How to Write a Song for the First Time
By Molly-Ann Leikin
SONGWRITING COACH & MARKETEER
Everybody’s different. Some tunesmiths start with the rhythm they tap on their steering wheels while stuck in nasty traffic. Others overhear somebody say something that makes them dive for a pencil or an app to write that idea down. Still others wake up in the middle of the night with a melody playing in their heads, and they’re compelled to immediately go to their instruments to record it.
How to Write Your First Song
If you’re a first-time songwriter, welcome to the club. There are no wrong ways to do this. Let me say that again: there are no wrong ways to write your first or follow-up songs. Whatever works for you is great.
Start by listening carefully to your favorite songs on all media. Each has a melody that’s easy to remember, and words that you can’t help but sing along to. There are three distinct sections of a song. The verse, the chorus and the bridge, in which the melody, words, chords and rhythm of each section are different from the other two. As you listen, you’ll hear those sections loud and clear.
That’s what you shoot for, too, in your first song.
Should I Start with the Melody or the Lyrics First?
I’d like you to start with the words. They are what we call the lyrics. Scribble down all the strong feelings that are gushing out of you, and save them somewhere they won’t get lost. Don’t worry about spelling or punctuation. Just get all your feelings out of you, and save everything.
How to Pick a Song Title
So now you know what you want to say. Pick a phrase from your word list that seems unusual, and choose that as your title.
Developing Your Unique Sound
Can you try a few different ways of singing it? Using different notes? Rhythms? Play with it. Let it be what it wants to be. I bet it surprises you. Is there a melody line that whispers to you? Screams at you? Sing it into a recording app. Listen back. Tweak it. Listen back, tweak it. Over and over. Soon, it will have an unforgettable melody and lyrics like the tunes on your favorite stations.
Congratulations! You’re no longer a beginner. You’ve written your first song!
Now, write another one. And another…
© 2024 Molly Leikin