How to Write a Song That Tells a Story

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ส.ค. 2024
  • How to write a song that tells a story! If you've ever wondered how great songwriters weave beautiful storytelling into their songs, this is the video for you! I hope it helps you to write some awesome songs!
    If you do find this video helpful, be sure to like, comment, subscribe, and ring that cute little bell icon to be notified every time I post!
    My Lyric Writing Cheat Sheet:
    www.aprilkeez.com/post/lyric-...
    My songwriting outline:
    www.aprilkeez.com/post/songwr...
    My website:
    www.aprilkeez.com/
    Follow me on Social Media:
    / aprilkeez
    / aprilkeez
    / aprilkeez
    My logo and intro were designed by the incredible, Kevin Cox!
    #songwriting #storytelling #lyricwriting
    What is a cutie like you doing all the way at the bottom of a video description like this? ;)
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ความคิดเห็น • 112

  • @teddyhub1333
    @teddyhub1333 3 ปีที่แล้ว +23

    why does youtube not recommend good videos like this to us.....its so easy to understand u....i got connected to u throughout the video...you deserve millions of views....

    • @AprilKeez
      @AprilKeez  3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Thank you so much! 😊 I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

  • @EmilyE96
    @EmilyE96 4 ปีที่แล้ว +48

    This is some of the best advice I've come across! I love the way you explained songwriting, it was so immersive and inspiring.
    Can't believe there aren't more views, this is so helpful. I'll absolutely be sharing this video with anyone I come across struggling with lyrics

    • @AprilKeez
      @AprilKeez  4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Thank you so much! I appreciate the support! 😊

  • @avareee.b4125
    @avareee.b4125 4 ปีที่แล้ว +44

    This is honestly the best video ive found, it helped me start writing!

    • @AprilKeez
      @AprilKeez  4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Wow! Thank you! I’m so happy you found it helpful. 😊

    • @Songwriterbehindthecurtain
      @Songwriterbehindthecurtain 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@AprilKeez did you see my TH-cam comment?

  • @Itsyourboi22
    @Itsyourboi22 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Thanks, it will help me in the assignment given by my school

  • @just-a-me1168
    @just-a-me1168 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    This helped alot! Especially your website linked in the description! I am about to try to write a song about an Ancient Greek myth. Thanks!

    • @AprilKeez
      @AprilKeez  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I’m so glad to hear that! Which myth are you writing about?

  • @jessehahka
    @jessehahka ปีที่แล้ว +2

    That was great. Thank you.

  • @Songwriterbehindthecurtain
    @Songwriterbehindthecurtain 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Usually the songs on an album are the result of an artist's creations during a season of life. This means the songs can all speak to a similar set of themes, ideas and topics. So the aim of an album name is to try and sum up the big story/concept that all the songs pull from when they were written. It's not always like these, especially today. But traditionally, an album is like a "book" with the songs inside being like "chapters." Fun stuff! (I think 🤓)

  • @cosmia9534
    @cosmia9534 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I finally found a video that's helpful to me. It's hard to find songwriting videos that aren't about pop or rap (which are both lovely in their own right) when I'm trying to write folk. Joanna Newsom and Joni Mitchell are inspirations to me so when you whipped out Both Sides Now, I knew I'd come to the right place. Fantastic video, thank you.

    • @AprilKeez
      @AprilKeez  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I'm so glad to hear that! I'm totally there with you - I'm a huge fan of the 60s folk revival and alt. pop, so I find myself using those sorts of artists as examples pretty often. 😊

  • @lovemusic8405
    @lovemusic8405 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    so good thanks!

  • @helia5210
    @helia5210 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank U so much helped me so much ❤❤🙏🏻🙏🏻

  • @itservices4218
    @itservices4218 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    hey April thanks for sharing a piece of valuable information, it's really helpful what you shared, truly love the idea, God bless you, Peace

  • @lillily4655
    @lillily4655 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    This was awesome 💜. I’ve been writing a bit but felt a bit lost with structuring songs. This really really helped I’m getting some good ideas thinking about how I’ll structure my songs now and it feels much less daunting to write new material now. I’m autistic so it really helps to have some sort of structure whenever I try to get creative or I find myself just kinda either firing blindly in the dark or just haphazardly trauma dumping lol. You’ve helped me out a ton thank you 😊

  • @DirgeMcElvoy
    @DirgeMcElvoy 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Very well thought out information, I gleaned a lot of idea's. Liked & Subbed.

  • @rudychapa1650
    @rudychapa1650 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I’ve been binging all your videos. I’m inspired to write a song! You have amazing videos

    • @AprilKeez
      @AprilKeez  4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Thank you so much! I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed them! 😊

  • @AnnMaritamusic
    @AnnMaritamusic 4 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    Wow, such great points, very inspiring!

    • @AprilKeez
      @AprilKeez  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      I'm so glad you enjoyed it! 💜

  • @Y0nex
    @Y0nex 4 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    How about making a tutorial that is equivalent to this but rather in only an instrumental? So like it would be " How to make a song that tells a story through an instrumental only"
    Like how to convey certain emotions/paths through certain progressions and what not, You can even make a series out of it , I think that would be a great idea!
    Thanks in advance!

    • @AprilKeez
      @AprilKeez  4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      That's a really cool idea! I'll do some brainstorming!

    • @AprilKeez
      @AprilKeez  4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Hey Y0nex! This video is officially up and running!
      th-cam.com/video/Kb3eiCw9ntw/w-d-xo.html

  • @peepeepoopoo6153
    @peepeepoopoo6153 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Omg thank you so much for this video. I watch all the other videos and it helped me alot. It makes sense and is easier to write songs now. Thank you. Much love ♥️

    • @AprilKeez
      @AprilKeez  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I’m so glad to hear that! 💜

  • @shyfacetroubadour
    @shyfacetroubadour 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This is so great! Thank you so much for this. A wonderful tutorial!

    • @AprilKeez
      @AprilKeez  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      So glad it was helpful! 😊

  • @spin._major
    @spin._major ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Wow great content ❤

  • @Vampire-666.
    @Vampire-666. 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hi April thank you so much for your advice!!!!!! 🙂🙂🙂🙂

    • @AprilKeez
      @AprilKeez  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      You are so welcome! 😊

  • @louisruffin6808
    @louisruffin6808 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for the advice, I will try to use some of this for the songs I make for me. You don't have to hear them, I won't waste your time with them

  • @rickim.5479
    @rickim.5479 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you so much! Great and inspiring video- I'm gonna try those things 😁💪🏼🙌🏽

    • @AprilKeez
      @AprilKeez  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      You’re so welcome! I hope they’re helpful. 😊

  • @johnbaptistsemogerere6685
    @johnbaptistsemogerere6685 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Quite professional

  • @miriamong8529
    @miriamong8529 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    You deserve more views, very understandable way of teaching..🤩

    • @AprilKeez
      @AprilKeez  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks a lot! 😊 Glad you enjoyed it.

  • @japhethopilike
    @japhethopilike 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is awesome 💖🥰👏

  • @skylite6488
    @skylite6488 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    You deserve way more subscribers thankyou mam now I will work on my song by my best effort

  • @popaandrei4422
    @popaandrei4422 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great. time to write a poem.. because is the same thing 😁 great advices
    And now i have some ideeas

    • @AprilKeez
      @AprilKeez  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      I'm so glad it was helpful! 💜

  • @Deathist
    @Deathist 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    OMG!! thank you so much i love youuu🥺😭💜💜💜🌌

    • @AprilKeez
      @AprilKeez  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      You're so welcome!

  • @cattpig
    @cattpig 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    holy crap i always come across these aesthetic videos of girls that tend to talk a lot but then not really say much, so i’m so glad i found this because it’s so amazing and i actually learned so much from it

  • @yashoradhapanchal3158
    @yashoradhapanchal3158 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    You are amazing.keep doing It helped me a lot...thanks for doing this

    • @AprilKeez
      @AprilKeez  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Happy to help! 💜

  • @callhimcurly7466
    @callhimcurly7466 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This video should NOT be free. This is some gold advice, this video made my cluttered mind so like open.

    • @AprilKeez
      @AprilKeez  3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I appreciate that! I’m a big believer that the arts should be accessible to everyone, so I do my best to upload lots of good, free info. 😊 I’m so glad it was helpful!

    • @callhimcurly7466
      @callhimcurly7466 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@AprilKeez thank you so much. ❤❤

  • @Songwriterbehindthecurtain
    @Songwriterbehindthecurtain 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    To me, it does still count as one whole story, even if there's no segue between tracks. I think it's just an artistic choice to use segues. I think even if the songs start and stop on their own, they can still point back to the big theme of the album 👍

  • @tayyjayy2598
    @tayyjayy2598 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Im trying to learn how to write a song of my ex but you are attractive I forgot why I clicked on this video :0

  • @haritnaik7423
    @haritnaik7423 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    This would help me a lot thanks.🙏

    • @AprilKeez
      @AprilKeez  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      So glad to hear it!

  • @LaurieMiller
    @LaurieMiller 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Good job!

    • @AprilKeez
      @AprilKeez  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thank you!

  • @stuartcochrane173
    @stuartcochrane173 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The Jams - 'Man in the Corner Shop' is an excellent example of suburban British storytelling.

    • @AprilKeez
      @AprilKeez  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yes! Awesome song.

  • @aidam.halili9572
    @aidam.halili9572 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    amazing content

  • @Pleasedontsayyouloveme
    @Pleasedontsayyouloveme 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I rewatched it. This might help me! Thanks

  • @jasminsinghhh
    @jasminsinghhh 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I literally found your channel accidentally.... And it's sooooo helpful....
    Thank you so much ma'am....
    Love from India🧡
    Ma'am i wrote a song and i need your feedback... Can you plz help me out?

  • @randos1169
    @randos1169 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I love the ending of your description 😂😂😂

    • @AprilKeez
      @AprilKeez  4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I have been adding messages at the bottom of the description for nearly two years and I swear, you’re the first person to notice! 😂🤣 Yes!!!

    • @randos1169
      @randos1169 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      😂😂😂#first

  • @Yougseason
    @Yougseason 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I'm slow to understand but I kinda get what you mean I'll try this technique thank you

    • @AprilKeez
      @AprilKeez  9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Let me know if you have questions! I'll do my best to clarify. 😊

  • @godsdaughter3738
    @godsdaughter3738 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have a story about a boy and it's a long story and I wish I can write a him a song

  • @senayabraha4307
    @senayabraha4307 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    underrated is what this is.

  • @littlet-rex8839
    @littlet-rex8839 ปีที่แล้ว

    It's what I do ,,,, I have trouble writing any other kind song

  • @twicemomosanajungyeon882
    @twicemomosanajungyeon882 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hopefully this helps because I'm doing Antigone story.

  • @itskezii
    @itskezii ปีที่แล้ว

    i'm here because of our group activity

  • @Songwriterbehindthecurtain
    @Songwriterbehindthecurtain 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Or upon this rock by newsboys.

  • @Songwriterbehindthecurtain
    @Songwriterbehindthecurtain 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Like zero by hawk nelson.

  • @cristinamella3833
    @cristinamella3833 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    HI! Can your please fix the link to ... "My songwriting outline" - Thank you!

    • @AprilKeez
      @AprilKeez  11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Sorry about that! Here's the link:
      www.aprilkeez.com/post/my-songwriting-outline

  • @Southernstereotype
    @Southernstereotype 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Im writing about a girl who cheated on me
    But my problem is I keep finding myself using chord progressions and rhythms very common and well known. Also with finding words that flow and keep the story in one place. Any tips?

    • @AprilKeez
      @AprilKeez  4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I am so so sorry that you were cheated on. That is so frustrating and difficult. What progressions do you tend to gravitate toward? I made a similar video a little while ago that focuses more on the music side of things, so hopefully, this one is helpful: th-cam.com/video/Kb3eiCw9ntw/w-d-xo.html 💜Feel free to ask any questions you've got!

    • @Southernstereotype
      @Southernstereotype 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      April Keez I usually tend to go for Am C F G

    • @AprilKeez
      @AprilKeez  4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@Southernstereotype Nice! You've got so much to play around with! Which instrument do you play?
      If guitar - Barre chords are a great starting point, but if those are tricky (they took forever for me haha), I would look up the CAGED method; basically, use the chord shapes that you're used to playing on the first few frets and try moving those shapes around the neck. This allows you to make some new, interesting sounds while not having to dive too deep into music theory. You'll get some really pretty sounds this way.
      If piano or if you're a more intermediate/advanced guitar player - One of the easiest places to start is with chord substitution. Take that progression and try replacing one of the chords. Take that F, for instance, and make it an Fm. You can also try sus chords (C would go from CEG to CDG or CFG), 7th chords and extensions (try CEGB or CDEG, for instance), or modes (I think I talk about these in that video I linked above).
      In general, challenge yourself to start on a new chord. Play around with new keys and experiment with which chords sound good to you. Don't be afraid of the black keys/the frets further up on the the guitar. Nothing is off limits.

    • @Southernstereotype
      @Southernstereotype 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      April Keez i play guitar. I have also found out going the cold hearted girls route or friend in low places(if that’s understandable

    • @peepeepoopoo6153
      @peepeepoopoo6153 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@AprilKeez omg you're literally the sweetest person. You're so kind

  • @jazzbarber5369
    @jazzbarber5369 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    It is so hard to write a song about my emotions but I just can't make the lyrics sound right

    • @AprilKeez
      @AprilKeez  3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Yeah, it can be difficult to write about your emotions. I generally recommend focusing on specific moments and using your senses. I would try to build the emotion into the story, rather than building the story into the emotion, if that makes sense. What aspect of your lyrics doesn't sound right?

  • @thatgirlmerx3444
    @thatgirlmerx3444 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    could you help out, the song im thinking of is about being judged but you've changed from your past

    • @AprilKeez
      @AprilKeez  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      What aspect of the song are you struggling with?

    • @thatgirlmerx3444
      @thatgirlmerx3444 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@AprilKeez well I just struggle with the structure for example if it was a story telling song, how would I make the verses different to the chorus and other verses in terms of the lyrics and the story. I just find it really difficult especially because I have little experience

    • @AprilKeez
      @AprilKeez  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@thatgirlmerx3444 Great question! I like to plan my songs out using an outline. Here's the one that I use most often; hopefully, it'll be helpful for you, too. Let me know if there's anything else I can help with!
      www.aprilkeez.com/post/my-songwriting-outline

  • @Songwriterbehindthecurtain
    @Songwriterbehindthecurtain 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Why are album 💿 are viewed as a big story while the tracks are your chapter?

  • @captainsparrow_carribbea
    @captainsparrow_carribbea 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    How many of you have songs that stuck in your mind comment here

  • @Ash-Arrow_Haunting_You
    @Ash-Arrow_Haunting_You 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I’m writing a song from the perspective of an 8 year old girl called Reace talking to her older sister Shei after she died (Shei accidentally killed her)

  • @peytonsavage2277
    @peytonsavage2277 ปีที่แล้ว

    People learn by giving examples, so example for us?

  • @elvisatit3392
    @elvisatit3392 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    lol , i came here to find out what I was doing wrong just to find out I was doing it right by myself the whole time

    • @AprilKeez
      @AprilKeez  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      That’s awesome!!

  • @Idolikethis
    @Idolikethis 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    the second vid ive watched and not once touched the keys......why

    • @AprilKeez
      @AprilKeez  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Haha, I filmed in the same spot for every video because my apartment was small; I promise, I do play the piano in a lot of other videos!

  • @secondvisions9759
    @secondvisions9759 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Years ago I dated a girl whose mother was a accomplished writer
    Speaking 🔊 to her one day about how to write ✍️
    She told me to use 3 🐕 dog's and only one bone to be any good at writing

    • @AprilKeez
      @AprilKeez  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I love that!!

  • @Songwriterbehindthecurtain
    @Songwriterbehindthecurtain 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Every song tells a story?

  • @dvbb1770
    @dvbb1770 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Can anyone tell a story :D it would be a big help

  • @almamaetimtim6927
    @almamaetimtim6927 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Is being able to create a song is an inborn talent? I'm losing my confidence in writing a song,
    I wanted to create a good song but I'm having a hard time when it comes to putting melodies😔

    • @AprilKeez
      @AprilKeez  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      That's a great question! I am a big, big believer that anyone can write a song. Like a lot of skills, it can feel really challenging if you're searching in the dark, but there are lots of ways to improve once you've experimented a bit.
      When it comes to melodies, I think the best way to get started is with the notes in your chords. If you're playing a C Major chord, for instance, start by singing a C, E, or G. If the next chord is a G Major, choose a G, B, or D. From there, add some notes to fill the space in between and you should have a solid basis for your melody.
      If you need any other help, feel free to reach out and if it's helpful, here are some videos I made about melodies:
      Top Line Melody/Lyrics - th-cam.com/video/TaPE8O_uWZQ/w-d-xo.html
      Melody Writing - th-cam.com/video/SqH8LJzCPoE/w-d-xo.html

    • @almamaetimtim6927
      @almamaetimtim6927 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you very much for your reply!
      You're an indeed humble and proffesional mentor!
      Anyways, I'm from Philippines!
      Lucky to found your channel!

    • @AprilKeez
      @AprilKeez  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@almamaetimtim6927 Of course! I so appreciate your kind words. Thanks for watching!

  • @raymondsanjose3955
    @raymondsanjose3955 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I came here because of Eminem's rap song Stan

  • @Pleasedontsayyouloveme
    @Pleasedontsayyouloveme 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I need help

    • @AprilKeez
      @AprilKeez  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      What do you need help with?

    • @Pleasedontsayyouloveme
      @Pleasedontsayyouloveme 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@AprilKeez I don't really get it. I try to write like you instructed in the video but I just don't get it. I want to write my first song but I'm stuck TvT