LYRIC CHEAT SHEET (LCS)
Lesson 15: The Heart of the Song
Action Points:
The beating heart of every song is its core message and emotion. You need to decide what these are about as soon as possible! But when we fail to do that, everything will lack the power to affect our audience.
You need to force yourself to set limitations on what your song is about. Only then you will have the freedom to complete them. Here is a framework to find it every time:
1. Take your song idea (these can be a riff, chord progression or even some lyrics) and think about how it makes you feel.
2. Set a timer for 5 minutes and write about everything that comes to mind.
3. Summarize your writing with one sentence. Make sure it's about a specific moment in time. This will be your core message.
4. Set a timer for 10 minutes, read your core message and write down everything that comes to mind.
This will be your fuel to create lyrics from. If you don't have enough material to start, take another 10 minutes and brainstorm some more. But as long as you keep your core message in mind, your song will always tell a coherent story.
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
This verse embodies the Heart of the Song by zooming in on one intimate, charming moment—the narrator inviting someone over, creating a vivid scene of romance and anticipation. Every detail, from “sippin’ wine in a robe” to “my pool warm,” ties back to the central longing for connection, without any distractions. The specificity and focus keep the lyric emotionally clear and engaging, so that every line supports the main feeling.
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 go straight to the heart of the song by focusing on a single, clear moment: the narrator’s decision to leave and seek something new. The lyrics avoid distractions or vague storytelling, instead highlighting the core message of change and courage. By centering every line around this emotional crossroads, the song achieves focus and impact.
Gossip by Måneskin
[Chorus]
Sip the gossip, drink 'til you choke
Sip the gossip, burn down your throat
You're not iconic, you are just like them all
Don't act like you don't know, so
Sip the gossip, drink 'til you choke
Sip the gossip, burn down your throat
You're not iconic, you are just like them all
Don't act like you don't know, oh
Explanation:
This chorus zeroes in on the toxic rush of social conformity and fake glamour, holding nothing back about the song’s central emotion. Each line is direct, vivid, and leaves no doubt about the message. The repetition emphasizes the song’s single-minded focus on the dark side of fitting in.
Naked in Manhattan by Chappell Roan
[Pre-Chorus]
Touch me, baby, put your lips on mine
Could go to hell but we'll probably be fine
I know you want it, baby, you can have it
Oh, I've never done it, naked in Manhattan
Explanation
These lines capture the tension and excitement of first experiences, all focused on one electrifying moment. The specificity and unfiltered language put you right there with the narrator, fully inside the feeling. It’s all about being present and alive in that one intense encounter.
I Miss You by blink-182
[Verse 1]
Hello, there The angel from my nightmare
The shadow in the background of the morgue
The unsuspecting victim Of darkness in the valley
We can live like Jack and Sally if we want
Where you can always find me
And we'll have Halloween on Christmas
And in the night, we'll wish this never ends
We'll wish this never ends
Explanation
These lines go straight to the emotional core by placing the pain of longing and loss at the center of the verse, bathing it in vivid, gothic imagery like “the angel from my nightmare.” The focus remains on a single, haunting feeling, keeping every line tied tightly to that central emotion without wandering off-topic. This tight focus is exactly centering the lyric on one powerful feeling and letting every image and phrase support that focus.
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