. This is where you remove unnecessary words, and revise any awkward phrases. The songwriting process can be mentally exhausting. So before you put the finishing touch on your song, take a step back and clear your head. After a few days (or weeks), come back with a more refreshed and objective outlook on the song. Also, ask other people for their opinion. This will allow you to see the song from different perspectives. I know its hard, but try not to get defensive. A few years ago, I wrote a song called “Forever and On”, and in my mind, the song was poetic genius. When my friends told me my song was less than perfect, I told them they were crazy! I immediately became defensive, confused, and even a little angry. But a few days went by, I looked at the song again, and I realized they were right. This was difficult for me, but I came to value the