Q&A for How to Write an Emotional and Meaningful Song

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How can I write my own song?

Halle Payne
Singer/Songwriter
Halle Payne has been writing songs since the age of eight. She has written hundreds of songs for guitar and piano, some of which are recorded and available on her Soundcloud or Youtube channel. Most recently, Halle was a part of a 15-person collaboration in Stockholm, Sweden, called the Skål Sisters.

Halle Payne

Singer/Songwriter

Expert Answer

Every songwriter has a different process. Some will start with the music, some with the lyrics, and some with just a fuzzy idea when they sit down with a guitar. Personally, I tend to write my melodies and lyrics together, by voice. Then, once I have a concept for a song, I'll sit down at the piano or guitar and develop it further.

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Question

What can I write about if I feel like my life is just messed up and there is nothing good to write about?

Community Answer

Write about the pain and sorrow you feel in your current situations. Pour your heart out onto paper and share those emotions through your song.

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Question

What are some sad songs about feelings?

Community Answer

Here are some examples: "What If I Died Tomorrow" by About last Night, "Miserable At Best" by Mayday Parade, "Daddy" by Korn, "I Don't Love You" by My Chemical Romance, and "June" by Avion Roe.

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Question

How do I create a kind of vague impression of what's going on in the story without saying outright what's happening?

Community Answer

Use figurative language like similes and metaphors. Instead of "She shouted at me," try something like "Her words stung like wildfire."

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Question

Can best friends be a good topic for a song?

Community Answer

Of course. Army by Ellie Goulding is about her best friend and it is a meaningful song.

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Question

Can I write a song without knowing how to play music?

Community Answer

Yes. You could get somebody else to do the music for you, or take the time to learn.

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Question

If I am a beginner, is it good to write one sentence, then go to the next and rhyme it?

Community Answer

That is one lyric-writing option and many great songs use that kind of rhyming. But before you focus on format, focus on what your heart wants to say. That's where all great songs are written.

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Question

How do I find the perfect tune for the song?

Community Answer

Think about songs you really like, or certain chord combinations. You might just think of an idea, but if not, try changing the notes, rhythms etc of a song you like. Try putting songs together. You could listen to birds and base it off their songs. You can find inspiration in the strangest places, so open your ears to everything around you.

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Question

How do I create a song title?

Community Answer

I find that a song title is always the hardest 'finishing touch' to a song as you want your title to truly be the song summed up in a few words. Also, it is difficult to find a title you are proud of as it almost always feels cheesy. The best way to get a title is to pick out your favorite parts of the song and try to find a short phrase that you like to use as the title. You could also try to find some deeper meanings in your song and use those as title inspiration.

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Question

How do I write a catchy chorus?

Community Answer

Listen to some popular songs of the genre you are thinking about and take notes. Listen for melodies and lyrics that catch your ear and try to emulate their style, but without copying them outright.

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Question

How do I pick the right lyrics when writing a song?

Community Answer

Look around you for inspiration or draw from your personal life.

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Question

How do I write a song about feeling hurt?

Community Answer

Think about why you're feeling hurt, or a time in your life you felt hurt, and write down everything you can think of relating to that feeling. Everybody has felt hurt before. The more honest you are about your feelings, the more others will be able to relate to your song.

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Question

How would I write a breakup song about someone I still have feelings for?

Community Answer

Use your experience. Write about what it feels like to love or want someone that doesn't return those feelings. Just write down everything you feel first, then go through what you've written and try to fashion a song out of it.

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Question

I like singing solo without anybody singing but me when I make a song. I also like songs with music, but I can't play any instruments. What should I do?

Community Answer

You can ask someone else to play the music for you or you can learn an instrument from scratch.

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