Songwriting is a timeless craft. This is evident throughout
history, from David’s psalms, to Mozart’s prodigy,
and to today’s enormous selection of musical genres. Thankfully, knowledge of
music theory or an ability to play an instrument isn’t a requirement. My own
foray into songwriting began in third grade with little more than a notepad and
a passion for cartoon musicals. Your first ingredient will simply be an idea
or a thought that you feel deserves some attention. Naturally, if you’ve ever
written a poem, you’re halfway there! This is especially true if you’re seeking
to compose a song with a focus on lyrics.
It’s also important to decide how traditional you’d like
your song to be. More often than not, I subscribe to a verse-chorus-verse sort
of structure, although others often prefer eliminating a chorus all together
and going a verse-verse-verse route. (This is a great formula for anyone
seeking to turn a free verse poem into a simple folk song.) Once your idea has
been translated into words, it is a matter of organizing these words in such a
fashion that they create a flowing rhythm one can comfortably weld a melody to.
Remember, instruments aren’t required – just let loose, and hum a tune!
Just like the poems you scribbled on the inside cover of
your high school Algebra notebook, you likely aren’t looking to market your new
tune, and that’s quite alright! Songwriting is a wonderfully portable, richly
colored form of poetry. Consider a personalized lullaby for your new baby, or a
unique way to spend time expressing your affection for someone you love.
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