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:
Sound Of Madness by Shinedown
[Verse 1]
So... Yeah, I get it you're an outcast
Because… Always under attack
Always comin' in last
Bringin' up the past
But... No one owes you anything
Therefore... I think you need a shotgun blast
A kick in the ass So paranoid,
watch your back
Explanation
This verse twists language by using logical connectors—“because,” “but,” “therefore,” “so”—to steer the narrative in unexpected directions, constantly flipping perspectives or justifying shifts in attitude. Simple statements suddenly become loaded and sharp, as each phrase pivots the meaning or mood. These quick turns and cause-effect signals keep the listener guessing, injecting surprise and energy into every line, which is the hallmark of the Twists in Language technique.
Supermodel by Maneskin
[Verse 1]
So… Alone at parties in a deadly silhouette
She loves the cocaine, but cocaine don't love her back
Therefore… When she's upset, she talks to Maury and takes deep breaths She's a '90s supermodel, uh-uh-uh
But… Way back in high school, when she was a good Christian
So… I used to know her, but she's got a new best friend
So… A drag queen named The Virgin Mary takes confessions
Therefore… She's a '90s supermodel
Explanation
This verse is packed with language twists—words like "so," "but," and "therefore" introduce sharp turns, contrasts, and outcomes, continually shifting the storyline and keeping listeners on their toes. Each new thought disrupts the expected, zig-zagging between her glamorous present and her surprising past, never letting the story run flat. These linguistic pivots create interest, surprise, and a multidimensional portrait, perfectly demonstrating the “Twists in Language” technique.
The Only Exception by Paramore
[Verse 1]
So… When I was younger, I saw My daddy cry and curse at the wind
Because… He broke his own heart and I watched
But… As he tried to reassemble it
Therefore… And my mama swore that she would
Never let herself forget
Thus… And that was the day that I promised I'd never sing of love if it does not exist
Explanation
These lines use the key word “but” as a twist in language, pivoting away from the negative beliefs established in the verses and surprising the listener with a sudden positive declaration. That simple “but” introduces contrast and acts as a turning point, demonstrating how a single word can bring emotional complexity and interest to a song. This effective twist transforms the chorus from just a repeated phrase into a memorable moment of storytelling.
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