LYRIC CHEAT SHEET (LCS)
Lesson 17: Casual Connection
Action Points:
Keep your writing conversational!
Clear communication lets the audience understand what your song is about. But abstract and complex lyrics will block our audience from building a connection. A connection our songs need to be successful.
This might be hard at first, but there is an easy trick you use. Just ask yourself this question:
Would these lyrics fit a casual conversation with a friend?
If they don’t, they need some more work. It's a simple as that, but most songwriters are too lazy to do it. So use this trick to your advantage and write a conversational song!
Songs That Use This Concept:
Leave The Door Open by Silk Sonic
[Verse 1]
What you doin'? (What you doin'?)
Where you at? (Where you at?)
Oh, you got plans? (You got plans)
Don't say that (Shut your trap)
I'm sippin' wine (Sip, sip) in a robe (Drip, drip)
I look too good (Look too good)
To be alone (Woo, woo)
My house clean (House clean), my pool warm (Pool warm) Just shaved, smooth like a newborn …
Explanation
These lines read like a flirty, playful chat—filled with questions and responses that could happen in a real conversation. The language is so casual and direct, listeners feel like the singer is talking right to them, not delivering a poem or speech. This conversational tone makes the song instantly relatable, friendly, and easy to follow, which is the essence of the "casual conversation" technique.
When The Party’s Over by Billie Eilish
[Verse 1]
Don't you know I'm no good for you?
I've learned to lose you, can't afford to
Tore my shirt to stop you bleedin'
But nothin' ever stops you leavin'
Explanation
These lines sound like honest, everyday speech—there’s no unnecessary complexity or poetic fog, just direct statements that you might say to a friend. The imagery is clear but simple (“tore my shirt to stop you bleedin’”), immediately understandable and emotionally real. This straightforward, conversational style builds an instant connection with the listener, making the emotion feel genuine and relatable—exactly as the L17: casual Conversation technique describes.
Save Your Tears by The Weeknd
[Refrain]
I don't know why I run away
I make you cry when I run away
[Chorus]
Save your tears for another day (Oh yeah)
Save your tears for another day (Yeah)
Explanation
Short, plain sentences capture an internal dialogue, almost like confessions. The phrasing is unembellished, lending authenticity and vulnerability. It mirrors how someone might speak when reflecting honestly with themselves or another.
Thank You, Next by Ariana Grande
[Pre-Chorus]
One taught me love
One taught me patience
And one taught me pain
Now, I'm so amazing
Say I've loved and I've lost
But that's not what I see
So, look what I got
Look what you taught me
And for that, I say
Explanation
Simple, direct phrases mimic natural speech, as if talking to a friend. The conversational flow and repetition create immediacy and intimacy. Paired with straightforward language, this draws listeners into the singer’s everyday mindset.
Gossip by Maneskin
[Pre-Chorus]
This place is a circus, you just see the surface
They cover shit under the rug
You can't see they're fakin', they'll never be naked
Just fill your drink with tonic gin, this is the American dream, so
Explanation
The lyrics adopt a candid, offhand tone, as if exchanging gossip at a party. The line breaks and spoken phrasing reinforce the casual, spontaneous mood. Everyday metaphors and blunt statements keep it relatable and conversational.
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