musicallyyours

“Soft as whispers light as snow I fly………” This the beginning of one of the first songs my former writing partner and I wrote in 1997. When I think of the process of writing a song and how I have evolved as a writer I think back to the days when my song-writings were more like poems set to music. Now I’m not saying that as a songwriter you can not use poetry, prose, etc. to create a song. However, as you become a more skilled songwriter, writing songs will become more formatted.

Some might think that following a format limits your creativity. This could not be more untrue. Whenever you are writing, some type of creativity goes into it, and it is up to you where the limitations are set. The following format is standard because it is widely used and easy to follow for both musicians and listeners.

First there is the intro, this can be totally instrumental or the vocalist and lead in. Then the first verse, which is usually 8 bars, followed by the chorus, second verse, and chorus again. There are variations, that include a first and second verse, then chorus, third verse chorus again.  This depends on song length, but keep in mind that radio-ready songs are no more than four minutes. At this point there is a instrumental solo and/or bridge, and to conclude the song the chorus vamp with, in some cases, additional background and lead ad libs.

Of course this format does not guarantee a #1 song. As I stated earlier, it is a widely used format that makes songwriting easier to do and understand, especially for beginners. I, myself, have used many different styles and formats in the twenty-nine years that I have been writing songs. As in all things creative, songwriting is about self expression most of all.

“Carelessly drifting above wrath and pain, they say I’m crazy, I say there’s pleasure in being insane…” At the time that I wrote these lyrics I used my music as my therapy for my frustrations. Through the years my songwriting still plays the part as my outlet for my “insanities”. There is no set way for me to creatively express myself, at least in the sense where only one way works. However, there are methods and formats that are tried and true as in the fore mentioned format. I believe that everyone has to start somewhere. If you have a little help along the way the easier it will be for you to grow and the more confident you will feel about trying other methods. As you begin or continue your songwriting journey creative freely, allow yourself room for error and remember that all things creative lead back to the music.

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