LYRIC CHEAT SHEET (LCS)
Lesson 11: The 2nd-Verse-Dilemma
Action Points:
Every song is like a book.
The chorus is the cover that grabs attention and summarizes the story. The Verses tell us in detail what happens and gives us context like the pages of the book.
Professional Songwriters like the Weeknd understand this, but not only that. They understand that every story needs development to stay interesting. So they create a different angles and perspectives to deliver their message. Because every angle creates another way their audience can connect with their songs.
Songs That Use This Concept:
The Less I Know the Better by Tame Impala
[Verse 2]
She said, "It's not now or never
Wait ten years, we'll be together"
I said, "Better late than never
Just don't make me wait forever"
Don't make me wait forever
Don't make me wait forever
Explanation
This second verse develops the story by shifting its angle—from heartbreak over a lost love in verse one, to clinging hope and bargaining in verse two. Instead of repeating the same emotion or situation, the narrative evolves: the singer adapts, negotiates, and the relationship dynamic changes, keeping the listener engaged and moving the story forward. This evolving focus demonstrates strong verse development, avoiding the pitfall of a repetitive or stagnant second verse.
Less Then I Do by The Band Camino
[Verse 2]
I still have your denim jacket
The one with the Madonna graphic
I sit around and pout
See it layin' on the couch 'cause I guess you just forgot to pack it
Everyone I've asked about it
Has said you're doin' fine, I doubt it
So go ahead and laugh about it,
bangin' on your door Screamin', "You're the only way I'll have it"
Explanation
This second verse addresses the “2nd-Verse-Dilemma” by developing the story with new concrete details (the denim jacket, the Madonna graphic) and fresh emotions, rather than simply repeating the same ideas as verse one. It shifts the focus from regret and desperation to lingering memories and subtle doubt, showing progress and keeping the listener engaged. Adding new images and development avoids stagnation and helps the song move forward in a meaningful, relatable way.
Still Into You by Paramore
[Verse 2]
Recount the night that I first met your mother
And on the drive back to my house, I told you that,
I told you that I loved ya
You felt the weight of the world fall off your shoulder
And to your favorite song, we sang along to the start of forever
Explanation
This second verse solves the 2nd-Verse-Dilemma by introducing fresh, specific memories and images—a first meeting with a parent, a confessional drive, and the relief that follows—rather than repeating the general feelings from the first verse. It deepens the story, adding new emotional color and moving the relationship forward, keeping listeners engaged. The verse expands the narrative world, making the song richer and more relatable.
Stressed Out by Twenty One Pilots
[Verse 2]
We used to play pretend, give each other different names
We would build a rocket ship and then we'd fly it far away
Used to dream of outer space, but now they're laughin' at our face
Sayin', "Wake up, you need to make money," yeah
Explanation
The second verse expands from nostalgia about childhood (“pretend,” “rocket ship”) to the intrusion of adult reality (“they’re laughin' at our face”). This shift in time and stakes delivers a new angle and emotional depth, making the story grow. It directly addresses the L11 technique by developing the storyline with added context.
What’s My Age Again by Blink-182
[Verse 2]
Then later on, on the drive home
I called her mom from a payphone
I said I was the cops and your husband's in jail
This state looks down on sodomy
Explanation
HThe second verse develops the story by escalating the chaos and immaturity from verse one—now the character is pulling an even more absurd prank, calling her mom with a fake police story. This shift keeps the narrative fresh and prevents repetition, showing a new aspect of the singer’s arrested development. By moving the scene forward and adding another layer of mischief, it avoids the common 2nd-verse trap of simply restating the first, embodying the L11 2nd-Verse-Dilemma technique.
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