LYRIC CHEAT SHEET (LCS)
Lesson 10: Emotional Arcs
Action Points:
When writing songs, focus on one moment of your life and tell it in a structured way. Everything you write about needs to support the message you want to convey.
This only take a couple of minutes but will save you in the long run. And this something most songwriter are too lazy to do and will give you an advantage. Because you will put in more effort than they do!
So use this framework and write your next breathtaking story!
Songs That Use This Concept:
Castle On The Hill by Ed Sheeran
[Verse 1]
When I was six years old, I broke my leg
I was runnin' from my brother and his friends
And tasted the sweet perfume of the mountain grass
I rolled down
I was younger then, take me back to when I
Explanation
These lines establish a clear emotional arc by starting with a vivid childhood memory and layering in sensory details and action. The story develops from innocence and adventure to a longing for the past, anchoring the whole song in a specific moment of growth and nostalgia. This progression turns a single event into a powerful emotional narrative, demonstrating focus and development—the core elements of emotional arcs.
Second Chance by Shinedown
[Verse 1]
My eyes are open wide
By the way, I made it through the day
I watched the world outside
By the way, I'm leaving out today
Explanation
These lines begin the song’s emotional arc by showing a moment of realization and the difficult choice to leave behind the familiar. The verse sets up the internal struggle—moving from resignation and observation to the decision for change—marking the start of a personal journey. This arc draws the listener into the evolving emotions of the narrator, aligning with the L10 Emotional Arcs technique by focusing on transformation and growth.
The Only Exception by Paramore
[Verse 1]
When I was younger, I saw My daddy cry
and curse at the wind
He broke his own heart and I watched
As he tried to reassemble it
And my mama swore that she would
Never let herself forget
And that was the day that I promised
I'd never sing of love if it does not exist
Explanation
These lines craft a clear emotional arc, moving from childhood observation of heartbreak and distrust in love to the personal vow of avoiding love entirely. The verse establishes the emotional “before”—the pain and skepticism the narrator carries—which sets up the journey and transformation at the heart of the song. By starting from a place of hurt and leading to the possibility of change, the lyrics perfectly demonstrate how to structure a story with an evolving emotional journey.
Hush Hush by The Band Camino
[Verse 1]
A club isn't the best place to find a lover
So the bar is where I go (Mm)
Me and my friends at the table doin' shots
Drinkin' fast and then we talk slow (Mm)
And you come over and start up a conversation with just me
And trust me, I'll give it a chance now (Mm)
Take my hand, stop, put Van the Man on the jukebox
And then we start to dance, and now I'm singin' like
Explanation
This verse shows emotional arcs by grounding the whole story in a single, high-stakes moment—two people sharing a secret connection that could end everything if revealed. The lyrics build tension by zooming in on the risks, mutal feelings, and what’s at stake, and let all the details orbit around that core secret. The emotional arc is focused and develops as the verse moves from attraction to the threat of exposure, guiding the listener through layers of suspense and feeling.
Cardigan by Taylor Swift
[Bridge]
To kiss in cars and downtown bars
Was all we needed
You drew stars around my scars
But now I'm bleedin
Explanation
Here, the progression from nostalgia (“kiss in cars”) to pain (“now I'm bleedin’”) follows a clear emotional arc. The vivid imagery (“stars around my scars”) magnifies feelings of intimacy and heartbreak, lending both visual and emotional intensity to the moment. Each line builds toward a dramatic revelation, heightening the sense of loss.
Are You Sick Of Writer’s Block?
Ever wish writing lyrics felt as natural as humming a melody?
What if, instead of waiting for inspiration, you could create it-on demand?
That’s exactly what the Lyric Liberation Leap is about!
It’s a 30-day challenge for musicians who want to turn lyric writing from a struggle into a habit-and from a habit into a superpower. Each day, you’ll get a short, focused exercise-think of it as a creative spark. You’ll learn the secret techniques pros use:
How to dodge writer’s block? How to write lines people actually remember? How to turn a single word into an entire song? No more staring at a blank page. No more “I’ll finish it later.” Just 15 minutes a day, and you’ll be stacking up fresh lyrics-yes, even on your busiest days.
See how much your writing can grow in just 30 days.
Curious? Take the leap and click the button below!