The perfect song....

....hasn't been written yet. So, what does it need?

1 - A great intro...to catch your attention.

2 - A great opening lyric line, to pin back your ears and make you take notice.

3 - A great riff. Whether it comes in from the very start of the song, and helps propel the intro along, or whether it comes in at the start of the first verse...file this one down as optional.

4 - A lyric everyone can relate to. Doesn't have to be about the latest hot topic... although a lot of timeless classics have been written about the events of the time...
but it does have to make the listener think, "yeah, been there, done that!" or "Yeah, I'd LOVE to do that!"

5 - Structure. The song has to build from the opening line AND expand on the theme already created...which leads us into point 6.

6 - The Bridge. Some songs don't have bridges...verse, chorus, verse, chorus etc, with the chorus repeated over and over...sometimes with a change of key...till the fade-out. Bridges are important..they tie the first two verses together, and set the scene for the third (probably the FINAL) verse.

7 - The last verse. Summary of what's gone before, lead-in to what may happen tomorrow.

8 - outro. Just ad lib it....whatever's in your head.

9 - most important point of all. go back, revise, edit....till you're satisfied.

10 - Then ask yourself, "how can I make this song better?"

11 - go back to #1.....

Just a few thoughts I had, hope they might help any aspiring songwriters.... and if you are a frustrated songwriter, why don't you drop in at the Sunday Songwriters Group for inspiration? We have a new topic every week.....and we'll treat you gently. Postyour lyrics, we'll tell you what we like and suggest positive changes...you'll never be flamed in the SSG!