LYRIC CHEAT SHEET (LCS)
Lesson 13: Twists in Language
Action Points:
Every interesting story has development and contrast. Your lyrics need them as well. Use words like so, but, and therefore to force yourself to implement this in your lyrics. Here is a four-step framework. A framework, if followed, will force you to write better stories:
Step 1) Pick a song part and write down what it's about.
Step 2) Set a timer for 10 minutes and write down everything what comes to mind.
Step 3) Structure your writing using word like so, but and therefore.
If you don't have a line that would follow a word like but or therefore, try to come up with one.
Step 4) Use our structured lines and convert them into lyrics.
This is all takes to make lyrics more interesting, but what most songwriters ignore to do. So use this to your advantage and use this framework to write captivating stories!
Songs That Use This Concept:
A-Team by Ed Sheeran
[Verse 1]
White lips, pale face
Breathin' in the snowflakes
Burnt lungs, sour taste
Light's gone, days end
Struggling to pay rent
Long nights, strange men
Explanation
Ed Sheeran only talks about what he can pick up with his senses. His Observations paint the scene, and we get to image the girl he sings about.
Lose Your self by Eminem
[Verse 1]
His palms are sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy
There's vomit on his sweater already, mom's spaghetti
He's nervous, but on the surface, he looks calm and ready
To drop bombs, but he keeps on forgetting
What he wrote down, the whole crowd goes so loud…
Explanation
Eminem transports us into the world’s song. With his scene description, we can feel what the character is feeling.
Guess by Charli XCX
[Verse 1]
You wanna guess the colour of my underwear
You wanna know what I got going on down there
Is it pretty in pink or all see-through?
Is it showing off my brand-new lower-back tattoo?
Explanation
Charli XCX uses sensory information to catch us. Her sexual message grab our attention
Neon by John Mayer
[Verse 1]
When sky blue gets dark enough
To see the colors of the city lights
A trail of ruby red and diamond white
Hits her like a sunrise
Explanation
With only 4 lines, he paints the picture of the city’s skyline at night.
Short expression and small detail create the scene in our heads.
Often it’s enough to zoom in on one thing.
Cardigan by Taylor Swift
[Verse 1]
Vintage tee, brand new phone
High heels on cobblestones
When you are young, they assume you know nothing
Sequin smile, black lipstick
….
Explanation
Taylor Swift puts scene building first. Her use of sensory information transports us into her world.
Are You Sick Of Writer’s Block?
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