Chapter 19: Process

[cool_E]

This is the final chapter of Pat Pattison's

"Writing Better Lyrics."

 

In this chapter Pat walks us through the

process of writing (and re-writing, and

re-writing, an re-writing) a song lyric.

The point of the chapter is to summarize

the entire contents of the book through

a practicle example.

 

I'll have to say that I've employed this

process with some success since reading

the book.

 

I won't go into detail on the lyric & revisions

but rather just list the steps and highlight

the reasoning. I'd invite you to experiment

by trying to write a lyric using this process.

What worked for you? What didn't? What steps

added value unexpectedly?

 

Here goes...

 

Step 1: Concept

 

We all start with a song idea or concept,

sometimes this is simply a hook that implies

or leads to a story. My advise is to write the

concept down in one or two short sentences.

This will keep you focused.

 

Step 2: Object writing

 

Write, in free form prose, everthing you can think

of that relates to the topic. If there is a scene

envision the scene in detail. Write down associations

possible metaphores, feelings. Try to keep things

"sense bound" but don't stifle your creativity.

The important thing here is to generate some

ideas to explore as you develop the lyric.

 

Step 3: Worksheet

 

Pull out key words. Add related words from

a thesaurus. Add rhyming words from your

rhyming dictionary. Include near or slant

rhymes. I've found the rhyming dictionary to

be a wonderful tool for breaking through

those spots where you get stuck.

 

Step 4: Writing

 

Put down some lyrical idea. It's ok at this

point if they are not metered well, or that they

don't rhyme. We're trying to put together the

framework of the lyric and the flow of the song.

Make sure the verses set up the title & chorus.

Make sure there is movement throughout the lyric.

Use the concepts covered in this book to

ensure that the chorus does it's job and that

there is good development and flow throughout.

Remember to put key ideas in power positions.

You are building.

 

Step 5 - ??: Re-writing

 

Now that you've gotten this far go back and

evaluate your work. What is good? What is

weak? Is there good flow? Could it be better

if...? Experiment with new ideas. Lose cliches

in favor of original phrases (extracted from the

object writing). Refine the meter. Try other

points of view and structures. Which is most

effective? What about continuity? Clarity?

 

At some point here you'll get a lyric that you

are happy with. It tells a good story in an

interesting and unique way. It is well crafted

and obviously the work of a professional.

Congratulations & well done!