00:56 Tip 1: Find the title at your earliest possible convenience 04:11 Tip 2: Whatever your title or hook is, repeat it at least twice inside the chorus 06:20 Tip 3: Amplify reality 07:48 Tip 4: Focus a disproportionate amount of time on the first line of your song 11:04 Tip 5: Choose the right point of view for your song 13:36 Tip 6: Save the highest note of your song for the chorus 14:52 Tip 7: Quality in songwriting is a factor of quantity 15:20 Tip 8: Do not mistake generic lyrics for universally relatable lyrics
P.S. great use of examples in your teaching :) another video idea: great songs that totally break each of these songwriting rules, so we can see both sides of the equation? (after all, the exception makes the rule!)
I really struggle with tip 7 and here's why. It's often been said that a songwriter's songs are like his babies. Each one has a special meaning and is a labour of love to create. It's always been difficult for me to let go of a song that isn't working or that I'm stuck on. Should I stop and start a new song? Should I start from scratch with the same song? Should I leave it alone for a while and come back to it? Should I completely scrap it? Songwriting is a grueling decision making process for me because I approach every song I write wanting it to be special in it's own way and wanting it to be of a good quality.
Each is different like your kids. Often leave and later use fresh eyes, and ears. Try the song lyrics matched to a melody in your head, or one that just appears from a situation or moment.
I write for the bin. Write everything and don’t be afraid to throw it in the bin as it frees up the the brain for good ideas as it’s no longer clogged with all the rubbish ones. I -should- need to go back to writing every day.
Focus on the “why” in the song (the most important part). We can talk about the “what” the “who” the “where” ect, but the most important part is the why. That part alone is the most important part of a song.
Wish all channels had even a quarter of the content you put across. Your enthusiasm and logic and love for your craft is inspiring lass. More power to you. Thanks.
i’m a songwriter myself, i just write whatever i’m feeling in that moment and what comes to mind, but i’d have to be listening to a beat for those ideas to kick in and then i just write.
Thx! I always thought that my lyrics were always judgemental and angry, i like it when u suggested to write in another point of view… i get it! Didnt think that it would change it that much, but it does! Awesome!
Totally agree with the title idea first. Literally paused the video and wrote two songs quickly. Okay they're not great. But wow it's so easy to think of the next line because it's relevant.
K. Cobain seems to have broken the lyric rules. Although his lyrics gave the feeling of being personal, they were so cryptic that nobody REALLY know wtf he was talking about. YET they have shown to have universal appeal. 😊
Exactly. I like that form of lyricism. Where it doesn’t make ANY freaking sense but to the artist it does. It makes no sense yet FEELS like it does somehow
I really struggle with tip 7 and here's why. It's often been said that a songwriter's songs are like his babies. Each one has a special meaning and is a labour of love to create. It's always been difficult for me to let go of a song that isn't working or that I'm stuck on. Should I stop and start a new song? Should I start from scratch with the same song? Should I leave it alone for a while and come back to it? Should I completely scrap it? Songwriting is a grueling decision making process for me because I approach every song I write wanting it to be special in it's own way and wanting it to be of a good quality.
bro i’m the same but from my advice start other songs try other beats switch when you bored of that beat write at least 8-16 bars once you have enough and some kinda similar piece them together pick witch one is the chorus n boom you got a song bsafe
I have no idea how I stumbled on your channel- like no clue because all the algorithms ever send me are self help crap to like the 1000th power. But this turned up and I am so fuqing grateful to be literally DEVOURING your knowledge. I wish I’d had TH-cam as a kid, I’d be a light years ahead in my life. You are MAGICKAL Ms Keppie. Thank you 🙏🏻🤘🙏🏻🤘
I have to say that I was blown away by the intelligence, insights and lyrical innovations advocated by Keppie. These deeply knowledgable tips are first class and the generosity in sharing them is much appreciated. I’ve always wondered what the key differences are between writing rhyming poetic couplets (which I can rattle off easily) and crafting creative lyrics. What a world of difference there is; I have much to learn, even after six decades. 🎉🎉🎉
This is all priceless advice and it took me from, I'm not going to write lyrics because my lyrics suck, to I'm going to write plenty of lyrics so that these tips become my natural approach and THEN I can start producing higher quality songs more frequently.
I just watched this after spending a week or so on your - The 5 Most Powerful Songwriting Exercises, the course has made this so much more understandable. Thank you for the breakdown in this video, excellent information.
''writing is refined thought", and "songwriting is amplified reality" - lots of opportunities for improvement just there! Also the section "save the highest note" cleared some confusions I was personally dealing with for last few months, never thought about it like this! This entire video is helpful in so many ways, Thank you!
I would also say, melody is about contrast - I wrote a hit song where the chorus was the lowest part melodically. And by the chorus it feels new and different
I heard Jarvis Cocker say that it was good to really belt out ideas for chorus melodies. Be loud. Push yourself to the point of over extending. This might be helpful?
Ooh! Nice. I hadn't heard that advice, but now that I see it in writing, I realize that this is actually one of my favorite songwriting techniques. A lot of my best songs started with a chorus hook that just begged to be belted out at the top of my range. Heck, I ended up having to work to extend my upper register, just because a particular hook was so hook-y that I couldn't bear to rewrite or transpose it. Totally worth it! Been singing that one for 12 years now, and neither I nor my listeners seem to get tired of it. :)
Thank you !!! I've always loved writing poetry, being a musician that plays several instruments I'm taking an active approach in formally learning and I find your channel outstanding ❤ You are an angel, I seriously enjoy learning with you 😘 Michael
Tip number nine: Ignore the rules. Swim upstream. Go the other way. Ignore the conventional "wisdom". Going against the rules, that is what invention is about. That is how art is born. That is how breakthroughs happen.
What rules are these? There aren't any. Certain things tend to work most of the time, like getting to the chorus in less than a minute, having a song length less than 3:45 etc. Sure do a ten-minute song where the chorus comes in at nine minutes. Break the mould! Let us know how it goes!
@@MrMikomi - Sure. Rules can be useful but can also be just like a wall of fog that prevents you from creating something original and outstanding. Below an example of a song 9 minutes long without a chorus which have done great, by many considered to be a piece of art. Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen is another example. However not following the rules is just a tip - not a rule. If you prefer the run of the mill scheme it's your choice. There are many ways to make a good song, and creativity can be used on many different aspects in many different ways. th-cam.com/video/s_nc1IVoMxc/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=Ren
@@pseudonymlifts2 - I know. My tip was to not let tips becomes rules. I appreciate tips and advices, and may use them sometimes when I think it's appropriate, but I refuse to let them become rules to follow. I do not feel obliged to follow the rules of the run of the mill scheme in songwriting. “Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.” - Pablo Picasso
Nice list. I'd say this applies pretty well to writing for popular genres, looking for mainstream radio play. If we're talking heavier rock/prog/metal, rap, those rules can be optionally used, but often you have a much more connoisseur audience, who are intentionally happy to dispense with "short n sweet" 3-minute radio-ready formats. Dream Theater or Symphony X giving a 12+ minute rock opera are defining their own genre, and are world renowned nonetheless. One may argue they don't have near the commercial success as the popstars, but it's also true that had they attempted to be popstars they likely wouldn't make it at all (as grizzly, introverted, and hyper-intellectual as they tend to be)
When the music comes first - which is my process most times - I enjoy just listening to the music and wait for imagery to come to me. And the concept/story/idea forms as a visceral reaction to the music. Really enjoyed these tips. How do you feel about productivity? I am a fan of and dedicated to producing songs on a weekly basis, forcing myself to keep moving and not labouring on all ideas. I wrote and produced 100 songs last year and learned so much from that process...now its just part of my practice to write and produce at a fast pace. I go back and rework stuff sometimes.
Through osmosis, Steve Kilbey’s work has changed the way I write lyrics completely. His lyrics are so epically imaginative and yet also a seemingly effortless flow of words. So concise, simple, and yet novelistic. “Hotel Womb” is one of my favorites. If inclined to look them up, beware of inaccuracies posted on various lyrics sites; they read like AI dictations as they are often so poorly transcribed. It’s best to hear them in context.
I am a proficient writer. Really wanted to hate on this at first but I have to say you did exactly what you said you would. You helped me conceptualize things that took me a long time to figure out. This is a gem for us writiers just trying to get an edge direction motivation. Cheers!!
Wry nice! I needed this instruction and timing was perfect. It’s like I knew all this but had never put it into action on purpose, just danced around it for years.
Wow, I truly love this educational. I have nothing to say but thank you, Keppie. I've written about 20 songs, yet none of them seem to align with the second concept. Conversationally, I feel a bit off in that regard, but I adore the overall essence and melody of the songs.
I'm luv'n all your you tube lessons. Just discovered these today, and am binge watching through these. I have written a lot of songs, and so I have a lot to think about and refer to as I listen to all of this.
the cadence of your voice and your pace with explaining things completely tickles my brain. You could be changing a tire and i'd still watch your videos haha
The last tip really hit home. One of the most meaningful songs to me what a song called “With You” by Richard Fleeshman. The first line is also very powerful,”I picked up your shirts this morning, I don’t know why I don’t know why, Mr. Reynolds said to say hello, I started to cry I started to cry” Having lost my young husband at an early age -those lyrics went straight to my heart more than if anybody had used a generic line like “when we said goodbye”-it’s such a powerful song. Thank you so much for putting this in such straightforward language so that we can all follow it.
HOOK BOOK! 1:05 - Got an A6 pad on order to carry around. Also, I need to play this video to myself every morning so I remember what the process should look like.
I think this is one of your best content so far! Awesome. About the point of view, what do you think about changing it during the song? Sometimes it happens and I am devoured by the doubt if it is right or not!
A general rule of thumb, Manco, is to not change the point of you once it is established. For example, if you are referring to someone as she, try to avoid then referring to the same person as you somewhere else in the song. It’s one of those things that makes sense in the mind of the songwriter as our internal camera lens zooms in on a scene, or a person, or a moment or an emotion… But it ends up being very confusing for a listener. There are definitely some songs that do it and do it successfully, but I would say 99% of the time it ends up being confusing for a listener. Your song will generally be a lot stronger and clearer and more emotionally impactful if you pick the right point of you and keep it consistent throughout your song with lyrics. Hope that helps!
Thank you for this! It immediately cleared up so much for me by breaking the whole process into bits of arrangements and concepts! Been scared of writing my first song for a long time.
Some songs are done in minutes, others in decades. Some of my best hook lines are still waiting for companion phrases. Your tips are very much appreciated in pursuing this past a part time passion (hey, that would be a great name for a song).
@@TP-om8of Thank you for the offer, TP, but as I stated above, "others in decades". I started my...what is being called a hook book, more than 40 years ago. I would wake up in the middle of the night from a song in my dreams, and I quickly learned that if I did not get up right then, write it down or quickly record it on my cassette tape recorder, I would NEVER remember it by morning. I started keeping a spiral bound notebook at my bedside, cleverly titled (for a 14 year old) Lyrics and Notes. I would accompany the phrases entered with the date and time of day if it was something that I woke up with in my head to remind myself of that. I feel that they will drop in place when the time is right. Trying to get past the hurdle of pushing them into fruition. I am soon to retire from my bread and butter career, and videos like this help me see the path I want to take to focus on my music that has always been a side passion.
@@oyesuken I have a hook book too; most of them I get from book titles because that makes them sound intellectual, in that pretentious Simon & Garfunkel / Sting sort it way. Here are some of my favourites: The Great Chain of Being The Crooked Timber of Humanity My Prisons in Soviet Paradise The Best Bagels are Made at Home The Puritan Oligarchy Mary Berry’s Kitchen Favourites
Thank you! I have absolutely no song writing knowledge or experience. Recently I'm coming up with all these words and lyrics and I'm not sure how exactly to arrange them. Thanks again for taking time to do this. ✌️
keppe, thank you so much for your AMAZING tutorials. i've been writing for a long time and i feel like i'm discovering a new dimension to the craft since i came across you. please keep them coming you are so full of wonderful tips and ideas...thanks so much!!!!! - janelle
Hi Keppy I’ve been diving into free songwriting courses on TH-cam, but I’m having a hard time figuring out where I fall on the spectrum-whether I’m a beginner, somewhere in the middle, or more advanced. I know I’m definitely not a pro, but songs tend to just pour out of me naturally. I don’t always know where the inspiration comes from; I just empty what’s inside of me and usually go with it. That said, I feel like there might be areas I need to work on, but I’m not sure what those areas are. Should I be focusing on developing other skills, like learning an instrument to hone my craft? How do you figure out what you’re strong in versus what needs more work? I want to improve, but I don’t always know how to assess my own songwriting process. Thanks so much for your time! Also, thank you so much for the video's, and being available online.
Some good tips. With the passing of Mr. Lightfoot, I find myself going back and listening to his songs, and the brilliantly crafted lyrics and storytelling. His well-known songs, sure, but digging deep into the more obscure is where I think he really shines. Thank you 🙏🏻
Carefree highway, let me slip away on you Carefree highway, you seen better days The mornin' after blues from my head down to my shoes Carefree highway, let me slip away Slip away on you
Thank you for the inspiring videos, your enthusiasm for writing and teaching really comes through and makes me want to start practicing immediately. It's all about joy!
Re: Tip #8, I've also heard this in the context of prose writing: "Use the specific to imply the general." Cf: One of the most famous opening lines from science fiction: "The sky above the port was the color of television tuned to a dead channel." It's from "Neuromancer" by William Gibson; he immediately sets the tone and tells you a lot about the world you're about to enter through a single, evocative, highly specific sentence. In any case, it's great advice for any kind of writing, for sure. Leonard Cohen should know! :)
Honestly thank you so muctj for every video you make its given me such great direction and has helped me not feel so lost in teying to learn how to write songs so thank you!!
This is the third one of your videos I've seen - all excellent. On a side note, you and Chris Buck must be from the same region - the accent is so similar. Charming.
You say save the highest note for the chorus. I typically, (almost always) put it in the "shift(?) after the 2nd chorus. This is the pat where the music, maybe even the key, changes just for this part. Typically just before the guitar solo, or instrumental section, this is the part where the very essence of the song is defined. The exact word that is the focus of this section (and ultimately the whole song) is the high note. Maximum effort and energy is spent bringing this word, or phrase to the very front of the entire piece. Oddly, you mentioned of how the first line sets up for the chorus, which is (just by coincidence) what I have done almost every time in the last 47 years of writing. I had never thought about it until you, in this video, mentioned it. Even songs I wrote in 1976, (when I was in Jr High) were done this way. Repeating the essence of the first line in the chorus in the first and last lines of said chorus is something I have sub consciously always done. Quantity in writing has never been my thing. usually, I write when an idea hits that has a lot of meaning to me. I cannot just "sit down and write". When I'm hot, I'm hot, When I'm not, months may pass with no writing. If I'm not inspired, I simply cannot write. I was walking laps around my neighborhood back in the 80s, in wintertime, (early February) when brief flashes of several song ideas passed through my head. I walked home early, went to my downstairs studio, and jotted down ideas for roughly 8 songs. By the next morning, everything but those jottings was lost. June 10th that year, during another late night walk, the original ideas of 4 of those songs came back to mind (as I was in EXACTLY the same place they were originally conceived). I again rushed home, this time firing up the entire studio, and recorded rough ideas of all 4 songs. All lyrics were written and sang that night, and 3 of the guitar solos, and all of the piano work were too. Those songs are still performed the same way for the last 40 years. Moral of the story, I don't write in mass quantity, but frequently write in spirts, 4 or more songs in one night. It seems when I write multiples in one night, they all come out great. As for your "generic lyrics" line, I always write in reference to the main idea, thought I do meander sideways sometimes to explain myself better. Maybe if I ever start doing TH-cam videos, I'll share my strange methods of song writing. I typically don't consciously follow any rules when writing, but subconsciously, I seem to follow many of yours by sheer coincidence ! I have not deviated from my style once in 45 years !
Another great and useful video, thank you! You asked for comments about what tip had an impact. For me a huge breakthrough was the tip of letting the chords, rhythm or melody inform the lyrics rather than writing music to lyrics. I spent a long time consistently and frustratingly painting myself into corners trying to build music around an existing lyric until I embraced the tip of switching the order. I would still love to separate the process of creating music and words. Maybe I'm too prosy without a song structure. I'd be keen to hear how you or others manage your hook books when you write down song fragments. What are some approaches for making a hook book of song fragments that are malleable enough to fit later to new music? Is that even a thing that can be learned or is it a you-can-do-it-or-you-can't personal practice? My efforts at a song fragment book tend to end up as a word boneyard. If something gets written down without being specifically formed to music, it never leaves the page.
My tip to any songwriter: songwriting skill is that one thing in music you cannot learn and you must be born with. If you struggle with songwriting, if the melody ideas do not occurr to you by themselves in myriads, then you are not gifted towards songwriting and therefore try to become an instrumentalist, sound engineer, dj or whatever instead.
@@stopmegoo4218 Nope, you can practice all you want. This is why there are millions of great instrumentalists, but very few songwriters. But I wish you good luck in trying.
Yes, really good tips and thoughts. Concisely put and neatly summarises some of the main problems with what I write, I’m too generic (trying to be relatable), too wordy (dazzled by my own lyrical cleverness) and make the verses/bridges very, very melodic. Thanks for all of the tips…. Recommend! Right, now off to rewrite my song about a tree. It’s an oak, btw….
Great tips to really help focus a song. My problem is when I get inspired I get way too many ideas, the music gets too complicated, and I lose the original vibe, and don't finish the song.
girl....thank you so much i literally just switched around my pre chorus and chorus as i and learned from you i had it backwards so when i switched it it now sounds like a very well orchestrated song i could have learned this sooner but i thought i knew it all about writing turns out i didnt lol
Just found your channel. Can't wait to dive into the content. Thank you so much! Also, do you have a group where you do song reviews? Also also, your voice sounds like it would be excellent on an audiobook, too.
Thanks for the comment and support! Our Patreon is setup to provide feedback on original songs through live Q&A Sessions, available to our top-tier Songwriting Members - www.patreon.com/howtowritesongs? We also have songwriting groups you may be interested in howtowritesongs.org/
The Beatles didn't start a song by coming up with a title first. Often times, they didn't know what the song was about while they wrote it. I think that's what you referred to as sense writing.
I discovered your channel yesterday, and I can’t wait to apply all your advice to my own songwriting. Thank you for generously giving to those of us working on perfecting our craft!
Baby Weasel Playtime Baby weasel playtime - are you set and ready for this? Hanging on a lifeline - hooked by a magical wish Maybe we’ll see daytime- ‘cos outside it’s looking swell Ringing in the Maytime - just get yourself an available bell Sugar zombie mandrill - dead set to seal with a kiss Salamander standstill - By a trapdoor you can’t miss Breathing like a blowfish - inside the back of a truck Who’s for a slapdance? - who’s all for trying their luck? Sweet talking - from a whimper to a scream Sleepwalking through other peoples’ schemes Keep on talking - to justify the means Bold as bullets through nightmares dressed like dreams Dancing to the ragtime - looks like we’re happy men Grab yourself a gasmask - in case the weather changes again Don’t get downhearted - it’s not as bad as it looks Get yourself a cocktail - throw in some colouring books
My favorite songwriters are John Lennon and Roland Orzabal.. I also admire the Gibb Bros, George Harrison for his chords, Morrissey, for his lyrics, Bryan Wilson for his melodic ideas, Paul McCartney fot his single line verses (none pattern based)
When you said about the idea of a house but being specific like 'door' through which we can dive into the idea of a house, one song struck me at that moment. It's my house by Diana Ross. The lyrics goes like this: It's my house and I live here (I wanna tell you) It's my house and I live here There's a welcome mat at the door And if you come on in You're gonna get much more... Can this be considered a good example of that?
"Don't write the music, let the music write itself"
-Michael Jackson
How
Or the army of songwriters
I like that...to treat it like an unfolding entity
00:56 Tip 1: Find the title at your earliest possible convenience
04:11 Tip 2: Whatever your title or hook is, repeat it at least twice inside the chorus
06:20 Tip 3: Amplify reality
07:48 Tip 4: Focus a disproportionate amount of time on the first line of your song
11:04 Tip 5: Choose the right point of view for your song
13:36 Tip 6: Save the highest note of your song for the chorus
14:52 Tip 7: Quality in songwriting is a factor of quantity
15:20 Tip 8: Do not mistake generic lyrics for universally relatable lyrics
P.S. great use of examples in your teaching :) another video idea: great songs that totally break each of these songwriting rules, so we can see both sides of the equation? (after all, the exception makes the rule!)
ty! :)
Thank you for this shortcut
I really struggle with tip 7 and here's why. It's often been said that a songwriter's songs are like his babies. Each one has a special meaning and is a labour of love to create. It's always been difficult for me to let go of a song that isn't working or that I'm stuck on. Should I stop and start a new song? Should I start from scratch with the same song? Should I leave it alone for a while and come back to it? Should I completely scrap it? Songwriting is a grueling decision making process for me because I approach every song I write wanting it to be special in it's own way and wanting it to be of a good quality.
Each is different like your kids.
Often leave and later use fresh eyes, and ears.
Try the song lyrics matched to a melody in your head, or one that just appears from a situation or moment.
I dare you to write something every morning and every night. Its given me soooooo much material to work with.
I write for the bin. Write everything and don’t be afraid to throw it in the bin as it frees up the the brain for good ideas as it’s no longer clogged with all the rubbish ones.
I -should- need to go back to writing every day.
When you say wrote something, like a whole song?
Focus on the “why” in the song (the most important part). We can talk about the “what” the “who” the “where” ect, but the most important part is the why. That part alone is the most important part of a song.
Wish all channels had even a quarter of the content you put across. Your enthusiasm and logic and love for your craft is inspiring lass. More power to you. Thanks.
i’m a songwriter myself, i just write whatever i’m feeling in that moment and what comes to mind, but i’d have to be listening to a beat for those ideas to kick in and then i just write.
Love your channel; am new here! Thank you for your guidance.
As a musician and producer who struggles with topline, this was incredibly helpful and clear. Thank you!
Guys this is sooo brilliant! Thank you so much for taking the time to create this.
Great advice. Narrow and deep. It’s too easy (for me😂) to get distracted by the second verse!
"when everything sparkles nothing shines" incredible quote
Thx! I always thought that my lyrics were always judgemental and angry, i like it when u suggested to write in another point of view… i get it! Didnt think that it would change it that much, but it does! Awesome!
Totally agree with the title idea first. Literally paused the video and wrote two songs quickly. Okay they're not great. But wow it's so easy to think of the next line because it's relevant.
K. Cobain seems to have broken the lyric rules. Although his lyrics gave the feeling of being personal, they were so cryptic that nobody REALLY know wtf he was talking about. YET they have shown to have universal appeal. 😊
Exactly. I like that form of lyricism. Where it doesn’t make ANY freaking sense but to the artist it does. It makes no sense yet FEELS like it does somehow
I mean, I’m sure most of that was heroin talking.
As well as and possibly even more Alice in Chains
He took snippets from his notebooks..that made completely pointless songs
I really struggle with tip 7 and here's why. It's often been said that a songwriter's songs are like his babies. Each one has a special meaning and is a labour of love to create. It's always been difficult for me to let go of a song that isn't working or that I'm stuck on. Should I stop and start a new song? Should I start from scratch with the same song? Should I leave it alone for a while and come back to it? Should I completely scrap it? Songwriting is a grueling decision making process for me because I approach every song I write wanting it to be special in it's own way and wanting it to be of a good quality.
bro i’m the same but from my advice start other songs try other beats switch when you bored of that beat write at least 8-16 bars once you have enough and some kinda similar piece them together pick witch one is the chorus n boom you got a song bsafe
I'm the same 😅 Sometimes I leave a song just to get back to it in 10 years and apply all the knowledge I've acquired in the meantime 😊
I have no idea how I stumbled on your channel- like no clue because all the algorithms ever send me are self help crap to like the 1000th power. But this turned up and I am so fuqing grateful to be literally DEVOURING your knowledge. I wish I’d had TH-cam as a kid, I’d be a light years ahead in my life. You are MAGICKAL Ms Keppie. Thank you 🙏🏻🤘🙏🏻🤘
I have to say that I was blown away by the intelligence, insights and lyrical innovations advocated by Keppie. These deeply knowledgable tips are first class and the generosity in sharing them is much appreciated. I’ve always wondered what the key differences are between writing rhyming poetic couplets (which I can rattle off easily) and crafting creative lyrics. What a world of difference there is; I have much to learn, even after six decades. 🎉🎉🎉
Qualifier follows ……
This was SOOO helpful, every other video is either "just write more" or "don't write lyrics, write poetry" but lack any tip rather than just do it
Love what you're saying about choruses, so nice
This is the most helpful song writing video i've ever watched!
This is all priceless advice and it took me from, I'm not going to write lyrics because my lyrics suck, to I'm going to write plenty of lyrics so that these tips become my natural approach and THEN I can start producing higher quality songs more frequently.
I just watched this after spending a week or so on your - The 5 Most Powerful Songwriting Exercises, the course has made this so much more understandable. Thank you for the breakdown in this video, excellent information.
''writing is refined thought", and "songwriting is amplified reality" - lots of opportunities for improvement just there! Also the section "save the highest note" cleared some confusions I was personally dealing with for last few months, never thought about it like this! This entire video is helpful in so many ways, Thank you!
I would also say, melody is about contrast - I wrote a hit song where the chorus was the lowest part melodically. And by the chorus it feels new and different
I heard Jarvis Cocker say that it was good to really belt out ideas for chorus melodies. Be loud. Push yourself to the point of over extending. This might be helpful?
Ooh! Nice. I hadn't heard that advice, but now that I see it in writing, I realize that this is actually one of my favorite songwriting techniques. A lot of my best songs started with a chorus hook that just begged to be belted out at the top of my range. Heck, I ended up having to work to extend my upper register, just because a particular hook was so hook-y that I couldn't bear to rewrite or transpose it. Totally worth it! Been singing that one for 12 years now, and neither I nor my listeners seem to get tired of it. :)
Thank you !!!
I've always loved writing poetry, being a musician that plays several instruments I'm taking an active approach in formally learning and I find your channel outstanding ❤ You are an angel, I seriously enjoy learning with you 😘
Michael
Brilliant, another practical guide. Thanks. I’ve got my Chorus sorted and now getting actual progress with the opening line!
Tip number nine: Ignore the rules. Swim upstream. Go the other way. Ignore the conventional "wisdom". Going against the rules, that is what invention is about. That is how art is born. That is how breakthroughs happen.
What rules are these? There aren't any. Certain things tend to work most of the time, like getting to the chorus in less than a minute, having a song length less than 3:45 etc. Sure do a ten-minute song where the chorus comes in at nine minutes. Break the mould! Let us know how it goes!
@@MrMikomi - Sure. Rules can be useful but can also be just like a wall of fog that prevents you from creating something original and outstanding. Below an example of a song 9 minutes long without a chorus which have done great, by many considered to be a piece of art. Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen is another example. However not following the rules is just a tip - not a rule. If you prefer the run of the mill scheme it's your choice. There are many ways to make a good song, and creativity can be used on many different aspects in many different ways.
th-cam.com/video/s_nc1IVoMxc/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=Ren
A good first step to invention is to stop being so suspicious of advice from others, otherwise you never learn. These aren't 'rules' they are tips.
@@pseudonymlifts2 - I know. My tip was to not let tips becomes rules.
I appreciate tips and advices, and may use them sometimes when I think it's appropriate, but I refuse to let them become rules to follow. I do not feel obliged to follow the rules of the run of the mill scheme in songwriting.
“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.” - Pablo Picasso
Ultimately. But good to know the reasons behind the rules.
Nice list. I'd say this applies pretty well to writing for popular genres, looking for mainstream radio play. If we're talking heavier rock/prog/metal, rap, those rules can be optionally used, but often you have a much more connoisseur audience, who are intentionally happy to dispense with "short n sweet" 3-minute radio-ready formats. Dream Theater or Symphony X giving a 12+ minute rock opera are defining their own genre, and are world renowned nonetheless. One may argue they don't have near the commercial success as the popstars, but it's also true that had they attempted to be popstars they likely wouldn't make it at all (as grizzly, introverted, and hyper-intellectual as they tend to be)
When the music comes first - which is my process most times - I enjoy just listening to the music and wait for imagery to come to me. And the concept/story/idea forms as a visceral reaction to the music. Really enjoyed these tips. How do you feel about productivity? I am a fan of and dedicated to producing songs on a weekly basis, forcing myself to keep moving and not labouring on all ideas. I wrote and produced 100 songs last year and learned so much from that process...now its just part of my practice to write and produce at a fast pace. I go back and rework stuff sometimes.
Through osmosis, Steve Kilbey’s work has changed the way I write lyrics completely. His lyrics are so epically imaginative and yet also a seemingly effortless flow of words.
So concise, simple, and yet novelistic.
“Hotel Womb” is one of my favorites. If inclined to look them up, beware of inaccuracies posted on various lyrics sites; they read like AI dictations as they are often so poorly transcribed. It’s best to hear them in context.
I am a proficient writer. Really wanted to hate on this at first but I have to say you did exactly what you said you would. You helped me conceptualize things that took me a long time to figure out. This is a gem for us writiers just trying to get an edge direction motivation. Cheers!!
Oh please don’t judge and hate , then you say this is a gem for us writers trying to get an edge , hypocrite , please don’t make me laugh .
@@fishmut clearly not everyone is as basic as you.
Wry nice! I needed this instruction and timing was perfect.
It’s like I knew all this but had never put it into action on purpose, just danced around it for years.
Tremendous content! I have finally found a great songwriting resource. Thank you.
Wow, I truly love this educational. I have nothing to say but thank you, Keppie. I've written about 20 songs, yet none of them seem to align with the second concept. Conversationally, I feel a bit off in that regard, but I adore the overall essence and melody of the songs.
I'm luv'n all your you tube lessons. Just discovered these today, and am binge watching through these.
I have written a lot of songs, and so I have a lot to think about and refer to as I listen to all of this.
I have that book! Mmm I really should find it and read it.
the cadence of your voice and your pace with explaining things completely tickles my brain. You could be changing a tire and i'd still watch your videos haha
Oh my gosh these videos are really helpful. Thank you so much ❤
Great channel!!!! I love the content!!! Been binge watching for days!!! Subscribed!!! Cheers from Florida!!!!🎉🙂🙃😉😁
I love this, this was helpful I got stuck in the middle of one of my gospel song.
The last tip really hit home. One of the most meaningful songs to me what a song called “With You” by Richard Fleeshman. The first line is also very powerful,”I picked up your shirts this morning, I don’t know why I don’t know why, Mr. Reynolds said to say hello, I started to cry I started to cry”
Having lost my young husband at an early age -those lyrics went straight to my heart more than if anybody had used a generic line like “when we said goodbye”-it’s such a powerful song. Thank you so much for putting this in such straightforward language so that we can all follow it.
HOOK BOOK! 1:05 - Got an A6 pad on order to carry around.
Also, I need to play this video to myself every morning so I remember what the process should look like.
I think this is one of your best content so far! Awesome.
About the point of view, what do you think about changing it during the song?
Sometimes it happens and I am devoured by the doubt if it is right or not!
A general rule of thumb, Manco, is to not change the point of you once it is established. For example, if you are referring to someone as she, try to avoid then referring to the same person as you somewhere else in the song. It’s one of those things that makes sense in the mind of the songwriter as our internal camera lens zooms in on a scene, or a person, or a moment or an emotion… But it ends up being very confusing for a listener. There are definitely some songs that do it and do it successfully, but I would say 99% of the time it ends up being confusing for a listener. Your song will generally be a lot stronger and clearer and more emotionally impactful if you pick the right point of you and keep it consistent throughout your song with lyrics. Hope that helps!
@@htws thanks guys. As always clear and very helpful!
So Very Cool, Thankyou. Amazing Lesson. You are such an Amazing Teacher. Much Respect. Cheers
all of the songwriting tips i saw on youtube sucked. When I came across this channel I couldn't stop whatching it .YOUR AMAZING!!! And your very wise
Thank you so much for this amazing advice and the time you put into making the video!
Thank you for this! It immediately cleared up so much for me by breaking the whole process into bits of arrangements and concepts! Been scared of writing my first song for a long time.
Some songs are done in minutes, others in decades. Some of my best hook lines are still waiting for companion phrases. Your tips are very much appreciated in pursuing this past a part time passion (hey, that would be a great name for a song).
Send me your hooks and I’ll finish them off for you. No charge.
@@TP-om8of Thank you for the offer, TP, but as I stated above, "others in decades". I started my...what is being called a hook book, more than 40 years ago. I would wake up in the middle of the night from a song in my dreams, and I quickly learned that if I did not get up right then, write it down or quickly record it on my cassette tape recorder, I would NEVER remember it by morning. I started keeping a spiral bound notebook at my bedside, cleverly titled (for a 14 year old) Lyrics and Notes. I would accompany the phrases entered with the date and time of day if it was something that I woke up with in my head to remind myself of that. I feel that they will drop in place when the time is right. Trying to get past the hurdle of pushing them into fruition. I am soon to retire from my bread and butter career, and videos like this help me see the path I want to take to focus on my music that has always been a side passion.
@@oyesuken I have a hook book too; most of them I get from book titles because that makes them sound intellectual, in that pretentious Simon & Garfunkel / Sting sort it way. Here are some of my favourites:
The Great Chain of Being
The Crooked Timber of Humanity
My Prisons in Soviet Paradise
The Best Bagels are Made at Home
The Puritan Oligarchy
Mary Berry’s Kitchen Favourites
Thank you so much! I've always wanted to write songs but never knew where to start. Subscribed. 💖💖💖💖
Thank you! Also saw these in Pat Pattison's book too, so you know these are great tips. :) Subbed and will watch more!
Thank you! I have absolutely no song writing knowledge or experience. Recently I'm coming up with all these words and lyrics and I'm not sure how exactly to arrange them. Thanks again for taking time to do this. ✌️
keppe, thank you so much for your AMAZING tutorials. i've been writing for a long time and i feel like i'm discovering a new dimension to the craft since i came across you. please keep them coming you are so full of wonderful tips and ideas...thanks so much!!!!! - janelle
Hi Keppy
I’ve been diving into free songwriting courses on TH-cam, but I’m having a hard time figuring out where I fall on the spectrum-whether I’m a beginner, somewhere in the middle, or more advanced. I know I’m definitely not a pro, but songs tend to just pour out of me naturally. I don’t always know where the inspiration comes from; I just empty what’s inside of me and usually go with it.
That said, I feel like there might be areas I need to work on, but I’m not sure what those areas are. Should I be focusing on developing other skills, like learning an instrument to hone my craft? How do you figure out what you’re strong in versus what needs more work? I want to improve, but I don’t always know how to assess my own songwriting process.
Thanks so much for your time! Also, thank you so much for the video's, and being available online.
You’re an amazing teacher, I took a lot from this video thanks so much, liked and subbed 😊
Some good tips.
With the passing of Mr. Lightfoot, I find myself going back and listening to his songs, and the brilliantly crafted lyrics and storytelling. His well-known songs, sure, but digging deep into the more obscure is where I think he really shines.
Thank you 🙏🏻
Will do.
Carefree highway, let me slip away on you
Carefree highway, you seen better days
The mornin' after blues from my head down to my shoes
Carefree highway, let me slip away
Slip away on you
Thank you for the inspiring videos, your enthusiasm for writing and teaching really comes through and makes me want to start practicing immediately. It's all about joy!
Re: Tip #8, I've also heard this in the context of prose writing: "Use the specific to imply the general."
Cf: One of the most famous opening lines from science fiction: "The sky above the port was the color of television tuned to a dead channel." It's from "Neuromancer" by William Gibson; he immediately sets the tone and tells you a lot about the world you're about to enter through a single, evocative, highly specific sentence.
In any case, it's great advice for any kind of writing, for sure. Leonard Cohen should know! :)
Honestly thank you so muctj for every video you make its given me such great direction and has helped me not feel so lost in teying to learn how to write songs so thank you!!
this lady has a gift, I love these videos
What an incredibly helpful and enjoyable video. Thanks so much !!
Brilliant. I would just modify #6. Save the high note for the chorus or the emotional peak of the song.
This is a great video. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you! I started writing my own songs because of Vocaloid, so I'm completely new to this. Thanks a lot for your video. It is very helpful.
I learned something here. Excellent explanations, thank you!
Great tips! I had not thought about that quantity gives quality in the long run.
This is the third one of your videos I've seen - all excellent. On a side note, you and Chris Buck must be from the same region - the accent is so similar. Charming.
I think you're confusing South Wales with New South Wales!
@@alanredversangel Wherever it comes from it's a lovely accent.
You say save the highest note for the chorus. I typically, (almost always) put it in the "shift(?) after the 2nd chorus. This is the pat where the music, maybe even the key, changes just for this part. Typically just before the guitar solo, or instrumental section, this is the part where the very essence of the song is defined. The exact word that is the focus of this section (and ultimately the whole song) is the high note. Maximum effort and energy is spent bringing this word, or phrase to the very front of the entire piece.
Oddly, you mentioned of how the first line sets up for the chorus, which is (just by coincidence) what I have done almost every time in the last 47 years of writing. I had never thought about it until you, in this video, mentioned it. Even songs I wrote in 1976, (when I was in Jr High) were done this way. Repeating the essence of the first line in the chorus in the first and last lines of said chorus is something I have sub consciously always done.
Quantity in writing has never been my thing. usually, I write when an idea hits that has a lot of meaning to me. I cannot just "sit down and write". When I'm hot, I'm hot, When I'm not, months may pass with no writing. If I'm not inspired, I simply cannot write. I was walking laps around my neighborhood back in the 80s, in wintertime, (early February) when brief flashes of several song ideas passed through my head. I walked home early, went to my downstairs studio, and jotted down ideas for roughly 8 songs. By the next morning, everything but those jottings was lost. June 10th that year, during another late night walk, the original ideas of 4 of those songs came back to mind (as I was in EXACTLY the same place they were originally conceived). I again rushed home, this time firing up the entire studio, and recorded rough ideas of all 4 songs. All lyrics were written and sang that night, and 3 of the guitar solos, and all of the piano work were too. Those songs are still performed the same way for the last 40 years. Moral of the story, I don't write in mass quantity, but frequently write in spirts, 4 or more songs in one night. It seems when I write multiples in one night, they all come out great.
As for your "generic lyrics" line, I always write in reference to the main idea, thought I do meander sideways sometimes to explain myself better.
Maybe if I ever start doing TH-cam videos, I'll share my strange methods of song writing. I typically don't consciously follow any rules when writing, but subconsciously, I seem to follow many of yours by sheer coincidence ! I have not deviated from my style once in 45 years !
Holy smokes. This is probably the beat channel on youtube. What a treasure trove.
Best*
Direct advice that works. Really well done. thanks
Thanks from the bottom of my heart beautiful lady.
You are so welcome :)
Another great and useful video, thank you! You asked for comments about what tip had an impact. For me a huge breakthrough was the tip of letting the chords, rhythm or melody inform the lyrics rather than writing music to lyrics. I spent a long time consistently and frustratingly painting myself into corners trying to build music around an existing lyric until I embraced the tip of switching the order. I would still love to separate the process of creating music and words. Maybe I'm too prosy without a song structure. I'd be keen to hear how you or others manage your hook books when you write down song fragments. What are some approaches for making a hook book of song fragments that are malleable enough to fit later to new music? Is that even a thing that can be learned or is it a you-can-do-it-or-you-can't personal practice? My efforts at a song fragment book tend to end up as a word boneyard. If something gets written down without being specifically formed to music, it never leaves the page.
Such a good question! I am adding it to a list of things to talk about! Perhaps I will make a community post about this… Stay tuned! And thank you :-)
@@aaronsinger Great suggestions and insight. Thank you!
Thank you, this is the kind of help people that can't afford to go to Berkley need.
My tip to any songwriter: songwriting skill is that one thing in music you cannot learn and you must be born with. If you struggle with songwriting, if the melody ideas do not occurr to you by themselves in myriads, then you are not gifted towards songwriting and therefore try to become an instrumentalist, sound engineer, dj or whatever instead.
1000% wrong, but nice try buddy, in reality it just take’s practice 😂
@@stopmegoo4218 Nope, you can practice all you want. This is why there are millions of great instrumentalists, but very few songwriters. But I wish you good luck in trying.
Truly great tips!
amazing, very timely and helpful tips. thank you
I freakin love your passion for songwriting. :)
Yes, really good tips and thoughts. Concisely put and neatly summarises some of the main problems with what I write, I’m too generic (trying to be relatable), too wordy (dazzled by my own lyrical cleverness) and make the verses/bridges very, very melodic. Thanks for all of the tips…. Recommend! Right, now off to rewrite my song about a tree. It’s an oak, btw….
Great tips to really help focus a song. My problem is when I get inspired I get way too many ideas, the music gets too complicated, and I lose the original vibe, and don't finish the song.
girl....thank you so much i literally just switched around my pre chorus and chorus as i and learned from you i had it backwards so when i switched it it now sounds like a very well orchestrated song i could have learned this sooner but i thought i knew it all about writing turns out i didnt lol
Just found your channel. Can't wait to dive into the content. Thank you so much! Also, do you have a group where you do song reviews? Also also, your voice sounds like it would be excellent on an audiobook, too.
Thanks for the comment and support!
Our Patreon is setup to provide feedback on original songs through live Q&A Sessions, available to our top-tier Songwriting Members - www.patreon.com/howtowritesongs?
We also have songwriting groups you may be interested in howtowritesongs.org/
Strongly agree with tips 6-8. Excellent advice. I have never tried tip 1. I think I will now.
The Beatles didn't start a song by coming up with a title first. Often times, they didn't know what the song was about while they wrote it. I think that's what you referred to as sense writing.
Hey, they’re from the Berkeley College Of Music-they “know better”! 😂
Sargent Peppers lonely.......😂
This was lovely and extremely helpful. Thank you.
Excellent lesson, thank you. Looking forward to learning more...
Awesome. Thank you so much for this valuable content, we really appreciate your work!
I discovered your channel yesterday, and I can’t wait to apply all your advice to my own songwriting.
Thank you for generously giving to those of us working on perfecting our craft!
Great video and tips! Hey I was there in the same room with John Mayer, good times!
Baby Weasel Playtime
Baby weasel playtime - are you set and ready for this?
Hanging on a lifeline - hooked by a magical wish
Maybe we’ll see daytime- ‘cos outside it’s looking swell
Ringing in the Maytime - just get yourself an available bell
Sugar zombie mandrill - dead set to seal with a kiss
Salamander standstill - By a trapdoor you can’t miss
Breathing like a blowfish - inside the back of a truck
Who’s for a slapdance? - who’s all for trying their luck?
Sweet talking - from a whimper to a scream
Sleepwalking through other peoples’ schemes
Keep on talking - to justify the means
Bold as bullets through nightmares dressed like dreams
Dancing to the ragtime - looks like we’re happy men
Grab yourself a gasmask - in case the weather changes again
Don’t get downhearted - it’s not as bad as it looks
Get yourself a cocktail - throw in some colouring books
Didnt expect to find actual good music advice on youtube.
*Great, im curious how we can use these tips on instrumental songs, or music centric songs*
My favorite songwriters are John Lennon and Roland Orzabal.. I also admire the Gibb Bros, George Harrison for his chords, Morrissey, for his lyrics, Bryan Wilson for his melodic ideas, Paul McCartney fot his single line verses (none pattern based)
These tips are great, thanks!
Another fantastic, uber-educational video. Thank you.
What about reading books of interest to improve your songwriting? Not for the topic of the book but just for improving general flow and poetic style
Thank you for sharing knowledge
When you said about the idea of a house but being specific like 'door' through which we can dive into the idea of a house, one song struck me at that moment. It's my house by Diana Ross. The lyrics goes like this:
It's my house and I live here
(I wanna tell you)
It's my house and I live here
There's a welcome mat at the door
And if you come on in
You're gonna get much more...
Can this be considered a good example of that?
"know you happy"...? 9:45 what happened to conversational lyrics?😁
best songwriting video ever
Thank you for sharing your knowledge ❤
love these so much, thank you for the tips!🖤