What do songs need

I get nervous around anything for songwriters that sounds like spoon-feeding. And I think the most important thing a songwriter — well, anyone — can learn is to think for themself. Including this article about how to come up with your own song ideas. But, you know, sometimes songwriters feel stuck in a rut. Sometimes songwriters need a burst of inspiration to get them back on track. And if that sounds like you, I have some good news: I made you a big list of songs you can write.

Specifically, songs you can write. Otherwise, have a browse. See which song prompts inspire you. Go write some songs, live your dream, change the world. What are they? What makes a good song? Chord progressions throughout the music are a key part of making popular songs. Part of this is making use of repetition, with the verses using the same chords , and then having the melody or chorus using the same chord progressions.

This gives it more catchiness since it will be easy to pick up on the notes and chords. Good lyrics also have to go with the chords. However, when you are able to pair the melodies with some good lyrics as well within a song, you create a two-toned effect. Emotional and heartfelt lyrics can really create a lasting impact. Rhyming is also something that can be used to help drive the repetition throughout, and can also aid in the catchiness.

The key to rhyming is to try and be clever. Think of clever ways to create the rhymes to make your lyrics more effective. Chords and lyrics have to be put together in some shape or form.

Clearly being able to map an intro, chorus, verses, and possibly a bridge or melodic leap outline the overall shape of your song. Catchy melodies sometimes bare being repeated multiple times over, so maybe your song structure would go something like BABACA. Songwriting is a learned skill that takes a lot of practice, so it is a good idea to start with simple chord progressions and melodies, and simple formats with your lyrics.

Simple can also be great! Not only does a good song need to have great chords, melodies, and lyrics, but also should create some sort of reaction, or evoke a specific emotion. Start by asking yourself what you want to say about your title and what you think your listeners might want to know. Make list of questions. Your list might include: What does the title mean? How do you feel about it? What happened to cause this? What do you think or hope will happen next?

Check out this video for more information. Choose a song structure. The verse, pre-chorus, and chorus each have an identifiable melody, one that the listener can recognize when it comes around. Or watch this video to learn the basics. Choose one question to answer in the chorus and one for each verse. Select the question you want to answer in your chorus. Write down a short phrase that expresses your answer.

Look for images and action words to bring your answers to life. What is the singer feeling, thinking, or saying? If not, you can skip that part of the process entirely. In fact, many songwriters prefer to start with an element they know will be central to the rest of the song.

Is your song about something? Do you speak to it directly in the lyrics? Or is it more of a general theme? Most songs are made up of three key structural elements— verse , chorus and bridge. The chorus is where that development pays off. It also tends to be the catchiest, most memorable moment.

The bridge is a contrasting section that leads the song in a different direction before heading back to a verse or chorus. Bridges are typically used to shake up the pattern and make familiar elements like the chorus hit extra hard when they come back in.

There are plenty of variations on these basics so check out our other resources about song structure to get the full picture. But most songs can be broken into these three parts. Arrangement is a big subject in music. It includes topics like key , tempo , instrumentation , chord voicings and more.

A great song with a strong arrangement is a beautiful thing. But even a rock solid tune needs the right presentation to shine. Creative blocks seem like they can strike at any time.