“Songwriting”

“Songwriting” is the art or process of creating the words and music for a song. It combines lyric writing, melody creation, and rhythmic structure. Songwriting is the creative process of making an original song by combining a clear concept, catchy lyrics, and a matching melody. The core parts of this craft include choosing a strong title, building a song structure, and setting your words to music. Key Elements: Concept and Title: The core theme and the catchy hook that gives the song direction. Structure: The arrangement of parts like verses, choruses, and bridges. Melody and Rhythm: The tune and the beat that carry the emotional weight. Key Parts of Songwriting: Lyrics: The words that tell a story or share a feeling. Melody: The main tune that you hum or sing. Harmony and Rhythm: The chords and beat that support the tune.  The Basic Steps Find a topic: Pick a real, specific emotion or moment in time rather than a broad theme. Pick a title: Choose a short, catchy phrase of six words or less to act as your anchor. Write the lyrics: Use simple, conversational language and build a clear story or message. Add the music: Match your words with simple chords, a steady rhythm, and an engaging vocal melody. Common Song Structure Verse: Tells the story, sets the scene, and gives details. Chorus: Repeats the main message and emotional core of the song. Bridge: Offers a new musical and lyrical view to shake things up before the final chorus.  Video Link: 1. https://share.google/P6Y6OqdwjeLlZpCEU Some Useful Links: 1. https://share.google/a3yId2jAvb7poI52Q 2. https://share.google/Z3rshGttykeCCuotk. Song structure is the order of sections in a song, like verses, choruses, and bridges. The most popular format is Intro – Verse – Chorus – Verse – Chorus – Bridge – Chorus – Outro. Organizing these parts helps guide the listener's emotions and keeps them interested.  Core Sections of a Song Intro: Sets the tempo, key, and mood before the vocals begin. Verse: Tells the story, shares details, and sets the scene; the words change each time, but the music usually stays the same. Pre-Chorus: Builds energy and tension to make the listener excited for the chorus. Chorus: The main emotional focus and catchy core of the song; it repeats the big idea. Bridge: Introduces a fresh melody or different perspective near the middle to break up repetition. Outro: Brings the song to a satisfying close.  Video Link: 1. https://share.google/Dr2Bzo1wB15eRF7CG. What Are the Most Common Song Structures? 

When it comes to songwriting, there’s a reason pop songs follow largely the same structure. This tried-and-tested formula has proven successful for decades for songwriters across genres. Something about these common song structures resonates with listeners and keeps them wanting more. 

1. AABA (32-bar-form). This musical structure was dominant in American popular songwriting in the first half of the twentieth century, beginning with Tin Pan Alley pop greats like Bing Crosby and Cole Porter. The form consists of two eight-bar A sections, an eight-bar B section (usually contrasting in harmony to the first two A-sections), and a final eight-bar A section which retains the core melody of the previous A-sections. The 32-bar form became popular in rock songs in the 1950s and ’60s before being overshadowed by the verse-chorus form. 

Famous examples of the 32-bar form include: 

“Great Balls of Fire” by Jerry Lee Lewis (1957) “All I Have to Do Is Dream” by The Everly Brothers (1958) “Surfer Girl” by The Beach Boys (1963)  1. Verse-chorus form. This is one of the most popular song structure forms, used in pop songs, rock music, and the blues. In contrast to the 32-bar form, the chorus plays a key role in the verse-chorus structure since it differs substantially in both rhythm and melody from the rest of the song. 

Famous examples of verse-chorus song structure include: 

“That’ll Be the Day” by Buddy Holly (1957) “California Girls” by The Beach Boys (1965) “Penny Lane” by The Beatles (1967) “Foxy Lady” by Jimi Hendrix (1967) “Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple (1973).  1. ABABCB. Or: Verse / Chorus / Verse / Chorus / Bridge / Chorus. This is a variation on the verse-chorus structure, with the addition of a bridge. A is the verse, B is the chorus and C is the bridge. 

Famous examples of ABABCB song structure include: 

“High and Dry” by Radiohead (1995) “What’s Love Got To Do With It” by Tina Turner (1984) “Hot N Cold” by Katy Perry (2008) What Are Variations on Common Song Structures?

As with any creative form, there are exceptions to the rule. These successful variations have worked for many musical artists across different time periods and genres.

1. No chorus

AABA or Verse / Verse / Bridge / Verse

In this type of song structure, one of the main elements of a song—the chorus—is missing. To make up for this, each verse typically either begins or ends with a refrain: a line or few lines that repeat throughout the song. (This is usually the title of the song.) This song structure is common in the work of artists like Billy Joel and The Beatles. For example, in The Beatles’ “We Can Work It Out” (1965), the refrain is the song title. 

1. No bridge

AAA or Verse / Verse / Verse

This structure is not often used because it involves so much repetition. Similarly to the AABA structure, this structure also relies on the use of a refrain to keep things interesting and to help give the song focus. A famous example of this structure is Bob Dylan’s “Tangled Up in Blue” (1975). Dylan uses different melody variations in the verses to keep things from becoming too repetitive.

Songwriting is an exercise in creativity: learn the basics of common song structures first, then build upon the ABABCB to create a sound that’s entirely unique to you. Some Useful Links: 1. https://www.masterclass.com/articles/songwriting-101-learn-common-song-structures. 2. https://share.google/QJe0XDqsKB7LBAT7D. 3. https://share.google/cuYjp9RXkkuC1iE5w. 4. https://share.google/ptvbD0boin07oXjtB. A song writing conclusion, also known as an outro, resolves the musical and lyrical journey by using final techniques like fading out, slowing down the tempo, repeating the main hook, or resolving the final chord. Musical Resolution: Dynamic drop: Play or sing softer to create a gentle close. Final chord: Resolve back to the home key (tonic) for a grounded feel. Ritardando: Gradually slow down the speed of the music before stopping.  Lyrical Resolution: The main hook: Repeat the core title phrase one last time so it sticks. The final thought: Answer the lingering emotional question raised in the verses. Fade out: Let the final vocal line trail off without a strict final stop. Useful Links: 1. https://pandaqi.com/tutorials/audio/songwriting/conclusion/ 2. https://share.google/XtOMYcgM9uBmbs0ry