The Artistry of Lyric Writing

Today, I will be discussing my perspective on writing lyrics. How lyrics direct, explain, compel, identify, inspire and "transport" the listener on a "journey".

Lyrics are words that direct a meaning to a song. The music emphasizes the meaning and the two work together to creating a message in the song. More specifically, music together with lyrics, create "images" or "visions" and it is this creation that illustrates the artwork of the composer. Without question, this is why songwriters and musicians are called "Artist" because they skillfully offer a communication above and beyond simple language.

The Journey

To demonstrate this artistry, well written songs have a decipherable meaning expressly intended for the listener. I call this "the Journey". Depending upon the intensity of the imagery, an emotion emerges and attaches itself to the message. This journey builds as the song progresses, culminating in a revelation of concepts that give identity to a distinct message. The journey can also be described as a "transport".

Transport

With this in mind, a well written song contains elements expressly designed to take the listener from one place to another or to another time. As an illustration, think of a song that you remember from the past. When you hear it again, even though it's years later, suddenly you find yourself there, in the moment, where you first heard the song. It is like magic! Like falling in love all over again or remembering a painful time in your life. This kind of "transport" is an important part of "the journey". To emphasize, the lyrics do not always have to be dramatic or emotionally exhausting to transport. In fact, most lyrics are "built for comfort". Consequently, as long as the song has a message and elicits good imagery, it can "transport". As stated previously, well written songs capture and compel the listener on a journey. Particularly, songs that leave a lasting impression or songs that reach and inspire the listener. To this end, when I write lyrics, I try to think from the listeners perspective and I ask myself, " Am I creating imagery? Am I telling a credible story? Am I eliciting emotion? Am I engaging the listener's perspective? Am I delivering inspiration? Am I satisfying the listener by leaving them with a "resolve" or a conclusion? And most of all, are the lyrics congruent with the theme of the song? Without a doubt, a congruent theme throughout the song is very important. A change in the message in the middle of the song can be confusing to the listener, therefore, breaking the direction of the meaning and "the transport" is lost. Unless,of course, it was intentional. Which brings up another important aspect of song writing, "the mystery".

The Mystery

Sometimes, an effective songwriter conceals a mystery within a song by means of a double meaning or interpretation. In this way, the listener may listen to a song many times and then suddenly be amazed when they realize (or it is pointed out to them) that there was always a hidden meaning "cloaked" within the song. For example, "Puff the Magic Dragon". It is this unpredictability that creates a continuing interest in a well written song.

Full studio recording of Puff the Magic Dragon with Lyrics.

Jackie grew up, and lost his imagination. He didn't believe in dragons anymore. That is why he didn't come back. Don't grow up too fast. Always be a kid at heart. Don't take things too seriously. Enjoy life. Always be present. Put the cell phone away. As we get old, we forget about the wonderful things from our imagination (like Puff). Don't let your heart and imagination grow old.

To conclude, transport and mystery are all part of a good journey. Unsurprisingly, it is not much different from writing a good story. The difference lies in the power of the music. In the next blog, I will discuss more about the journey and the power of music.

Till later, Kia