Writing your first song might seem daunting, but with the right guidance, it can be an exciting and fulfilling experience.
This guide will introduce you to the basics of crafting lyrics, selecting a song structure, and choosing chord progressions, so you’re ready to start. Whether you’re looking to write in pop, folk, rock, or any other genre, this introduction will help you find your voice and put it to music.
How To Write A Song Step 1:
Crafting Meaningful Lyrics
Choosing Your Topic
Every song starts with an idea, and your topic should be something that resonates deeply with you. Great songs often come from a place of authenticity, and listeners connect with stories or emotions that feel genuine. Think about a memory, a person, or an experience that had a profound impact on you.
For instance, songs like Taylor Swift’s “All Too Well” dive into the details of memories and emotions, creating a story that listeners can relate to. Think about how simple, relatable ideas like love, loss, joy, or growth could become the basis of your song.
Exercise: Start by writing down three topics that mean a lot to you. Then, jot down a few phrases or emotions associated with each. These phrases will serve as the seeds for your lyrics.
Writing Verses and a Chorus
Once you have your theme, start with your verses. The verse sections in a song are where you can develop your story or introduce different aspects of your theme. Keep the language simple but vivid, as the details help to paint a picture.
When you reach the chorus, think of it as the emotional core of the song. This is where the main theme of your song shines through, so try to create a memorable line that sums up your message. For example, in Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud,” the chorus line, “I’m thinking out loud, maybe we found love right where we are,” is a simple yet powerful summary of the song’s theme.
How To Write A Song Step 2:
Understanding Basic Song Structure
Having a structure can make songwriting feel more manageable, especially for beginners.
Some of the most popular song structures are:
Verse-Chorus-Verse-Chorus - Common in pop and rock music, this structure lets you alternate between story-building verses and a powerful, repeating chorus.
Verse-Chorus-Verse-Chorus-Bridge-Chorus - Adding a bridge (a section that sounds different from both the verse and chorus) can add variety and deepen the emotional arc of your song.
AABA - Often used in classic rock and folk, this structure has two initial verses, followed by a contrasting section (B), then a final verse.
Experiment with these until you find one that suits the story you want to tell. Many pop songs follow the Verse-Chorus-Verse-Chorus structure because it’s simple and catchy.
How To Write A Song Step 3:
Choosing a Chord Progression
Chord progressions are the backbone of your song. They provide harmony and set the mood, and for beginners, it’s best to start with simple, tried-and-true progressions.
Here are a few classics you can try:
C-G-Am-F - This is a common pop progression that feels upbeat and hopeful.
Am-F-C-G - Often used in rock and pop ballads, this one conveys a sense of emotion and longing.
G-D-Em-C - A favorite for folk and acoustic songs, this progression is gentle and versatile.
Try playing these progressions with a simple strumming pattern and see how they complement your lyrics. If you play an instrument like the guitar or piano, experiment with different tempos and strumming patterns to give your song a unique feel.
How To Write A Song Step 4:
Bringing It All Together
Once you’ve developed your lyrics, song structure, and chords, it’s time to bring everything together. Start by playing through your verses and chorus, singing the lyrics while playing the chords. Don’t worry if it doesn’t sound perfect at first! Songwriting is a process of refining and revising until everything clicks.
If you get stuck, remember that many songwriters write multiple drafts or tweak their songs over time. Stay patient with yourself as you learn and grow.
If you’re excited to keep learning and want one-on-one guidance, I’d love to help you explore your unique songwriting voice. I offer a free 15-minute consultation where we can talk about your songwriting goals and create a plan to help you reach them. Schedule your free 15min consultation here to get personalized coaching and accelerate your journey in songwriting!
Songwriting is a beautiful way to express yourself, and with these steps, you’re well on your way to writing your first song. Remember, every songwriter starts somewhere, and the most important thing is to enjoy the process.
