Q&A for How to Create Unique Lyrics for a Song

For brainstorming, I use a method I call the “Download." The Download is an unedited, unfiltered pouring out of all ideas you have regarding the song topic. You can write individual words, phrases, or full sentences. Treat it as a journal entry for that song. Your Download is created content that can be used for the song you’re working on, and future songs as well. If you have music for your song already, listen to the music while writing your Download. Once complete, use the content from your Download to fill in any empty holes in your song, like if you need more lines in the second verse, need a stronger line for the chorus, etc. Utilizing the Download method will allow your true voice to come out and you will have content to pull from that is authentically you!

Bridges are transitions. Musically, this is your opportunity to get creative and bring a different tone (minor vs major), change the beat (swap out shakers for full drum set), change instrumentation (swap guitar for piano as the primary instrument), add harmonies, etc. When it comes to lyrics, a bridge should present a question, answer a question, or further emphasize the point of your song. If the main idea of your song is “I’m so sad, my love is gone,” the bridge could present the idea that “maybe being alone is what I need”. From a melodic standpoint, a bridge can echo a melodic idea we’ve heard before or introduce a new idea. A common theme is to use the pre-chorus (or simply its melody) for the bridge. The bridge can also be the big lead into the final climactic chorus, therefore, using a melody that rises and chords that build intensity will help your final chorus shine!

There is no reason why not. Be inspired by your life, the things you care about and your thoughts about the things you've already experienced.

Yes, just know that you have to commit a lot of time to it. Knowing how to play an instrument helps.

First, you can start out with your songs being private & personal. Then, when you're ready to show the world or even just some friends or family, go for it.

Inspiration is one of the key components of writing. Think about something that has happened to you, or you would like to happen. Pay attention to what you are feeling during those moments. Match up your inspiration with your feelings so your song will flow nicely.

Try to extract a message for your would-be listeners and concentrate on it. Think of situations that can match with the message for your song. Let the message be the chorus of your song. The most important thing is to bring out the message in the song. Rhyming the lyrics may come later when you are done with the message. All the while, concentrate on the actual sense and meaning of the lyrics you are trying to put together.

When you've written your lyrics, type them into a search engine and press enter. See if there are any songs that have MOST or some of your lyrics.

Work on it a little bit every day.

Many songs have similar rhythms, but to avoid copying, change up the beat, timing, and instruments used.

Think of something that has happened to you in the past, and write it down in song form. Think about how it started, what happened, and what the resulting feelings or resolution were. There should be enough there to inspire your song.

Of course. Creating lyrics is probably the hardest part to songwriting.

No. This is your song, so it is your choice. As long as the lyrics are engaging and stick with the beat, you are fine.

Yes, there are lots of songs with the same name. The problems arise when album and band names are the same.

Before you start writing the song, try writing a story or poem about the subject you've chosen. Use as many details as possible. Then use the best parts of it to make the lyrics of your song.

Start by changing the names of people involved and writing from the perspective of somebody who is not yourself. Also, be generous with the story line, and don't be afraid to swap words to ensure that they rhyme.

Creating art is personal. You can write a song however you want and use whatever inspires you to create it, including mixing two different styles together.

You don't have to, as long as your subject matter is unique. However, the larger your vocabulary, the greater your range of words from which to select lyrics.

Yes. Sometimes having the title is easier while writing the lyrics. Just make sure the lyrics you write fit the title in some way.

Sure! There are loads of small bands, a lot of singer songwriters perform and write their songs with just a guitar.

Of course! There is a ton of instrumental music out there. Most classical music is instrumental, but you might also want to check out some more recent bands that avoid lyrics in their songs.

You can always try to do some networking, and find someone who can sing for you. There are loads of people who can sing quite well but just don't do anything with it, maybe you happen to know one or two.

You can record your song and upload it to any social media or a specific music site or app.

Well, you see, a lot has been done, but if you are facing that problem I would start off by writing a song that's about something really specific and outlandish, which there probably aren't many songs about. Then you will notice that you can come up with original lyrics, too!

Don't worry about getting it right the first time. Just jot down your feelings. Virtually nobody writes a great song on the first draft. Write it all down, then go back through what you've written and see how you can tweak it to make it better. Use a thesaurus to find better words for what you're trying to say, use a rhyming dictionary if you want your song to rhyme, and just take your time with it.

Reading it aloud and showing it to friends and family can help in making sure that the song makes sense. Check your lyrics carefully for grammar mistakes before sharing them.

Try your best to change it in a way that feels more personal. For example, Halsey's "Bad at Love" by itself is super cheesy, but she adds in personal experiences to make it interesting.

It is possible. Some people just have a knick for it. Usually, howver, it takes many tries to get a good song.

There is no such thing as too original. Never be afraid to make your music stand out!

The number one rule is to serve the song. Experiment with different keys and tunes. Play around until it feels right.