LYRIC CHEAT SHEET (LCS)
Lesson 16: Prosody Power
Action Points:
Every part of your song needs to support the message you want to convey.
This is what prosody is all about. So every time you write a song and need to make a decision, ask yourself:
Does this one thing support the story I want to tell?
Because it all comes down to our ability to focus.
Songs That Use This Concept:
Lovely by Billie Eilish & Khalid
[Chorus]
Isn't it lovely, all alone?
Heart made of glass, my mind of stone
Tear me to pieces, skin to bone
Hello, welcome home
Explanation
The chorus lines mirror the song’s fragile, melancholy mood with gentle melodies and sparse, echoing production—every word, image, and sound supports a feeling of isolation and vulnerability. Words like “glass” and “stone” are paired with delicate, airy instrumentation, letting the music and lyrics reinforce each other. This unity between emotion, lyrical meaning, and musical texture is a textbook example of prosody, where every element works together to amplify the song’s effect on the listener.
Barbie & Ken by Set It Of
[Verse 1]
Barbie's been a princess way too long
Barbie's got a gun with no safety on
Barbie needs to listen when I fucking talk
Barbie thinks Ken is about to get shot
Explanation:
The aggressive, punchy delivery and the darkly playful lyrics are perfectly matched to a distorted, heavy instrumental—every word lands hard, with the music amplifying the song’s chaotic, violent energy. The blunt language, sharp rhyme, and raw attitude unite with the hard-hitting beat, making sure the emotion and sound reflect each other at every turn. This unity is the essence of prosody: the song’s music and lyrics are in sync, creating powerful, focused impact.
Flowers by Miley Cyrus
[Chorus]
I can buy myself flowers
Write my name in the sand
Talk to myself for hours
Say things you don't understand
I can take myself dancing
And I can hold my own hand
Yeah, I can love me better than
you can
Explanation:
The uplifting, self-affirming lyrics are paired with a bright, catchy melody that makes the independence theme feel empowering. Each phrase is easy to sing and the melody naturally emphasizes the message. The alignment between music and words delivers a memorable, convincing emotional punch.
Thank You, Next by Ariana Grande
[Chorus]
Thank you, next (Thank you, next)
Thank you, next (Thank you, next)
Thank you, next (Thank you)
I'm so fuckin' grateful for my ex
Thank you, next (Thank you, next)
Thank you, next (Said thank you, next)
Thank you, next (Next)
I'm so fuckin' grateful for my ex
Explanation:
The music’s upbeat, confident feel perfectly supports the theme of moving forward and embracing gratitude after heartbreak. The repetition in both the melody and lyric brings out the mantra-like empowerment. Prosody shines in how the lively track and the positive message reinforce each other.
The Hill by The Weeknd
[Chorus]
I only call you when it's half-past five
The only time that I'll be by your side
I only love it when you touch me, not feel me
When I'm fucked up, that's the real me
When I'm fucked up, that's the real me, yeah
Explanation
The smooth, late-night vibe of the music helps illustrate the themes of secrecy, desire, and emotional distance in the lyrics. The phrasing in both lyric and melody supports the feeling of nighttime longing. This song’s prosody is in how atmosphere, tempo, and lyric content all tell the same shadowy story.
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