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Sorry for the unusual short delay, but we moved!

WE MOVED!

And apart from not knowing where everything is, including my computer, there’s a particular moment on moving day that every songwriter will understand — that feeling when you’ve finally set up your beautiful writing workstation, you’re ready to get to work… and then someone arrives with a dozen boxes that don’t belong to anyone else, so naturally, they get dumped in your room.

As I sit here in our new house, typing this with half a desk and double the mess, I realize: moving house is actually a lot like writing songs. And not just in the poetic sense. In the boxes-everywhere, where’s-my-keyboard, who-packed-this sense.

Let me explain.

How Moving House Is Strangely Like Writing a Song

1. It All Starts With Chaos

When you begin writing a song, you often start with pieces. Fragments. A title idea. A line that came to you on a walk. A chord progression you recorded in a voice memo at midnight. All of it scattered, unorganized, and not yet shaped.

Moving is no different. You begin with good intentions, and then the movers arrive. They whisk everything away into boxes, bless them — but unless you packed it yourself, you have no idea where anything is.

My lovely solar-powered keyboard? Last seen on the drawing room table. Now? Missing in action. Probably under a pile of winter coats in a box labelled “Misc.”

Songwriting, too, can feel like that — you know you had something brilliant. But where did you put it? That’s why I have an Idea Bank. But anything can make songwriting less like moving house.

2. Label Your Boxes (and Your Ideas)

A lesson for both moving and songwriting: label everything.

In moving, this is obvious. “Kitchen – mugs,” “Bedroom – linens,” “Studio – vital creative equipment not to be lost under shoes.” In songwriting, it’s about clearly labelling your song sections and ideas as you go: Verse 1 theme. Emotional pivot. Potential chorus line. Don’t just throw it all in a notebook and hope future-you can decipher it.

One of the biggest favors you can do for yourself as a writer is to leave breadcrumbs. Trust me, it’ll make the unpacking (or rewriting) so much easier.

3. Every Room Needs a Purpose

In a new house, you often discover items that don’t quite belong anywhere. So they get thrown into “that” room — the one no one owns up to but everyone sneaks stuff into.

Songs have those moments too — lines that don’t quite fit. Ideas that are clever but derail the mood. Verses that say too much or not enough. If you’re not careful, your bridge becomes a storage unit for all the lyrical clutter that didn’t fit in the verses or chorus.

So, whether you’re arranging a home or arranging a hook, give every line (or lamp) a place where it makes sense — or leave it out until it’s got one.

4. What You Thought Was Lost… Turns Up Later

When you’re knee-deep in moving boxes, you resign yourself to the fact that you may never see your charger, passport, or keyboard again. But then, two weeks later, you open a box marked “Spare bedding” and there it is, sandwiched between a candle and a breadboard.

The same magic can happen in songwriting. That chorus that wasn’t working last month? It clicks suddenly while you’re making tea. That lyric you scrapped? Turns out it’s perfect for a new idea. Nothing’s ever truly wasted — it just needs the right moment to be found again.

5. Eventually, It Starts to Feel Like Home

The first few nights in a new place feel unfamiliar. Nothing smells right. The light falls differently. You wake up not knowing where the bathroom is.

Songs are like that, too. You might not love the first demo. It might not feel like “you” yet. But after a few edits, a few tweaks to the arrangement, a little time? You find your feet. Your confidence. Your voice.

And just like a house, a song becomes yours when you’ve lived in it a little.

In Summary

So here I am, fingers crossed I’ll find everything I need before heading to France on holiday. And yes, I’m packing again, but this time I’m packing up myself. But even in the uncertainty of moving, there’s a strange comfort in the mess — it reminds me of the creative journey. The blank page. The first chord. The mystery box of lyrics, I think I wrote last year.

Whether you’re unpacking in a new home or piecing together a new hook, just remember: it might feel disorganized now, but something beautiful is taking shape.

Hope this helps!

Simon.

www.simonhawkins.com

A few years ago, I was writing with a producer in East Nashville who loved weird rhythms. He’d show up with a loop that sounded like two drummers arguing—one playing a steady four-on-the-floor, the other doing something that felt like tap dancing on a trampoline! I remember asking, “How is that even working?” He grinned and said, “It’s a polyrhythm—makes your head tilt, doesn’t it?”

It did. And my ears perked up.

Until that point, rhythm for me had been straightforward: keep the beat, lock the groove. But that day, something shifted. I realised rhythm wasn’t just a container for the melody—it could be the emotion, the colour, even the hook.

So what exactly is a polyrhythm—and why should you, as a songwriter, care?

Let’s unpack it!

1. Polyrhythms: When Two Rhythms Collide On Purpose

At its core, a polyrhythm is a situation where two or more contrasting rhythms are played simultaneously.

Think of it like this: one part of your song is tapping out groups of 2s (say, a kick drum), while another is moving in 3s (like a shaker or vocal phrase). These don’t line up neatly every beat—they phase and clash and resolve in unexpected places. That’s the magic. It creates movement, tension, and something you can feel more than you can count.

The most common polyrhythm is the 3:2, where three evenly spaced beats play over two. If you’ve ever clapped along to African or Latin music, gospel, or even some R&B grooves, the chances are you’ve felt this without knowing its name.

Polyrhythms create groove with grit—a kind of rhythmic friction that can make a song feel alive, unpredictable, or hypnotic. And often, that’s exactly what your listener needs to stay hooked.

2. Polyrhythms in Pop? More Than You Think

You might be thinking: “This sounds like something for jazz drummers, not songwriters.” But polyrhythms show up more than you realise—especially in genres that rely on feel: R&B, soul, worship, afrobeat, funk, even certain pop and indie tracks.

They show up more than you realise

Here are a few quick examples:

• Beyoncé – “Déjà Vu”
  The percussion has a galloping 6/8 groove, while the melody sits more comfortably in 4. That slight rhythmic tension adds urgency and swagger.

• Adele – “Rolling in the Deep”
  Listen closely to the way the drums and vocals interlock—the rhythm guitar and tom hits pull in slightly different feels, adding drama to an otherwise steady pulse.

• Jacob Collier – “Wherever I Go”
  He does this all the time, but “Wherever I Go” is a great example. A walking masterclass in rhythmic complexity, often layering 3, 5, and 7 over straight time. And yet—somehow—still catchy. And fabulous harmonies.

Even if you’re not chasing complexity, understanding how to introduce a bit of rhythmic counterpoint can make your songs feel more dynamic and fresh, without losing clarity.

3. How to Use Polyrhythms in Your Writing (Without Losing the Plot)

You don’t need a drum machine or a music degree to start experimenting with polyrhythms. Here are a few simple ways you can dip your toe in the water:

1. Try Layering Your Rhythms – Record a basic 4/4 loop—then clap or sing a phrase that repeats every 3 beats. Let it loop. Feel how the two parts drift and realign. This works beautifully with hand percussion, piano patterns, or even backing vocals.

2. Phrase Across the Barline – Instead of writing lyrics that land neatly on beat 1, try stretching a lyrical phrase so it spills over into the next bar. Your voice becomes a rhythmic foil to the groove underneath. It builds anticipation and makes a chorus hit even harder.

3. Use Percussion Creatively – Add a percussion loop (such as a shaker, rim, or tambourine) that plays in 3s or 6s over a straight beat. Producers do this all the time to subtly introduce motion and lift.

4. Write With a Loop That Challenges You – Find (or make) a loop in 6/8 and try writing a melody as if you’re in 4/4—or vice versa. You’ll naturally start to play with tension, and that’s where polyrhythms love to live. And song publishers always love 6/8s.

The best part? Most listeners won’t even realise what you’re doing. They’ll just say, “This feels cool” or “That groove pulls me in.” That’s the songwriter’s sweet spot.

In Summary

Polyrhythms aren’t about showing off—they’re about emotional movement. They can make your verses feel more curious, your bridges more unsettled, and your choruses more grounded by contrasts. They keep the listener’s body engaged and their brain just slightly off-centre. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a rhythmic rut—every chorus landing the same, every verse feeling too straight—this might just be the trick to shake things up.

Not to mention, they’re fun. And as songwriters, we could always use a bit more fun in the process.

If you’re ready to dive deeper into rhythm and how it shapes our listening experience, check out “The Rhythmic Structure of Music” by Grosvenor Cooper & Leonard B. Meyer. It’s a bit academic but full of gems that can rewire how you hear and write rhythm.

Questions

Here’s something you might want to think about –

1. Is there a section in one of your existing songs where you could introduce a second rhythm to increase momentum or contrast?

2. Could you experiment with a melody or lyric that lands off the beat, to play against the rhythm underneath?

3. What songs do you love that use rhythm in surprising or layered ways—and what could you steal from them?

If you want to know more about how to polish your songs, click here. And if you combine polyrhythms with harmonic dissonances, they suddenly sound crazy interesting!

Hope this helps!

Simon.

www.simonhawkins.com

Amazon

Hope this helps!

Simon

www.simonhawkins.com

Years ago, I worked with a young artist who would often say, “I don’t think I know what I want to say yet.” She’d show up with gorgeous fragments—half-verses, piano hooks, stray lines—but no song seemed to resolve. One day, I asked her,

“What if we wrote a song that allowed you to not know… until you do?”

That’s when we stumbled into what I now call The Bloom. We wrote the song like a plant reaching for light: the first verse was hesitant, the first chorus asked questions, the second verse found strength, and by the final chorus, she was singing like she’d known it all along. And that song went on to be her most personal—and most streamed song.

It was a bit like writing lyrics from a personal lens, which is where I mentioned, here.

What Does The Bloom Look Like?

The Bloom is a journey of emotional growth, often told from the inside out. The arc progresses from confusion or fear to clarity and confidence, allowing the listener to grow alongside the singer.

The Bloom can be represented as follows:

Verse 1 – Unsure, lost, or hesitant

Chorus – Questions or a fragile refrain

Verse 2 – Realisation begins, strength emerges

Chorus – More assured, same but stronger

Bridge – A turning point or decisive step

Final Chorus – Confident, uplifting, or peaceful resolution

The idea is to transition from a darker, or perhaps uncertain state, to one where the sun is out and you are more confident. This is often used in the production of the song.

How to Use The Bloom

There are several different ways The Bloom can be crafted, depending on how it clicks into the story you or your co-writer is thinking about. For example, it could be –

• When your song idea is about inner transformation

• When your narrator feels unresolved or insecure at first

• When you want the listener to feel the shift emotionally

Here are a few tips for using The Bloom:

• Let the language evolve across sections: fragile → hopeful → resolved

• Consider using musical development to mirror emotional growth (builds, layering, modulation)

• Keep your first chorus restrained, so there’s room to grow

Example

Here’s a Writable Idea right from my Idea Bank: “Belonging”

A woman moves to a new city alone, unsure if she belongs—by the end of the song, she calls it home.

So, a Bloom Writable Idea looks like this:

Verse 1 – Full of disorientation, “Maps don’t help when it’s your heart that’s lost”

Chorus 1 – Belonging

Verse 2 – Showing connection or confidence emerging, “Found a cafe that knows my name.”

Chorus 2 – Belonging

Bridge – Resolve: “This is what I needed, this is what I wanted…”, payoff: The Bloom

Chorus 3 – Belonging (stronger production)

I’m sure this would be crafted in several ways once taken into the writing room. But it’s a good start.

Variations

Here are a few ways you can vary The Bloom –

1. Reverse Bloom: Start in confidence, and show what it took to get there (e.g., open with strength, flash back in V2/Bridge).

2. Half-Bloom: Let the growth be partial—the chorus becomes slightly more sure, but not triumphant. Great for bittersweet endings.

3. Musical Bloom: Keep the lyrics consistent but let the music grow—add new harmonies, instruments, or vocal confidence with each section.

4. Call-and-Response Bloom: Use verses for vulnerability and choruses for inner dialogue or outside wisdom (as if “talking yourself through it”).

And if you listen to the radio with your Song Mapping hat on, I’m sure you will hear more options to try with The Bloom.

Commercial Examples of The Bloom

Here are some commercial examples that demonstrate it really well:

• “Fight Song” – Rachel Platten

• “Liability” – Lorde

• “Let It Go” – Idina Menzel (Frozen)

• “This Is Me” – Keala Settle (The Greatest Showman)

• “Someone You Loved” – Lewis Capaldi

I love Rachel’s line, “A lot of fight left in me.” By the end, I started to feel that way myself! And love that line “The cold never bothered me anyway” from Frozen.

Exercise

If you have my book, Song Maps, The Bloom is a ‘daughter’ map of several of the seven universal Song Maps I discuss there, such as Tension/Response and Problem/Declaration. But, like all daughters, the kind of song you start with can end up as something much more powerful or fun than you originally thought at the beginning. That’s the fun thing about The Bloom.

Try taking The Bloom and see if you can create your own Writable Idea, just like in exercises 2 and 3 in the Song Maps WORKBOOK. If you feel inspired*, try creating a few ideas to keep in your Idea Bank for another day or a coming-up co-write.

If you want further Song Maps, take a look at Gradual Reveal, Question/Answers, and Flashback.

Hope it helps!

Simon.

www.simonhawkins.com

*Love this from my friend Andrea Stolpe talking about writing songs for fun here!

I once had a co-write with an artist who showed up with just a chorus and a line:

“You’re still here, even though you’re gone.”

The song idea was about a love that had ended months ago, but it lingered on in everything she did—driving, cooking, all in her head. When I asked her what the few lines were all about, she told me a whole story from the summer a few years before: a last-minute decision not to be together, a painful goodbye at a Nashville Starbucks.

We realised the real emotional gold wasn’t in her current mood, but in that moment of decision—that flashback. So we mapped it backwards: start in the present, cut to the past, and come back wiser. The result? A layered, cinematic ballad that struck a chord with so many listeners.

What Does Flashback Look Like?

This is taking one of the seven universal Song Maps, Timezones, to a deeper level. Flashback navigates between two different timeframes, contrasting the present with the past. It’s emotionally rich and layered, letting you reveal the why behind the now.

Flashback can be represented as follows:

Verse 1 – Present day or current emotions

Chorus 2 – Core feeling or hook

Verse 2 – Flashback to the key moment or emotions in the past

Chorus 2 – Same or reframed with deeper meaning

Bridge – Payoff

Chorus 3 – Now fully informed by the past

The trick is to make sure the Chorus applies to both timeframes. The Bridge is an excellent opportunity to return to the present with insight, decision, and realization: the payoff.

How to Use Flashback

There are several ways you can use Flashback. When the song is driven by unresolved emotion, it's a great way to revisit and paint the picture with words. However, coming back to what it feels like today, with more life experience, or realizing it was very different from what was expected.

It could also be when the reason for the emotional state lies in the past or when your chorus is emotionally “floatable,” but works in both timeframes.

Here are a few tips using Flashback:

• Try to keep verses distinct in time but cohesive in tone; otherwise, the listener has great difficulty understanding the progression of time.

• Use details and sensory imagery to contrast the two timelines – things like fashion, historical moments, even the weather (!) or other senses.

• Let the bridge do the emotional lifting—it’s the turning point, the good moment of solutions, decisions, or other things that have changed.

The cool thing about this is you can harvest your memories of your own, even if it’s not exactly what happened in your co-writer’s life! To find out more about this, check out Value-Driven Songs and Mining Your Stuff here.

Example

While I haven’t got space here to write a lyric, here’s where I would start writing a Writable Idea from my Idea Bank: “Forever” –

This is about the time I returned to my childhood home in London, recalling a moment that changed our family forever. This setup allows the present-tense verse to set the physical and emotional stage, while verse two dives into the memory.

So, the Writable Idea is this:

Verse 1 – “Dust in the hallway,” “Key still stiff in the lock”

Chorus – Never again, never again, and forever

Verse 2 – Flashback: “My brother’s voice echoing down the stairs,” “the day the door slammed for good.”

Chorus 2 – Never again, never again, and forever

Bridge – Payoff: How could it end like this?

Chorus 3 – Never again, never again, and forever

Variations

Here are a few ways you can vary the Flashback –

1. Split Timeline: Every verse alternates timeframes

2. Delayed Reveal: Only the bridge gives the flashback (à la twist ending)

3. Reframed Chorus: Change a key word in the final chorus to reflect new insight

4. Flashback within Chorus: Each chorus line starts in the present, ends in the past

There are so many options!

Commercial Examples of Flashback

Here are some commercial examples I’d also suggest you look at to see how this Map works:

• “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia” – Vicki Lawrence / Reba McEntire

• “Back to December” – Taylor Swift

• “Somebody That I Used to Know” – Gotye feat. Kimbra

• “The House That Built Me” – Miranda Lambert

• “7 Years” – Lukas Graham

All great examples of Flashback. Love the Bridge of Taylor’s “I’d go back in time and change it, but I can’t”. So cool and so well crafted.

Exercise

If you have a copy of my book, Song Maps, handy, you could take a similar approach to Timezones by substituting it with Flashback in a similar way. If you want further Song Maps, click here for Gradual Reveal and Question/Answers.

So this is Flashback. Flashback works because it builds emotional depth by showing not just what the emotion is, but why it exists. It’s a very cool way to take an emotional moment in the past and turn it into something usable.

And, if we can go back to them, we all have memories like that!

Hope it helps!

Simon.

www.simonhawkins.com

I remember standing side stage at a small acoustic gig years ago. The artist, just one person and a guitar, had the room absolutely captivated. They weren't doing anything particularly flashy musically; the chords were simple, the melody gentle. But as they sang, you could see it on people's faces – nods of recognition, a few tears, a shared intake of breath at a particularly poignant line.

It wasn't just the melody carrying the feeling; it was the words. They painted vivid pictures, told a story that resonated deeply with everyone there, somehow making a specific personal experience feel universal. In that moment, any debate about whether lyrics 'really' matter just evaporated. The connection was undeniable, forged word by carefully chosen words.

We live in a world where the music industry is constantly shifting, and sometimes the focus seems to be entirely on beats, hooks, and vibes. You might even hear the idea floating around that the average music consumer doesn't really care about lyrics, or doesn't even listen to them anymore. With so many songs finding popularity despite their lyrical obscurity, it certainly calls into question the value of spending loads of time crafting substantial lyrics.

But here’s the thing: while that might be true for some listeners, focusing solely on that misses the point for us as songwriters. The power of words, even if not consciously processed by every listener, is immense. And for the artist, the act of writing lyrics is integral to the craft and expression.

Let's dive into why, even now, lyrics not only matter but are often the heartwood of a truly impactful song.

1. Artistic Expression to Find Your Unique Voice

Your songs are a fundamental way you express who you are as an artist. They are your canvas, your diary, your soapbox, your whispered secret. While melody and rhythm contribute massively, lyrics often carry the direct weight of your perspective, your thoughts, and your unique way of seeing the world.

Think about the range of lyrical styles out there:

• You have artists who lean heavily into reality, writing like Kris Kristofferson or Johnny Cash. Their words are grounded, specific, and often narrative.

• Then you have writers who venture far into the abstract, like Radiohead, whose music allows for concepts like "fake plastic trees" and alien landings. They convey truth, but with a wealth of metaphor and often without a clear sense of specific time or place.

Choosing your lyrical approach – whether more literal or figurative – is a crucial part of determining what kind of lyric writing best expresses your artistry. It’s not about forcing yourself into a market trend; it’s about finding where your unique skillset intersects with the genre and style that allows your songs to soar the highest.

Trying to write solely for a perceived market doesn't often result in authentic musical expression. What makes a song special, unique, and valuable comes from the artist themselves. Your lyrical voice is a core part of that special something. It's how you convey your truth, whether through vivid, grounded detail or far-reaching, abstract concepts. Ignoring lyrics is ignoring a huge part of your potential artistic identity.

See more about Show, Don’t Tell, here.

2. Painting Pictures and Engaging the Listener's Imagination

One of the most powerful things lyrics do is paint pictures. They transport the listener to a place, introduce them to a character, or immerse them in an emotion. This is the power of "showing instead of telling". Instead of saying "I was sad," a lyric might describe the rain outside, the grey light in the room, or the taste of cold coffee. These details, these pictures, tug at our emotions and help envelop the listener in the world of the song.

Consider the difference between a vague statement and a concrete image. A line like "I felt lonely" is understandable, but a line like "The swing set sat still in the backyard rust, a silent sentinel of happier days" evokes a much stronger feeling and visual. Great lyrics make characters vivid and believable, even if they are abstract concepts rather than literal people.

Song painting is able to work independently of musical style. Whether it's a country ballad, a rock anthem, an electronic track, or a pop song, lyrics that engage the imagination create a deeper, more memorable experience for the listener. Even in abstract lyrics, the power lies in the evoked imagery and feeling, rather than a literal narrative. The words create a world for the listener to step into.

See five things about song painting here.

3. The Essential Synergy with Music

Lyrics don't exist in a vacuum. They are intertwined with the music – the melody, harmony, rhythm, and arrangement. The strength of any song often lies in its alignment between music and message. When music and lyrics are working together, each element is strengthened. This is all about prosody (more here).

Think about how a minor chord progression can underscore a feeling of sadness conveyed in the words, or how a driving rhythm can amplify the urgency of a lyric. The music can provide context, emotional weight, and even subtly alter the meaning of the words. Conversely, the lyrics can give structure and specific emotional focus to the musical ideas.

This connection isn't always something you can logically map out; it often needs to be 'intuited' while writing. It's about feeling how the melody supports the message, how the rhythm enhances the mood, how the harmony adds emotional colour to the words. Getting each line to carry its weight, while also being understood, while also agreeing with and supporting the musical moment, is hard. Really hard. But it's this synergy, this agreement between word and sound, that elevates a song from a pleasant tune with some words attached to a cohesive, powerful piece of art. Ignoring the lyrics means you can't achieve this alignment, robbing both the music and the potential message of their full power.

4. The Craft and the Challenge: Why It's Worth the Effort

If lyrics didn't matter, they wouldn't be so incredibly difficult to write well. We're told that song ideas are everywhere, but anyone who has sat down with a blank page knows the experience of feeling their judgment narrow and ideas fail to materialise. It can feel like trying to squeeze something big through a narrow opening.

Getting each line to carry its weight is a skill. Ensuring it's understood is another. Making it support the musical moment is yet another layer of complexity. As a lover of lyric-laden tunes myself, I've roamed for years in the weeds of unfinished songs precisely because getting all these elements to work together is hard.

The challenge of lyric writing isn't a reason to discard it; it's a testament to its potential power. Mastering the craft of using language effectively – choosing the right words, creating compelling images, structuring your thoughts, and making them sing – is a significant part of becoming a songwriter. Like practising an instrument, some activities encourage growth more than others. Just running over the easy lyrical ideas won't lead to growth; tackling the tough parts —the lines that don't quite land —is where you push past old limitations.

The effort involved in crafting lyrics underscores their importance. If they were just filler, this level of difficulty wouldn't exist. The struggle is real because the potential impact is profound.

5. Potential Power for Personal Artistic Expression

Even if the average music consumer doesn't dissect every line, the act of writing meaningful lyrics holds immense value for the songwriter. As mentioned, it's a core part of your personal artistic expression. It's how you make sense of the world, process emotions, tell your story, or explore concepts that matter to you.

The question of whether songs "should make sense" or whether lyrics "matter" in the grand scheme of consumption is one thing, but what we songwriters can take away from the potential power of words for the purpose of our personal artistic expression is quite another. The process of wrestling with words, of trying to articulate something true, is often deeply rewarding and clarifying for the artist.

Furthermore, while not every listener might focus on lyrics consciously, the cumulative effect of well-crafted words alongside fitting music creates a feeling, a depth, and a connection that even a casual listener can register on an emotional level. The pictures painted, the alignment with the music, the authenticity of the expression – these all contribute to the overall impact, even if the listener can't recite the lines verbatim. To hear more about writing for yourself, click here.

In Summary

While debates about listener behaviour in the streaming age are valid, I’d suggest that lyrics matter fundamentally for the songwriter's craft, artistic expression, and the potential depth and impact of the song itself. They are a primary tool for conveying truth, painting pictures that engage the listener, achieving synergy with the music, and expressing your unique voice. The difficulty of writing lyrics well only highlights their potential power.

Questions

Here are a few questions -

1. When you listen back to your own songs, what do the lyrics teach you about your current artistic focus or tendencies?

2. Are you using 'showing' instead of 'telling' to paint pictures in your lyrics, and if not, what's one image you could add to your current work-in-progress?

3. How well do the music and lyrics in your latest idea align? Can you 'intuit' the connection and strengthen either element to serve the other?

Hope this helps!

Simon.

www.simonhawkins.com

When I first started making trips to Nashville to write as a full-time songwriter, having left my corporate job, it was a complete leap into the unknown. I’d travel the 20-hour journey from England for a couple of weeks at a time, with my calendar often packed with co-writing sessions, sometimes three a day. Almost every single person I wrote with was more experienced than me. They had more cuts, more years in the industry, and frankly, just seemed to know so much more. I was constantly “writing up”. It was incredibly nerve-wracking at first, walking into rooms with people I’d looked up to for years. Sometimes, the nerves were almost overwhelming. But it was also the fastest way to learn.

So if you will be writing up (or when, because you will almost definitely find yourself in that situation, here are a few things you might want to think about:

1. Why Writing Up is a Good Idea

2. Before the Co-write: Preparation is Key

3. In the Co-write: Mindset and Etiquette

4. In the Co-write: Contributing Fearlessly

5. How to Get a Co-writer Who is More Experienced

Let's dive in.

1. Why Writing Up is Always a Good Idea

As mentioned, "writing up" is the common practice of co-writing with a songwriter who has more experience or is more established than you. It happens all the time, even when you’ve been writing for a long time. This individual might be a seasoned professional, have more cuts, or simply have a deeper understanding of the craft than you do. Walking into such a session can make you feel nervous, questioning if your ideas measure up.

However, it's crucial to reframe this as a tremendous learning opportunity. You have the chance to learn directly from someone who has navigated the industry and honed their skills over time. This experience can significantly accelerate your development as a songwriter.

2. Before the Co-write: Preparation is Key

Preparation is fundamental to any successful co-write. When writing up, it becomes even more critical. Arriving well-prepared demonstrates professionalism and shows respect for your co-writer's time and experience. I strongly recommend having a "bank" of writable ideas ready. A writable idea is more than just a title; it's a title coupled with a development strategy, often referred to as a "Song Map". This approach helps ensure you have a tangible concept that can be developed into a song.

Before the session, take time to research your co-writer. Find out what kind of music they enjoy, their strengths (lyrics or music), and what projects they might be writing for. Use this research to select 3 or 4 writable ideas from your idea bank that you believe they would be likely to "REALLY want to write".

This thoughtful selection not only benefits your co-writer by offering relevant starting points but also boosts your own confidence, knowing you have valuable ideas to bring to the table. Even if the co-write takes a different direction, having done this preparation means you've done your best to be ready.

See more about pre-writing here

3. In the Co-write: Mindset and Etiquette

Once you are in the writing room, adopting the right mindset and adhering to co-writing etiquette is essential, especially when writing up. Now, some pros would never say there is such a thing as writing room etiquette. But it’s there, really. An experienced co-writer would always want to know this: Doing your best to serve your co-writer.

Doing your best to serve your co-writer

This is particularly true when writing up. This means prioritizing the relationship and the collaborative process over pushing your own agenda or ideas. Be flexible and willing to work on their ideas if they have something they are excited about.

Being positive and supportive is crucial. Make your co-writer feel good about their contributions. If you have concerns about an idea, phrase them positively using softening language, such as "Maybe..." or "What about...". Avoid negativity or bringing unrelated problems into the room. Listen actively and don't talk too much. Sometimes, the most valuable contribution is simply giving your co-writer space to explore their thoughts. Remember, "good hangs" are generally asked to write again.

There’s a lot of further information on this in The Organized Songwriter.

4. In the Co-write: Contributing Fearlessly - Daring to Suck

Despite any nerves, it is vital to contribute your ideas fearlessly in a co-writing session. Don't censor yourself or dismiss ideas just because they seem "silly" or "dumb". Of course, no one wants to feel silly. But as one of my co-writers said,

“The co-writing room should really be a ‘no-free’ zone”.

Say everything that comes to mind; silence is a request for more ideas.

Experienced co-writers often appreciate writers who are brave enough to say something unconventional (see Edge of the Table, here), as it can spark creativity and lead to a better idea later in the session. Daring to suck is part of being a better co-writer. Never hold back your best ideas, even when writing up. Your idea might be exactly what the song needs, and your more experienced co-writer might be the perfect person to help it reach its full potential.

5. How to Get a Co-writer Who Is More Experienced

This is a little trickier than I thought. Building your network is crucial for any songwriter. Reaching out to more experienced writers can feel challenging, but it's a necessary step. Professional associations and conferences, such as Write About Jesus (WAJ), are excellent for connecting with other writers and industry professionals. Workshops and seminars can also provide opportunities to meet accomplished writers. Online communities and mutual friends can also be pathways to connections.

When reaching out, focus on building a genuine connection. Be yourself and be enthusiastic. Having a brief, punchy introduction about yourself and your music is helpful. The most effective way to approach an experienced writer about co-writing is to be prepared with great, researched, "writable ideas" that you think they would be excited about. And genuinely convinced that it would work in the room with them.

Mentioning that you have some ideas you'd love to explore with them, based on your research into their work, is a professional way to suggest a co-write without coming across as awkward. It shows you are serious about your craft and have done your homework. Being a "good hang"—someone enjoyable to work with—also significantly increases your chances of being asked to write again.

In Summary

Writing up is a fundamental part of a songwriter's journey, offering invaluable learning experiences and accelerating your development. It requires diligence in preparation, a supportive mindset, the courage to share your ideas openly, and a strategic approach to networking. By embracing this process, you not only improve your songs but also build crucial relationships in the industry.

Ultimately, writing up is not about learning, but about crafting the best song in the room. Having said that, I’ve always come out as a better songwriter having written up!

Questions

Here are three questions to think about –

• How can you better prepare "writable ideas" tailored to potential co-writers you admire?

• What steps can you take in your next co-write to ensure you are serving your co-writer effectively?

• How can you practice "daring to suck" and contribute more fearlessly in your writing sessions this week?

Hope this helps!

Simon.

www.simonhawkins.com

I remember the first time I took my early demo songs to be critiqued face-to-face with publishers from Nashville. It was an eye-opening and sometimes a humbling experience. Publishers are listening for songs that have the potential to connect quickly and deeply with an audience and be commercially successful. They need to understand the core of your song, its story, and its emotion, almost instantly, to assess if it's something they can pitch to an artist.

• If the lyrics were vague, overly intellectual, or felt like they required a listener to sit down to spend significant mental energy to "figure out" what was being said, they often wouldn't land.

• The feedback, often implicitly through lack of engagement, was clear: your song should speak on its own; you should never have to explain it.

This early exposure to the realities of the commercial music world hammered home a fundamental truth: lyrics shouldn't be a puzzle. In other words, Clarity is King.

Lyrics shouldn't be a puzzle

If publishers have to struggle to understand your lyrics, you risk losing them before your song even has a chance to connect on the radio. Here are six ways I suggest might help you write lyrics with the kind of commercial clarity you aim for.

6 ways to write lyrics with commercial clarity

Here are my suggestions:

1. Be Real: Write What You Know & Feel. Songs that feel authentic and sincere, like the writer genuinely experienced or felt what they wrote about, create an instant, powerful connection with the listener. This genuine expression taps into universal human truths that are relatable without needing intellectual decoding. Vulnerability and honesty are compelling, and embracing the "raw" elements can enhance this authenticity. When your lyrics come from a place of truth, their meaning often shines through clearly. I’ve written more about authenticity here.

2. Talk to Me: Embrace Conversational Language. Lyrics that sound like natural speech make a song feel personal and accessible. Mimicking the rhythm and patterns of everyday conversation lowers the barrier to understanding and feels like direct communication to the listener. Using simple, everyday language, colloquialisms, and straightforward sentences enhances relatability, making it easier for listeners to follow along. It's about communicating effectively, not trying to impress with vocabulary. More here.

3. Paint a Picture: Use Vivid, Specific Detail. Great imagery and solid metaphors are powerful tools, but their effectiveness comes from creating clear, understandable pictures in the listener's mind. Using vivid, specific details allows listeners to visualize and connect emotionally. While specifics are important to ground the lyric, balancing them with enough universality allows listeners to "hang their own stuff on" the words, making the personal universal. This allows for connection without requiring them to puzzle out obscure references. See more about emotional proxies here.

4. Every Word Counts: Practice Economy. In a marketplace where attention spans are short, conveying your message efficiently is vital. Economy of words means choosing each word carefully for maximum impact, eliminating unnecessary filler, and focusing on key messages. Overcrowding lyrics with too many ideas or words can confuse listeners and dilute the core message. Keeping lyrics concise makes them clearer, more potent, and easier for the listener to follow and remember. See more here about “economy of words” here.

5. Focus In: Centre on ONE BIG THING. A song is stronger when it has "ONE BIG THING" – a central theme or message that provides clarity and purpose. This core idea acts as the backbone, guiding the listener through a cohesive narrative or emotional journey. When a song lacks a clear central focus or contains too many ideas, it can feel disjointed and difficult to grasp, failing to connect deeply. Ensuring all elements support this unified theme makes the message easier to follow and absorb. There’s more about this here.

6. Seamless Union: Marry Words and Music. For lyrics to be easily understood and felt, they must work seamlessly with the music. Prosody ensures the natural rhythm and emphasis of spoken words align with the musical flow. Scansion involves analysing this rhythmic structure to ensure stressed syllables align with musical beats. When words and music are in harmonious alignment, the music helps the lyric "mean more than it does by itself", enhancing its emotional impact and making the message instantly accessible without forcing the listener to mentally re-align them. Here’s more about prosody and scansion.

In the world of commercial songwriting, where songs compete for attention and connection, clarity in your lyrics is not just a preference; it's a necessity. My journey has shown me that while creativity is essential, the ability to communicate that creativity clearly is what allows your song to truly land in the heart of the listener. .

In Summary

In the fast-paced world of commercial songwriting, instantly connecting with your listeners is paramount. Publishers and audiences alike have increasingly short attention spans, meaning your song needs to grab attention quickly and resonate deeply.

Clarity is therefore crucial; it removes barriers to emotional connection and ensures your song's story and feelings are heard powerfully, turning simple ideas into impactful, almost three-dimensional experiences.

Questions

Here are three questions for you with your lyricist hat on:

1. Are your lyrics instantly clear and understandable to a first-time listener, or do they feel like a puzzle to decode?

2. Do you use conversational language, vivid imagery, and an economy of words to invite the listener in, or are there too many details?

3. Does your song have a clear central focus, and do the words and music work seamlessly together to communicate that idea?

Hope this helps!

Simon.

www.simonhawkins.com

Let's talk about the stuff we use to make music. You know, the microphones, the interfaces, the instruments, the software. It's easy to get lost in the world of gear. Every new piece of kit promises to unlock your potential, make your songs sound better, or streamline your workflow. Before you know it, you're staring at a credit card statement, wondering where all your money went.

Let's be honest, songwriting can feel like a bit of a money black hole, with endless possibilities to spend on shiny new things. You see people constantly needing the best gear, showing it off, only for it to collect dust while they eye the next purchase. It makes you wonder, isn't there a better way to invest in your craft?

I remember a conversation with one of my co-writer friends that offered a piece of solid gold advice. She said, "The best thing to invest in your songwriting is not a piece of studio equipment — it’s your craft".

"The best thing to invest in your songwriting is not a piece of studio equipment — it’s your craft"

She was absolutely right. While having some basic technology is certainly necessary to capture your songs, these are just tools. They help you get a job done; they aren't a substitute for the person doing the job. If your song isn't compelling with simpler tools, a more expensive version probably won't magically fix it. Money doesn't substitute for talent or honed skill.

That's why, here on SimonOnSongs and in my books, I'm spending less time focusing on accumulating more gear and more time focusing on the investments that truly make a difference: the investments in craft, mindset, and the techniques that help turn ideas into compelling songs. Mastering the techniques required to create commercially successful songs involves understanding various technical aspects and subtle nuances. These are the investments that build resilience, train you to push past creative blocks, and ensure you grow as a songwriter.

So, while I firmly believe the biggest bang for your buck comes from investing in your skill, you still need tools to work with. Think of these not as the investment itself, but as the essential infrastructure that allows you to make your real investment (in your craft) possible. They are the foundation upon which you build your songwriting house.

My Top 10

Drawing from the tools I use, here are my Top-10 Songwriter's Gear items. But critically, I'm framing these not just as pieces of equipment, but as the tools that support your investment in craft. They enable you to capture ideas, develop them, and present them to the world. Here we are:

1. Reliable Computer Power

My MacBook Air laptop is central to everything I do. It's a high-spec one, but it serves as the hub of my studio and is essential for writing and running software. A reliable computer isn't just for recording; it's where you might draft lyrics, organise your ideas, and run your DAW. Investing in a stable machine that doesn't constantly crash or lag is investing in your ability to capture moments of inspiration quickly and develop your songs efficiently without technical frustration. It's the digital canvas and workbench for your craft.

2. Instruments You Love (and Can Connect)

Having instruments is fundamental. I use a Yamaha C3S Grand Piano, which is linked into the studio as a MIDI keyboard, as well as various guitars, including McPherson, Larrivée, and a Fender Strat. And a Mandolin! Instruments are where the musical ideas often originate or are explored. Having instruments you feel comfortable and inspired playing encourages you to experiment with melodies, harmonies, and rhythms, which are vital components of your songwriting craft.

However, the best keyboard I use now is a battered Studiologic TMK 88 that I picked up from a secondhand studio shop in Nashville. There are still many songs in it.

Here’s my office right now!

3. Remote Controller for Workflow

My iPad Pro, which I use with Logic Remote when I'm at the piano, is incredibly helpful. I also just acquired the Ghost Note Audio Conductor, which is fab for sample controlling.

While not essential for everyone, a remote controller or even just keyboard shortcuts can significantly speed up your workflow. When you're in the flow of writing, minimizing interruptions is key. Being able to control your DAW or recording software remotely allows you to stay focused on the music and lyrics without constantly breaking your concentration to interact directly with the computer. It's an investment in maintaining creative momentum.

4. Quality Software Plugins and VSTs

The studio uses various plugins and VSTis. My top 5 include Native-Instruments, Spitfire, Slate, and Output. While you don't need hundreds, investing in a few quality plugins and virtual instruments can be invaluable for developing the soundscape of your songs. They allow you to experiment with different textures, sounds, and production ideas, helping you hear your songs more fully realised. This sonic exploration can inspire new directions for your writing and is part of developing your overall musical craft.

My favorite sampled piano right now is Toontrack’s new Felt Piano. Lovely.

5. Essential Recording Hardware

I've settled on specific hardware brands that've worked well for years: Genelec 8010A monitors with a 7060 Active Subwoofer, a Prism Sound Orpheus, which is a little old now, but it has the same incredible ADA converters used at Abbey Road. Awesome. I’ve used a number of mics in the studio but, in my view, nothing gets closer to Neumann microphones (U87, KMS 105, and KM104).

Having reliable monitors means you can trust what you're hearing, which is crucial for making good decisions about your song's arrangement and mix. A good audio interface and microphones are necessary to capture vocals and instruments clearly. This hardware allows you to document your songs properly, enabling you to share them effectively and get feedback, which is vital for refining your craft.

6. A To-Do App for Organization

Things 3 is my choice for a to-do app because I love its simplicity. Songwriting isn't just the creative spark; it's also about managing projects, deadlines, and tasks. A good to-do app helps you stay organized, track your progress on different songs, set goals for your writing sessions, and manage the administrative side of being a songwriter. It’s an investment in productivity and accountability, ensuring you make consistent progress on your craft. Here’s more about being an organized songwriter.

7. Flexible Lyric Writing Tools

For lyric writing, I primarily use Apple Notes, with the final version formatted in Google Docs. The last time I co-wrote with two producers in Nashville, we all shared Notes on our iPhones! The best tool for writing lyrics is the one you'll actually use consistently. Whether it's a simple text editor, a dedicated app, or just a notebook and pen, having reliable and accessible tools to write down your words is non-negotiable. The flexibility to use different platforms means you can capture ideas wherever you are, which is linked to the importance of building your Idea Bank.

8. A Robust Idea Bank System

My Idea Bank was on FileMaker Pro, but I recently moved it onto Notion because it’s so powerful. Ideas are the currency of songwriting, and having a system to capture, store, and organize them is incredibly valuable. This system, whether digital or analogue, ensures that fleeting sparks of inspiration aren't lost. It allows you to develop these initial ideas into "writable ideas" – concepts strong enough to build a song around. An organized idea bank is a crucial investment in ensuring you always have material to work with, turning potential creative blocks into opportunities.

How to Build Your Idea Bank - look here.

9. A Reliable DAW

I use Logic Pro X mostly, but also use Cubase for composing work. A DAW is where the various elements of your song – melodies, lyrics, harmonies, rhythms – come together. It's your recording studio, editing suite, and mixing desk all in one. Learning to use a DAW effectively is part of your craft development, enabling you to create demos, arrange your songs, and explore production ideas. While different DAWs have different features, the investment is in learning any one well enough to bring your musical vision to life.

10. Your Ever-Present iPhone (or Smartphone)

Finally, of course, my iPhone, which I use all the time every day. Your smartphone is arguably the most versatile tool a songwriter can have. It's a portable voice recorder to capture melodic ideas or lyrical snippets, a note-taking app for lyrics and music as well as ideas, a source of inspiration (listening to music, reading, browsing, recording), and a way to connect with co-writers or collaborators. It allows you to capture ideas the moment they strike, no matter where you are, making it an invaluable tool for feeding your idea bank and staying connected to your creative process.

These are the tools that support my songwriting journey. They are investments in making my craft possible and more efficient. However, remember that they are only as effective as the skill and dedication you bring to them.

By the way, I receive no compensation for mentioning these things… I just love using high-quality gear.

In Summary

While the allure of expensive gear is undeniable, the most impactful investment any songwriter can make is in our craft – the techniques, mindset, and discipline needed to write compelling songs. Mastering these elements is what truly helps your songs connect with listeners and stand out. It's about cultivating a mindset that embraces perseverance and dedication. These tools I've listed simply provide the framework for that investment in craft.

If you're ready to dive deeper into these investments in craft and equip yourself with proven strategies and techniques, I recommend checking out my book, Song Maps - A New System to Write Your Best Lyrics. It offers a deep dive into essential techniques for crafting compelling lyrics and structuring your songs for maximum impact. You can find out more and order the book here.

Questions

Here are a few questions:

• What is one small step you can take today to make an investment in your craft?

• Have you found your studio a black hole like I have?😂

• If there is one piece of gear that would make all the difference in your craft, what is it?

Hope this helps!

Simon.

www.simonhawkins.com

Embarking on any professional journey, it’s normal to feel like you are standing at the foot of a vast mountain. There's the thrill of the potential view from the summit, but also the very real fear of the climb itself.

• What if the path is too steep?

• What if you lose your footing?

• What if, when you reach the top, you find you haven't brought the right gear?

• What if you are not even up for it?

For many new songwriters, and even experienced ones, this fear can be paralysing.

I remember when I first started trying to get into co-writing rooms in Nashville. The thought of walking in, sitting down with someone established, and having to pull brilliant ideas out of thin air was terrifying. What if I froze? What if they thought my ideas were rubbish? My stomach would be in knots. But I knew this was a path I needed to take.

It wasn't just about showing up; it was about showing up ready to contribute, to serve the song and the co-writer as best I could. It's in facing that fear, preparing diligently, and committing to the process that you build something invaluable: Resilience. This isn't just a trait; it's a songwriting tool, a mindset that allows you to embrace the challenges, learn from every step, and keep moving forward, prepared for whatever the journey throws at you. It’s about having the know-how and tools to get things done, embracing the fear, and preparing for anything.

Embracing the Fear and Preparing for Anything

Building resilience is key to a long and fulfilling songwriting career. It helps you navigate the unpredictable nature of creativity and the competitive music industry.

Here are five key areas to explore that could contribute to building your own songwriting resilience:

1. Embracing Doubt and Letting Go of Perfectionism

2. Making Writing a Lifestyle, Not Just a Hobby

3. Building and Leveraging Your Songwriter's Idea Bank

4. Learning from Every Song (Even the "Bad" Ones)

5. Committing to the Writing Process (Staying in the Room)

Let's dive into how you can cultivate these aspects of resilience.

1. Embracing Doubt and Letting Go of Perfectionism

Doubt and self-criticism are common hurdles for many songwriters. You might question if your work is good enough, especially when faced with the prospect of sharing it with others, whether in a co-write or just putting it out there. This internal critic can be quite loud. However, part of becoming a resilient songwriter is learning to manage this doubt and not letting it paralyse you. It's about knowing that not every song will be a hit, but each completed draft is a step forward.

Perfectionism is often linked to doubt and can prevent you from finishing songs or even starting them. It’s important to develop a "healthy detachment" from your work. This means understanding that your work is an expression of you, but it isn't you. Not being afraid to fail is an essential aspect of creativity. My music publisher once said that there’s a "50-for-1 Rule" for aspiring writers, meaning you might write fifty bad to mediocre songs before you write a great one. The goal isn't to avoid writing less-than-great songs initially, but to shorten that ratio through learning and practice.

The key is to keep writing despite the fear and doubt. By reframing less successful songs not as failures but as "lessons in writing," you build your understanding of what works and what doesn't. This process helps you become your own editor, a crucial skill for a songwriter. Remember, most songs are not written; they are rewritten. They are crafted through many versions until they emerge as the best version of the song.

So, acknowledge the doubt, understand that not everything will be perfect, and keep pushing forward.

Learn more about perfectionism here.

2. Making Writing a Lifestyle, Not Just a Hobby

Songwriting isn't a casual pursuit if you want to achieve significant results. People who achieve extraordinary things treat their pursuits as a lifestyle, not just a hobby that takes place occasionally. Songwriting demands talent, education, drive, and a lot of practice. But you also need resilience.

Transitioning from treating songwriting as a hobby to a lifestyle involves making choices to rearrange your life around your craft. A key step in this is writing daily. Even if it's only for ten minutes, consistent daily writing is more effective than sporadic, longer sessions. Think of it as getting to the writing desk even when you don't feel like it. This consistent effort builds momentum and prevents you from having to start cold each time you write.

Treating songwriting as a lifestyle also involves continuous learning. Learning comes from study, experience, and time. Reading books, attending workshops, and engaging with online resources can fill your mind with encouragement, insights, and inspiration.

This commitment to daily practice and ongoing learning is fundamental to building the resilience needed to improve drastically over time.

Learn more about all-weather writing here.

3. Building and Leveraging Your Songwriter's Idea Bank

Consistent idea generation and organisation are vital for a prolific songwriter. Having a readily available bank of "writable ideas" is an essential tool. A writable idea is defined as more than just a title; it's a title combined with a development strategy, also known as a "Song Map".

Building your idea bank involves consciously capturing ideas that arise from various sources like conversations, media, or personal experiences. There are techniques to help turn raw ideas or titles into writable ones, ensuring they have potential for development. Song Maps, for example, help you map out the flow of ideas within a song structure, assessing different paths for a title's potential. This saves creative time by helping filter ideas upfront.

Having a well-stocked idea bank is particularly valuable when co-writing. It allows you to arrive at a session with tangible, well-thought-out ideas to contribute. This preparedness builds confidence and demonstrates a professional approach. It ensures you can actively craft a song rather than relying on random inspiration.

Maintaining an organised system, whether digital (like Notes or Evernote) or physical (like a journal), is key to keeping these ideas accessible when you need them. Building and leveraging your idea bank is a practical way to build resilience against "feeding the beast"—the constant need for new ideas.

Learn how to write your own Idea Bank here.

4. Learning from Every Song (Even the "Bad" Ones)

Resilience in songwriting is deeply tied to your ability to learn from experience. Just as Edison learned from thousands of attempts that didn't work when inventing the light bulb, every song you write, regardless of its perceived quality, offers valuable lessons. Instead of viewing a less-than-successful song as a failure, see it as a stepping stone on your path.

Each song is an opportunity to understand what worked and what didn't. Such as -

• Did the lyric effectively convey emotion?

• Was the structure engaging?

• Did the melody support the words?

Asking these questions helps you refine your craft and become a better self-editor. This iterative process of writing, reflecting, and learning is how growth happens.

It's important not to abandon songs too soon. Rewriting is a crucial part of the process, allowing you to refine ideas and polish "dull areas". You might go through multiple rewrites until the song reaches its potential. Embracing rewriting, even if it feels like a lot of work, is part of the learning curve. By viewing each song as a lesson, you build the skill, confidence, and experience needed to write better songs over time.

This mindset transforms potential setbacks into opportunities for growth, a hallmark of resilience. I talk a lot more about this mindset here in Honoring Ideas here.

5. Committing to the Writing Process (Staying in the Room)

Perhaps one of the most fundamental aspects of songwriting resilience is the simple act of commitment, specifically, committing to finishing your song drafts. This practice is described as a "game-changer" that separates aspiring writers from professionals.

Songwriting isn't always smooth sailing; creative blocks and moments where inspiration wanes are common. This is often where songwriters falter, leaving sessions unfinished. However, staying committed to completing a draft, no matter how rough it is, builds a crucial habit. It trains your mind to push through difficulties and teaches perseverance. This practice builds resilience, training you to push past creative blocks, doubts, and distractions. It's about deciding to "turn on the switch" and stay in the room until the draft is done, rather than waiting passively for inspiration to strike.

This commitment is not just about finishing one song; it's about cultivating a mindset of perseverance and dedication that is essential in the music industry. It's about building resilience one completed draft at a time, much like a painter's brushstroke or a runner's miles.

By committing to the process, you ensure that ideas get fully explored and developed, even when it's challenging. See more about commitment here.

In Summary

Building resilience is key to thriving as a songwriter in today's competitive landscape. It’s about developing a mindset and habits that allow you to embrace challenges, learn from every experience, and consistently move forward. By embracing doubt and letting go of perfectionism, making writing a consistent lifestyle, building and leveraging your idea bank, learning from every song, and committing to finishing your drafts, you cultivate the resilience needed to navigate the unpredictable nature of the craft and the industry.

Remember, songwriting is a craft that can be learned and improved with focused effort. The techniques and mindsets discussed here are tools used by prolific, highly-skilled writers. They help you overcome common challenges like writer's block, struggling to finish songs, and feeling stuck. By applying these principles, you can transform your approach and unlock your full potential as a songwriter. Your best songs are waiting to be discovered.

To dive deeper into techniques for structuring ideas, building your idea bank, and developing your craft, you might find the resources in my two books, "Song Maps – A New System to Write Your Best Lyrics" or "The Organized Songwriter," helpful. You can also find more information and tools on my website.

Questions

Now, I'd like to ask you:

1. What is one specific fear or doubt that holds you back in your songwriting?

2. What is one small step you can take this week to make writing more of a lifestyle?

3. How can you start building your songwriter's Idea Bank today? If you already have one, how can you use it more?

Hope this helps!

Simon.

www.simonhawkins.com

The best lyrics are often the simplest, written from the heart, and not trying to be too clever. Many of the most effective songs only have a few core ideas, giving the ideas space to develop throughout the song.

I remember sitting in a writing room, struggling to cram every single thought and clever turn of phrase I had about a topic into one song. It felt like I was trying to build a house with every tool in the shed, all at once. The result? A cluttered, confusing mess that didn't land with any emotional punch. My co-writer, a seasoned pro, simply said, "Let's find the one big thing." That shifted everything. We stripped away the noise, focused on the core emotion, and suddenly, the song breathed. It connected because it was written simply and honestly.

Simply and honestly

This thing taught me a crucial lesson: simplicity and honesty aren't shortcuts; they are superpowers in songwriting. They allow your audience to actually hear and feel what you're trying to say. Crafting compelling commercial lyrics is a balance of art and strategy, and part of that strategy is understanding that less can often be more. It’s about creating lyrics that resonate deeply yet are universal enough to appeal to a broad spectrum of listeners.

Here are some key elements and techniques that highlight the power of writing simply and honestly:

1. Keep it Simple: Focus on One Big Thing

2. Embrace Authenticity and Your Unique Voice

3. Use Conversational Language

4. Show, Don't Tell: Paint Pictures with Words

5. Connect Emotionally and Universalize

6. Prioritize Clarity and Conciseness

7. Commitment to the Craft and Practice

Let's get cracking.

1. Keep it Simple: Focus on One Big Thing

One of the most common criticisms publishers have, and a frequent issue in critique sessions, is that songs contain too many ideas. As songwriters, we often have loads of ideas, and that's great, but trying to communicate too many ideas in the same song can be overwhelming for the listener. Instead, any song should really have ONE BIG THING, a central theme or message that gives the song clarity and purpose, just like my seasoned co-writer said.

By focusing on a central theme, all elements of the song can work together to support that core idea. This creates a cohesive flow, guiding the listener through a narrative or emotional journey.

When you start writing, outline what you want to say and keep this central idea in mind throughout the process. This ensures nothing feels out of place or contradicts the main message. Focusing on a single idea allows that idea to evolve and mature throughout the song, rather than competing for space with multiple concepts. Resist the urge to flood your songs with too many ideas; keep it simple and build from there. A song with a focused central theme is easier to follow and more relatable.

See more about the one big thing here.

2. Embrace Authenticity and Your Unique Voice

Creating music that connects emotionally with the listener requires prioritizing your creative vision over technical resources. It's about tapping into artistic inspiration to develop genuine and relatable songs.

Authenticity is crucial; drawing from personal experiences makes your lyrics genuinely resonate with your audience. While learning tools and techniques is important, the art of a great idea should come first. The goal isn't to show off the tools, but to move listeners' hearts artistically without them noticing the techniques used.

Your unique voice – both musical and lyrical – is what makes your music stand out. Your lyrical voice is the way you combine words to create meaning. Great songwriting often comes from openness, vulnerability, and honesty. Don't shy away from sharing your inner worldview. The more intimate your lyrics are, describing specific moments and sensations from your unique vantage point, the more universal they can become. Sharing your joys, longings, regrets, discoveries, fears, and questions allows you to write from a personal lens that connects with people universally. Embracing this allows you to pursue originality and avoid sounding just like everyone else.

Learn more about writing with your authentic voice here.

3. Use Conversational Language

Publishers frequently criticise lyrics for not being conversational enough. Think about how people speak in everyday conversations – it's not usually in perfect rhymes or overly formal language. Structuring lyrics to mimic spoken dialogue enhances their natural feel. Envision a conversation with your audience. You wouldn't use overly complex or verbose statements when talking to a friend; you'd keep it clear, honest, and engaging.

Language should flow like a conversation rather than stopping and starting. This conversational quality makes the song feel intuitive and pleasing to the ear. While rhyme schemes are essential, the ideas and conversations used in most genres are even more critical. Practice reading your lyrics out loud to identify clunky phrases or awkward word choices that don't flow naturally. If a line feels forced, tweak it until it sounds like something you'd say in a regular conversation.

See more about writing conversational lyrics here.

4. Show, Don't Tell: Paint Pictures with Words

One of the most effective ways to create engaging lyrics is through the use of vivid imagery and action. Instead of simply stating an emotion or situation, use descriptive language and details that allow the listener to experience it. This is often referred to as "Show, Don't Tell".

Much of a lyric's meaning is conveyed "between the lines" with the images you paint. Enhanced descriptive skills give you the power to determine the intensity of the experience you create. Use specific verbs and adjectives rather than generic ones. Could the listener experience the surroundings and feelings of the main character, or do they feel distanced? Techniques like using a "lens," telling a concept through an image, can help express what you want to say. Describe familiar feelings using unique images from your own life, like the colour of walls or the flavour of candy, to bring back memories for others. These specific details paint pictures and help immerse listeners in the song's world. Vivid imagery and action convey emotions and tell stories in a way that resonates deeply.

For more about the idea of show, don’t tell, here.

5. Connect Emotionally and Universalize

Ultimately, the success of your song depends on how the listener feels when hearing it. Songs must create an emotional connection with the listener. Tapping into real, shared, or universal human emotions is vital for making lyrics relatable and impactful. Songs with deep emotional truths connect with people universally.

The concept of "universalizing" involves turning your personal experiences into something that resonates with listeners in a powerful way. This is often achieved by not telling them every detail, leaving space for interpretation. Allow listeners to connect the dots themselves, making their experience more personal and engaging. Incorporating universal themes like love, loss, and hope ensures your song reaches a wide audience. Commitment to the intended overall feeling or vibe of the song makes its transmission more powerful. Deep feeling makes for deep writing. Remember that people will always remember how your song made them feel.

See more about universalizing here.

6. Prioritize Clarity and Conciseness

While authenticity and detail are important, simplicity and conciseness in structure and lyrics are also key for making a song memorable, impactful, and accessible. Commercial songs often need to fit within a radio-friendly length, typically around three minutes and 30 seconds, which requires keeping them concise and engaging. Every second needs to be used wisely to maintain engagement.

Clarity is paramount; your words should move from line to line without ever jarring or confusing the listener. Avoid unnecessary jargon and technical terms that might alienate your audience. Choosing familiar words that everyone understands can be more powerful than showing off your vocabulary. Simplicity in music creation, such as minimalistic arrangements or straightforward structures, can be incredibly impactful, allowing the core emotions and messages to become more pronounced. This simplicity fosters an intimate connection with the audience. Learning the difference between common, trite language and a higher calibre of usage is crucial for crafting memorable phrases.

For more on how long your song should be, click here.

7. Commitment to the Craft and Practice

Becoming a great songwriter is a craft that requires commitment, discipline, study, experience, and a lot of practice. It's not merely a hobby; it's a lifestyle. You need to develop a writing habit, perhaps writing daily, even if only for ten minutes. This consistent effort adds up over time.

Study is essential; great writers are great readers and students of words. Learning involves study, experience, and time. You learn by doing, working on concepts repeatedly. It's crucial to develop the discipline to finish drafts, even when inspiration wanes. Don't be afraid to fail; each attempt is a lesson in what worked and what didn't. Using each song as a lesson helps you become your own editor, understanding what it takes to write a great song and self-editing along the way. Being able to identify a problem in a song is the first step in correcting it. Embracing the process, even the messy first draft, is part of the journey.

More on commitment, here.

In Summary

Writing engaging songs isn't about complexity or trying to impress; it's about connecting. The core elements consistently highlighted across sources point towards the power of simplicity, honesty, and clear communication. By focusing on a central idea, embracing your unique authentic voice, using conversational language, painting vivid pictures with words, tapping into universal emotions, striving for clarity and conciseness, and committing to consistent practice, you can craft songs that resonate deeply with listeners. It's not so much what you write, but how you write it.

If you'd like to explore structured approaches to lyric writing and discover tools that can help you write your best songs, you might find insights in my book, Song Maps - A New System to Write Your Best Lyrics.

Questions

Here are some questions for you to use in your own workflow:

1. Are you trying to fit too many ideas into your song?

2. How can you make your lyrics sound more like a natural conversation?

3. What specific, unique detail from your own experience can you use to universalize the emotion in your song?

Hope this helps!

Simon.

www.simonhawkins.com

Songwriting is an art form unlike any other, requiring not just talent and creativity but also the right set of tools. For years, I struggled with the feeling that my ideas, though good in concept, often fell flat when finally written. I hit that dreaded wall when trying to develop a song past the initial hook and first verse. It felt like I had too many ideas fighting for space within one song, leaving listeners only mildly moved.

That changed when I began to understand and apply Song Maps (see an example here). These aren't rigid rules, but rather tools and templates that provide a framework, helping to organise ideas and see the full potential of a song. Using these structural templates transformed my lyric writing and gave me the confidence to turn even a simple idea into a complete story with emotional punch.

Understanding and utilising song forms is foundational to writing songs that connect with listeners and have a chance in the marketplace. It’s a crucial part of the "craft" which is the most important of the three steps to getting your foot in the door in the music business (Craft, Network, Technology). Mastery of the craft is essential for success as a commercial songwriter.

In this blog post, I'll explore why mastering song forms is so important for songwriters aiming to write marketable music. I'll cover:

1. The Foundation: Forms as Your Bedrock

2. Anatomy of a Hit: Understanding Song Sections

3. The Ten Blueprints: Exploring Commercial Song Forms

4. Structure for Clarity and Cohesion

5. Commercial Imperatives: Length, Hook, and the Chorus-First Approach

6. Focusing Your Ideas: The Power of "ONE BIG THING"

7. Writing at the Edge of the Table: Writing Beyond the Rules

Let's dive in.

1. The Foundation: Forms as Your Bedrock

At its core, song form is the bedrock of your songwriting. It provides a good foundation and a sound structure for your ideas. Just having ideas isn't enough; they need a clear framework to exist within.

Think of forms like AAA, AABA, and Verse/Chorus as fundamental building blocks. Understanding these basic song forms is necessary for any songwriter. It's about knowing the established patterns that resonate with listeners and have proven effective over time.

Mastering forms like AAA and AABA is particularly crucial for shaping lyric ideas effectively. You need to have a knowledge of how to write for your genre by studying songs and genres, rather than just "writing what you feel". This disciplined approach to learning the craft is vital. While writing can stem from a flow of creativity and instinct, consciously learning the craft, including structure, allows that instinct to be channelled effectively.

Forms aren't about following rigid rules, but about using tools and templates that make the most of your creative ideas. Planning, even just a little, goes a long, long way in songwriting.

Planning, even just a little, goes a long, long way in songwriting.

Song Mapping, for instance, is a pro-songwriter tool that helps you see the connections between all the words in your song and how it is structured. It provides a focus for your writing and helps you save precious creative time.

2. Anatomy of a Hit: Understanding Song Sections

Understanding song forms isn't just about arranging abstract sections; it's about knowing what each part of a song is for. Different sections of a song – such as verses, choruses, bridges, pre-choruses, intros, and outros – have different jobs to do.

• The Verse often serves to develop the story, paint pictures, or provide details, moving the plot forward. It sets the scene or introduces the situation.

• The Pre-Chorus, if used, typically builds tension or anticipation, leading into the chorus. It creates a lift or transition.

• The Chorus is usually the heart of the song, containing the main message and emotional core. It should be clear, succinct, and often the most memorable part, where the main hook frequently resides. Choruses are often repeated, ideally identically each time, to reinforce the central theme.

• The Bridge typically offers a musical or lyrical contrast to the verses and choruses. It might provide a different perspective, a moment of reflection, or a change in intensity before returning to the chorus.

• The Intro is a short instrumental or vocal opening part of the song. In charts, it can be a guitar riff or other instrumental part, often attractive. A commercial song often aims to reach the chorus within the first 45 seconds, suggesting the shorter the intro and first verse, the more concise the better.

• The Outro is the song's ending, which could be a fade-out, a repeated phrase (tag), or a final statement.

Knowing the function of each part helps you organise your ideas effectively and ensure that each section contributes meaningfully to the overall song, creating a cohesive and engaging listening experience. See how to use these elements to write in 3D here.

3. The Ten Blueprints: Exploring Commercial Song Forms

Commercial music often adheres to recognizable structures or forms that resonate with listeners. Understanding these common blueprints gives you a powerful toolkit for shaping your songs. While there are many variations and hybrids, here are 10 common commercial song forms you might want to try, if you haven’t already:

1. AAA Form: This form consists of a series of verses (A) that are musically identical or very similar. There is no distinct chorus, though often one line or phrase is repeated at the end of each verse, acting as a refrain or hook. It focuses heavily on the lyrics and storytelling through repetition of the musical idea.

2. AABA Form: A classic form, often associated with jazz standards and older pop. It consists of two identical sections (A), followed by a contrasting section (B – the bridge), and concludes with a return to the A section. The A sections typically contain the main melody and harmonic structure, while the B section offers a departure before resolving back to the familiar A.

3. Verse-Chorus Form (VC): This is arguably the most common form in modern pop music. It alternates between verses (V) that develop the story or idea, and a repeating chorus (C) that presents the main message and hook. This form is highly flexible and can include other sections.

4. Verse-Pre-Chorus-Chorus Form (VPC): An extension of the VC form, adding a pre-chorus section before the chorus. The pre-chorus builds anticipation and creates a dynamic transition into the more impactful chorus.

5. Verse-Chorus-Bridge-Chorus Form (VCBC): A very standard form in pop and rock. It follows the sequence of Verse, Chorus, Verse, Chorus, Bridge, Chorus. The bridge provides a break and often a new perspective before the final return of the chorus. Some songwriters almost always try and write this or VPA.

6. 12-Bar Blues: A foundational form in blues, jazz, and early rock and roll. It's based on a specific chord progression and lyrical structure that repeats over twelve bars. This form is distinct and less common in mainstream pop hits today, but is fundamental to understanding many genres.

7. ABAB Form: An older ballad form where Verse (A) alternates with another section (B), which could function somewhat like a chorus or counter-melody. Less common in contemporary hits compared to VC or AABA.

8. ABABCB Form: Similar to VCBC, but with the B section functioning more like a pre-chorus or a second verse melody, leading to the main chorus (C). This structure allows for more variation in the pre-chorus sections.

9. AABA Extended: A variation of the AABA form where sections might be repeated, or additional sections like intros or outros are added. Often used to reach the desired song length or add instrumental features.

10. Strophic Form: A simple form where all verses (strophes) are sung to the same melody and harmonic progression. This is common in hymns, folk songs, and some children's songs. There is no distinct chorus or bridge.

Understanding these blueprints provides a starting point, a framework to pour your ideas into. Mastering these forms will help you pick the most appropriate structure for your song and triple your skills compared to only writing in one format. By identifying every 'here' and 'there' in your song's narrative or emotional arc, forms help prevent plot holes and ensure clarity.

4. Structure for Clarity and Cohesion

Song structure is a tool that helps organize ideas for an engaging listening experience. Deciding on the structure is incredibly important and helps to make a song clear and purposeful. It's about presenting your ideas in their most effective order of appearance.

A well-structured song ensures a cohesive flow, where all musical elements support your central theme. This unity, achieved through interconnected elements, adds cohesive elements within a song. Without a clear structure, a song can feel disjointed, making it difficult for the listener to follow the message or connect emotionally.

Song Maps, for instance, allow you to see the connections between all the words in your song and how it is structured. They guide you in mapping out where your lyric starts and finish, ensuring a natural progression of ideas. Using Song Maps can help you write a song in 3D, moving from flat concepts to dynamic lyrics.

Organizing your ideas effectively, perhaps through techniques like destination writing or brainstorming and clustering, and then applying a form helps ensure a clear narrative or emotional arc that the listener can follow. See more about getting the VVTS here, which helps clarify your writing.

After time, you will see that some planning goes a long, long way.

5. Commercial Imperatives: Length, Hook, and the Chorus-First Approach

For songwriters aiming for marketability, particularly in the massively competitive hit song market, understanding certain constraints is key. Knowing the patterns within the content of hit songs is critical.

One significant factor is song length. Short, concise tracks around three-and-a-half minutes have better chances for marketability. In today's fast-paced world, listeners have short attention spans, meaning that shorter songs are more likely to keep their interest from start to finish. This length requires that every second is used wisely.

There's no room for unnecessary filler; each verse, chorus, and bridge must serve a purpose. This necessitates thoughtful planning and execution. Crafting songs within this typical length ensures you’re aligning with what listeners are accustomed to while still providing room for creativity.

Also, commercial songs often benefit from a Chorus-First Approach, which can be very effective as it establishes the song's central message and emotional core from the outset (see more about back-to-front writing here). Starting with the chorus can set the tone and drive the structure of the other sections. This method helps to captivate your audience from the start and acts as a promise of what's to come, keeping listeners engaged.

Creating an effective and memorable hook is pivotal in the world of commercial music. A hook is a musical idea or phrase that grabs the listener's attention and makes the song unforgettable. It can be:

• Melodic

• Rhythmic

• Lyrical, or

• A combination

In the crowded landscape of modern music, having a compelling hook can be the difference between a hit and a miss. Hooks are crucial in commercial music because they create a connection with the listener that encourages repeated plays and sharing.

The best hooks often break boundaries of genre or generation. Instead of relying solely on feeling, evaluating hooks against established characteristics, such as the melody, harmony, and lyrics, all speaking the same message, can increase confidence in their effectiveness. This alignment creates believability and genuine emotional impact.

Brainstorming and testing potential hooks are vital parts of the process, whether through improvisation, collaboration, or getting feedback. Avoid the newbie mistake of bluntness; weave ideas, including hooks, stealthily into the song to lure the listener in.

6. Focusing Your Ideas: The Power of "ONE BIG THING"

A common problem for songwriters is having too many ideas in one song. This can leave the listener confused about the song's main message. It feels like ideas are fighting for space. Commercial songwriting is often about getting ONE BIG THING to listeners.

Ideally, any song should really have ONE BIG THING. While there might be different approaches to this central idea in the chorus or a contrasting perspective in the bridge, the core focus remains singular. Structure helps to ensure that you have a focused, coherent, and compelling lyric that centres around this one main idea. It helps avoid overwriting, where you cram more ideas into a song than it can hold, resulting in a diluted message.

Keeping this central idea in mind at every stage helps ensure nothing feels out of place or contradictory to the message you aim to convey. This requires discipline and a commitment to the song's core concept. Brainstorming helps generate ideas, but structuring helps select and focus them. See more about this here.

7. Writing at the Edge of the Table: Beyond the Rules

Mastering song forms provides essential tools, but songwriting, particularly commercial songwriting, isn't about being shackled to inspiration alone or rigidly following rules. There is no single right way to write a song. The real beauty comes when you understand the blueprint and then creatively interpret or even push the boundaries of the established forms – this is writing at the edge of the table.

Songwriting is a craft that can be learned. Like any craft, you first learn the fundamentals – the basic tools and techniques, like standard song forms. Once you understand these structures deeply, you gain the freedom and confidence to experiment. You can intentionally deviate from the norm, blend forms, or create variations that serve your unique artistic vision. The goal isn't simply to show off your technical skills or follow a template blindly; it's to move the listeners' hearts in an artistic way, often without them even noticing the tools you've used.

This creative freedom, built upon a foundation of understanding form, allows your unique voice, both musical and lyrical, to shine through. It’s about intelligent originality, learning from others but developing your own distinctive approach. Experimentation, even embracing unconventional or seemingly 'silly' ideas, can lead to groundbreaking results. Collaborating with others in co-writing sessions, where different approaches are explored, can also lead to discovering alternative ways to structure songs. Writing at the edge of the table is where technique meets inspiration, allowing you to craft compelling songs that are both marketable and uniquely yours. It requires commitment, pushing past creative blocks, and staying dedicated to the writing process even when inspiration wanes.

See more about exploration and seven ways to polish your songs here, and more about the edge of the table approach here.

In Summary

Mastering song forms is not about following rigid rules, but about acquiring essential tools to elevate your craft. Structure provides the bedrock, organising your ideas for clarity and cohesion. Understanding the function of each song section helps you build a compelling narrative or emotional arc. Adhering to commercial considerations like the three-and-a-half-minute rule and focusing on a strong hook increases marketability.

Using forms, or Song Maps, allows you to map the listener's journey and write in 3D. Crucially, structure helps you focus your ideas around ONE BIG THING, preventing your song from becoming cluttered. Songwriting is a craft that can be learned, and understanding form is a vital step in that learning process. By embracing structure, you gain confidence and transform your craft skills in lyric writing. This mastery then empowers you to experiment and find your unique voice by writing at the edge of the table.

To learn more about using Song Maps and other powerful techniques to write your best lyrics, check out the book "Song Maps – A New System to Write Your Best Lyrics" here. It offers well-developed professional templates and a tried and tested process to help you write in 3D and unlock the full potential of your ideas.

Questions

Here are a few questions you might want to think about:

1. How does focusing on "ONE BIG THING" affect your initial brainstorming process for a song idea?

2. Which song form do you feel most comfortable working with, and which would you like to explore more deeply?

3. How can understanding commercial forms give you the confidence to then deliberately "write at the edge of the table" in your next songwriting session?

Hope this helps!

Simon.

www.simonhawkins.com

Stepping into the world of full-time songwriting after leaving my corporate career, I quickly realised the vital importance of lyrics. More clearly than ever, I saw how it is through the words that we truly connect with listeners on a deep emotional level.

This focus on crafting lyrics that resonate emotionally is crucial for writing compelling, commercially successful songs that impact a broad audience.

One fundamental principle that underpins effective lyric writing is maintaining your viewpoint. Staying consistent within that framework is crucial for clarity and impact once you've established the perspective from which your song's story is told.

For example, imagine starting a film seeing through the eyes of one character, then suddenly switching to an overhead shot, then jumping into another character's thoughts without explanation. It would be jarring and confusing, right?

The same applies to songs. A clear, consistent viewpoint helps the listener follow the narrative, understand the emotional context, and connect more deeply with your message.

In this post, we'll explore why mastering and maintaining your viewpoint is essential for crafting compelling lyrics and how it fits into the larger process of wordsmithing. We'll delve into different facets of viewpoint and related concepts to help you ensure your songs are clear, engaging, and resonate with your audience.

Here are the key areas I'll cover:

1. What is Viewpoint?

2. Delving into Voice

3. Establishing Time and Place: The Foundation of Setting

4. The Power of Consistency: Why Maintaining Your Viewpoint Matters

5. Viewpoint, Storytelling, and Vivid Imagery

6. The Commercial Edge of Clarity

7. Finding Your Unique Perspective

8. Practice, Planning, and the Process

Let’s get cracking.

1. What is Viewpoint?

Viewpoint, also known as point of view, refers to the narrative perspective from which your story is told – essentially, the "eyes" of your story.

There are three primary viewpoints you can use in songwriting:

• First Person: Uses "I" or "We". This is a very common viewpoint, especially for artists writing from their own experience or assuming a persona. It offers an intimate, internal perspective, sharing thoughts and feelings directly. Like I’m writing here!

• Second Person: Uses "You". The "you" can refer to a specific person being addressed ("a particular you"), or it can be directed at the listener or a general audience ("the collective you"). Be mindful when addressing the "collective you" not to sound preachy; audiences prefer to overhear advice rather than be sermonized.

• Third Person: Uses "He," "She," "They," or often refers to a group or collective entity. In this viewpoint, the narrator stands outside the story, reporting the news or observing the characters. The third person can be handy for handling subject matter with a degree of detachment or portraying characters in an unsympathetic light without the singer having to merge with them.

Choosing the right viewpoint is an early decision in the songwriting process. Noticing the point of view you're using allows you to experiment with changing pronouns to see how it affects the song's delivery and the connection you create.

2. Delving into Voice

Closely linked to viewpoint is the concept of Voice. The Voice refers to whether the singer is talking to someone ("talking voice") or merely thinking out loud ("thinking voice").

• Thinking Voice: In this mode, the singer is reflecting on an experience or emotional state or mentally addressing an absent person, place, or thing. The audience is essentially privy to the singer's internal monologue or thoughts.

• Talking Voice: Here, the singer is engaged in a face-to-face conversation with someone. The audience is overhearing a dialogue.

How you handle Viewpoint and Voice are intertwined. For instance,

• A second-person viewpoint lyric can use either a thinking voice (mentally addressing an absent "you") or

• A talking voice (addressing someone present).

Regardless of the choice, maintaining consistency in the singer's voice throughout the lyric is important. If you're writing a talking lyric, ensure the dialogue sounds consistently conversational to make it convincing.

3. Establishing Time and Place: The Foundation of Setting

Beyond who is telling the story (Viewpoint) and how they are communicating it (Voice), two other fundamental elements form the "spine" of your lyric's story: Time Frame and Setting.

• Time Frame: This refers to the time the action is set – past, present, or future.

• Setting: This is the place where the lyric happens – a specific or implied location.

For much of a lyric, the Time Frame and Setting usually remain constant. Story songs are an exception, where changes in time or place are not unusual, but these transitions need to be made clear to the listener.

Scene-setting is a technique that can engage the listener right from the start, introducing the character(s) and the world they inhabit. This involves establishing the point in time and the place where the song is happening, often in the first verse. Using exercises like sensory writing, focusing on details you can see, feel, taste, smell, and hear, can help you set a vivid scene. This is related to the concept of Destination Writing, which uses your senses to write creatively about a place, person, or time, helping you discover phrases and topics that become central ideas.

Vantage point is described as the moment in time from which the singer is telling the story. From this secure point, you can look back or forward in time in different sections, giving the song a clear purpose for being sung "right now" and ensuring the listener gets the full story needed to feel strongly about the message.

4. The Power of Consistency: Why Maintaining Your Viewpoint Matters

This brings us to the core principle: consistency. Once you make the four key decisions regarding your lyrics –

1. Viewpoint

2. Voice

3. Time Frame, and

4. Setting

This is sometimes referred to in Sheila Davis’s books as getting a "fix on the VVTS" and is crucial to maintaining them.

Maintaining a consistent viewpoint is described as a basic principle of good writing. The downside of inconsistency is confusion and incoherence for the listener. For instance, if your lyric starts out speaking from the third person but shifts to the first person in a later section, the audience can easily become befuddled. Similarly, inattention to the singer's voice can lead to disjointed lyrics. If anything changes within these four elements – Viewpoint, Voice, Time Frame, or Setting – you must make that change clear to the listener.

Confusing the listener is a common pitfall for early songwriters. Publishers might provide feedback like, "It's not clear who the characters are, what's happening to whom, or when it's happening". This lack of clarity makes it difficult for the listener to feel connected. The writer's success in making the listener feel like an active participant in the story, able to experience the surroundings and feelings of the main character, depends on this clarity. If you don't feel connected as a listener, clarifying the "who, when, and where" often makes that connection possible. Easy-to-follow lyrics keep your audience listening.

Overwriting, or cramming too many ideas into a song, can contribute to this lack of clarity, making the songwriter hazy about their message and the listener only mildly moved. Consistency in viewpoint, voice, time frame, and setting helps tame your ideas and weave them into the song rather than stamping them on the listener's forehead. Like a movie slowly feeding you the plot, a song should lure the listener along, rewarding them for following.

5. Viewpoint, Storytelling, and Vivid Imagery

Viewpoint is integral to storytelling in lyrics. By choosing a perspective, you define whose eyes the listener is seeing through and whose experience they are sharing. This directly impacts the effectiveness of your imagery.

Using vivid imagery and action is one of the most effective tools for creating engaging lyrics. This means using specific verbs and adjectives to paint clearer pictures and make the listener feel like an active participant in the story. Instead of telling the listener about an emotion, show them the details of the experience that convey that emotion. This technique, often called "Show, Don't Tell," makes a more meaningful connection, see more here.

A consistent viewpoint provides a stable anchor for this descriptive language. Writing from a first-person perspective, for example, allows you to describe specific moments and sensations that shape that character's unique vantage point. Destination Writing, which involves writing from the perspective of a place, person, or time using sensory details, relies heavily on establishing this specific perspective to draw the audience in. The six keys of connection – touch, taste, sight, smell, sound, movement – are the building blocks for this sensory detail.

When the listener can clearly understand who is experiencing these senses, where they are, and when it's happening, the imagery becomes much more powerful and immersive.

6. The Commercial Edge of Clarity

In commercial songwriting, clarity is paramount. Hit songs often have patterns within their content, and knowing these patterns is critical. One such pattern is focusing on a central theme or message – the "ONE BIG THING". A clear, strong central theme guides the listener through a cohesive narrative or emotional journey.

Maintaining a consistent viewpoint supports this "ONE BIG THING". It ensures that the core idea, often encapsulated in the title, is consistently developed and reflected throughout the lyric. When the lyric captures the title's essence in each section, it strengthens the overall message and makes the song easier for listeners to follow and remember.

A song with a focused central theme and a clear viewpoint is not only easier to follow but also more relatable and emotionally resonant. When listeners can connect with the core message, they are more likely to remember and appreciate the song. By keeping the listener's perspective in mind, you ensure your song is not just art but also effective communication. Commercial songwriting is ultimately about getting that "ONE BIG THING" across to the listener.

Clarity in viewpoint helps deliver this emotional punch.

7. Finding Your Unique Perspective

While adhering to principles like maintaining viewpoint might sound restrictive, it actually creates a framework within which your unique artistic voice can shine (see more here). Developing your talent involves learning technique. Songwriting tools and principles offer creative parameters. Within these parameters, you can express your ideas with an artistic voice that is as unique as you are.

Your unique voice is what can make your music stand out. This isn't necessarily about having a great singing voice, but about revealing your unique perspective through your lyrics. Great songwriting comes from openness, vulnerability, and honesty. Describing specific moments and sensations from your one-of-a-kind vantage point allows your unique voice to come through.

Interestingly, the more intimate and specific your lyrics are from your unique viewpoint, the more universal they often become. By turning your personal experiences into things that resonate with listeners, you allow them to connect their own lives to the song's emotions or themes [previous conversation]. This is the power of "Universalizing", see more here. Committing wholly to the inherent vibes and unique perspective you started with produces authentic, coherent songs with that magical resonance. Your unique perspective is invaluable.

8. Practice, Planning, and the Process

Becoming a skilled songwriter, adept at managing viewpoint and other techniques, is a journey marked by writing, recording, and releasing songs. A large part of becoming a pro-songwriter is simply the act of showing up and doing the work. Setting parameters around regular habits, such as timed writing sessions, helps growth occur.

Planning plays a significant role; a little planning goes a long, long way. When you start writing a song, outline what you want to say and keep that central idea in mind. This includes establishing the viewpoint, voice, time frame, and setting early on. Writing a short script outline covering who is singing, the viewpoint, the voice, where the singer is, and what time it is can help you make sure your song makes sense.

Understanding your own process is key. Some writers prefer to start with the chorus (a "back to front" approach - see more here), which helps ensure the whole song revolves around the central idea. Others may work through a more linear process, like the 10-Step Process described by Andrea Stolpe in her brilliant book, Popular Lyric Writing, which includes –

1. Destination-write

2. Find rhyme pairs

3. Choose a rhyme scheme and toggling pattern

4. Add prepositions and conjunctions

5. Choose a plot progression

6. Destination-write again using thought/feeling language

7. Look for titles and write the chorus

8. Write a second verse and pre-chorus

9. Write the bridge

10. Assess verbs, tense, and point of view, and conversational quality

Assessing your viewpoint is part of the final steps in refining your lyrics.

In Summary

Crafting compelling lyrics involves a delicate balance of art and strategy. Establishing and consistently maintaining your lyric's viewpoint, voice, time frame, and setting provides a clear framework for your ideas. This consistency is vital for creating lyrics that are easy for the listener to follow, understand, and connect emotionally.

Consistently maintaining your lyric's viewpoint, voice, time frame, and setting

By ensuring clarity on "who," "where," and "when", you help the listener feel like an active participant in the story, making your vivid imagery and storytelling more impactful.

This clarity also serves the "ONE BIG THING" of your song, making it more memorable and marketable. Within this structure, your unique perspective and voice can transform personal experiences into universal truths that resonate deeply. Ultimately, mastering viewpoint control is a key skill for transforming your ideas into compelling, professional lyrics.

Questions

Here are a few questions you might want to think about:

• Have you clearly established your lyric's viewpoint, voice, time frame, and setting in the opening lines, and are you maintaining consistency throughout?

• Are you using specific sensory details from your chosen viewpoint to "show, don't tell" and immerse the listener in the song's experience?

• How does your chosen viewpoint allow your unique perspective to shine through while still making the song's core message relatable to a broad audience?

Hope this helps!

Simon.

www.simonhawkins.com

As a songwriter, you understand that lyrics are often the vital core of a song, the element that truly connects with listeners on a deep emotional level and makes a song linger long after the music fades. It's about creating powerful connections through your words. Crafting compelling commercial lyrics is a rewarding challenge, requiring a balance of artistic vision and strategic technique. You need to make your lyrics engaging and relatable.

Across my books, Song Maps - A New System to Write Your Best Lyrics and The Organized Songwriter, and indeed here on SimonOnSongs.com, I share many tools, principles, and strategies designed to elevate your craft. Developing a solid understanding of these lyric-writing principles is absolutely key to transforming your ideas into well-crafted, memorable, and marketable songs that deliver the emotional punch you're aiming for. Mastering techniques and understanding patterns is critical for success, whether you are a beginner or an experienced writer.

Here are 10 of the most essential principles to keep in mind, especially if you are writing commercial songs.

1. Have a Genuine Idea

This may seem obvious, but it's worth emphasizing: your lyric should be based on a real idea, something you actually care about. And only one main idea per lyric. If you're not invested in the idea, it will show in your writing. See more about honoring ideas here and Idea Banks here.

2. Craft a Memorable Title

The title is the first thing people see, and it can make or break a song. A good title should be catchy, memorable, and relevant to the song's theme. A bit like the cover of a book. See 25 great title ideas here.

3. Start Strong

The first line of your lyric is crucial. It's your chance to grab the listener's attention and make them want to hear more. A strong first line should be intriguing, evocative, or surprising. See more about upgrading the first line here.

4. Have a Payoff

The payoff is the emotional climax of the song. It's the moment when the listener finally understands what the song is all about. A good payoff should be satisfying and memorable, and leave the listener with something to think about. See more about how to write payoffs here.

5. Choosing the Appropriate Form

There are many different song forms, and each one has its strengths and weaknesses. You should choose the form that best suits your song's idea and style.

6. Maintaining Your Viewpoint

Once you've established a viewpoint, it's important to maintain it throughout the song. Shifting viewpoints can be confusing for the listener and make the song feel disjointed.

7. Honor the Rhythm

The rhythm of your lyrics is just as important as the words themselves. The rhythm should be natural and flowing, and it should complement the melody of the song. This natural flow is enhanced by the rhythmic analysis of lyrics, a technique called scansion. See more about scansion here.

8. Write Simply and Honestly

The best lyrics are often the simplest. Write from the heart, and don't try to be too clever. Many of the most effective songs only have a few core ideas, giving the ideas space to develop throughout the song. See more about writing raw songs here.

9. Use Specific Language

Specific language creates vivid images in the listener's mind and makes the song more memorable. Avoid clichés and generalities. For writing commercial songs, see more about writing conversational lyrics here.

10. Get Feedback

It's always helpful to get feedback on your lyrics from other songwriters. This can help you identify areas that need improvement and get new ideas. Sure, family will always love your work, but it is not the best value of feedback. The best feedback would be from people who understand your craft… so songwriters or publishers. See more about getting pro-song critiques here.

In Summary

These 10 principles are just a starting point, but they can help you write lyrics that are more creative, engaging, and memorable. And commercially successful lyrics. Keep practicing, and don't be afraid to experiment.

Crafting more creative, engaging and memorable lyrics

For more in-depth information about these lyric-writing principles, I recommend checking out my books above and Successful Lyric Writing here

Questions

Here are a few questions for you:

1. How can you make sure your lyrics reflect your song's title?

2. Is your first line as powerful as it should be?

3. Have you set up a way to capture song ideas, such as an Idea Bank?

Hope this helps!

Simon

www.simonhawkins.com

So, you've poured your heart and soul into crafting a good number of songs that you truly believe in. The melodies linger in your mind long after you've written them, the lyrics resonate with raw emotion, and you can feel that these creations deserve to be heard by a wider audience. As a fellow songwriter who’s navigated the exhilarating and sometimes daunting path of bringing songs to life, I understand that burning desire to connect your music with the right people – the publishers who can champion your work (i.e. pitch your songs) and help it reach its full potential.

Imagine the moment your song lands on the desk of a publisher, and it truly captures their attention. It's not just about luck; it's about meticulous preparation, presenting your work professionally, and understanding what publishers are looking for. Let’s dive in and explore how you can best showcase your songwriting talents to the publishing world. Here are six key things to make sure you’re ready.

Six Key Things to Make Sure You Are Ready

1. Crafting Killer Songs: The Indispensable Foundation

A publisher is looking for exceptional songs at the heart of it all. It might sound obvious, but it’s a point worth emphasizing: your songs need to be the absolute best they can be for their genre. Your iPhone recording of a cool idea that hasn't been fully realised won't cut it. The best way to get your foot in the door is to write the most killer song you can.

This means honing your craft relentlessly. It involves taking time learning your craft, from reading books to investing in courses and competitions. Consider resources like Berklee Online, which offers excellent tools for learning. It's about regular practice, even if it’s just for ten minutes a day, focusing on brainstorming hooks or refining verses. As John Chisum aptly states, aspiring songwriters must learn and grow in their craft.

The whole point of Simon On Songs has been to capture and curate as many ideas as possible to help other songwriters get their songs published, and there are over 100 ideas to do that. My books, Song Maps and The Organized Songwriter, could also help.

Don't be afraid to get critiqued. While compliments from loved ones are nice, biased opinions won't help your music grow. Seek constructive criticism to gain new perspectives and identify areas for improvement. Consider the advice you receive with modesty and move on. Remember, if your music doesn't communicate your intent, you shouldn't have to explain it.

Ultimately, your craft has to be the best it can be, and then some, to make an impact. Publishers are busy and overworked, so you need material that immediately grabs their attention and demonstrates your ability to write commercially viable songs.

2. Producing Brilliant Demos: Making a Powerful First Impression

Once you have those killer songs, the next crucial step is to present them in the best possible light through high-quality demos. Your songs need to sound brilliant, not just OK. A poorly produced demo can undermine even the most exceptional songwriting. Technology plays a vital role in getting your craft discovered.

Your demos need to be good enough for them to be able to pitch. This doesn't necessarily mean a full studio production for every song, but it does mean a recording that clearly showcases the melody, harmony, rhythm, and lyrical content of your song. Ensure the vocals are clear and cool, and the instrumentation, even if basic, supports the song effectively.

Think of your demo as your song's representative. It's the first impression a publisher will have of your work. A professional-sounding demo demonstrates your commitment to your craft and makes it easier for the publisher to envision the song's potential. See more about raw songs here.

Invest the time and resources necessary to create demos that do justice to your songwriting. Technology has made home recording more accessible, so take advantage of the available tools. Learn more about writing compelling ‘edge of the table’ songs here.

3. Networking Strategically: Connecting with the Right Doors

After crafting killer songs and recording compelling demos, the next vital element is networking. Networking, craft, and technology will help your craft be discovered. See more about these three steps to get your foot through the door here.

Connect with other individuals in the industry, including other songwriters, co-writers, artists, musicians, producers, publishers, management, PRO contacts, and individuals at industry events. Taking time with other songwriters (especially co-writers) will help you move things faster.

Seek out opportunities to engage with the songwriting community. Attend workshops, seminars, COMPETITIONS and conferences. These events provide invaluable opportunities to learn from experienced professionals, meet potential collaborators, and connect with publishers.

Know why you need a publisher. Understand their role in the music industry, such as pitching songs to artists, facilitating collaborations, and handling administrative tasks like licensing and royalties.

Building relationships takes time and effort. Remember, the music business is often built on relationships. Strategic networking isn't just about meeting people; it's about making meaningful connections with individuals who can help advance your songwriting career. It's about putting yourself in situations where your songs have the potential to be heard by the right ears.

4. Presenting Professionally: Attention to Detail Matters

Professionalism is paramount when showcasing your songs to a publisher. This includes everything from how you approach them initially to the materials you provide.

There’s a very fine line between being pushy and being creepy. There’s also a fine line between pushing back on ideas and sounding like you’re not understanding a publisher’s advice. In the music industry you need to be a ‘good hang’, not a jerk. And there are jerks out there.

Be prepared to provide lyric sheets. These should be clear, accurate, and easy to read. Publishers need to connect with the lyrics they read. Pay attention to formatting and ensure there are no typos or grammatical errors.

Be ready to discuss your views as a writer/musician. Publishers will ask questions that will test whether you are emotionally, sensibly, realistically, well-rounded as a writer/musician, smart, and more. This is your opportunity to articulate your artistic vision and demonstrate your understanding of the songwriting craft and the music market.

When you contact a publisher, do your research beforehand. Understand the types of music they typically work with and make sure your songs are a good fit. Tailor your approach to each publisher you contact. Arrive prepared with a concise and compelling pitch for your songs. Be able to articulate the core idea, target audience, and potential of each song you present.

Remember that your music should speak for itself. You shouldn't have to constantly explain your songs. However, being able to articulate your vision and answer questions thoughtfully demonstrates your professionalism and understanding of your craft.

Presenting professionally also means respecting the publisher's own deadlines. Follow their submission guidelines carefully, be patient when waiting for a response, and don’t chase them up if you haven’t received a response.

5. Understanding the Publisher's Landscape: Knowing What They Seek

To effectively showcase your songs, it's crucial to understand what publishers are looking for in the current music market. Publishers are constantly looking for great song material that has the potential to connect with a broad audience and achieve commercial success.

Be aware of current trends in the music industry. While it's important to develop your unique artistic voice, understanding what resonates with listeners can help you tailor your music to meet those expectations. Study successful songs in your target genres. Analyze their structure, lyrical themes, melodies, and hooks to understand what makes them commercially successful.

However, don't just chase trends. Aim for intelligent originality. While learning from successful songs is valuable, strive to bring your unique perspective and voice to your songwriting. As Sheila Davis said, success involves expressing a viewpoint that will appeal to millions.

Understand that the music marketplace can be challenging. There may be fewer "cuts" available than before. However, focus on writing great songs that add value and believe that "the cream rises to the top".

Ultimately, publishers are looking for well-crafted, commercially viable songs with the potential to make a significant impact. Understanding their perspective will help you tailor your songwriting and presentation accordingly.

6. Persistence and Professionalism: The Long Game

Showcasing your songs to a publisher is often not a one-time event but rather an ongoing process that requires persistence and unwavering professionalism. Don't get discouraged by rejection. Not every song will be a hit, but each completed draft brings you closer to your best work. If you get a bad critique, it can prepare you for dealing with rejection.

Continue to hone your craft, write new songs, and build your catalogue. The more high-quality material you have, the more opportunities you will create for yourself. In all your interactions with industry professionals, maintain a professional attitude. Be reliable, communicative, and respectful of their time.

Understand that building a successful songwriting career takes time and dedication. Make writing a lifestyle, not just a hobby.

In Summary

So, focus relentlessly on writing the best songs you can for your genre, produce high-quality demos that showcase your songs effectively, and network strategically to build connections within the music industry.

Also, present yourself and your songs with professionalism and attention to detail, understand what publishers are really looking for in the current music market, and be persistent, professional, and dedicated to your craft.

Publishers love a good hang, but killer songs will get you signed.

Questions

Here are a few questions you might want to think about:

1. Are you confident that your current songs represent your absolute best work?

2. Are you actively building meaningful connections within the music industry?

3. Are you prepared to present your songs and yourself with the utmost professionalism?

Hope this helps!

Simon.

www.simonhawkins.com

Have you ever felt like your lyrics are just wandering aimlessly, or that you're constantly battling to find that one elusive word to finish a line? As songwriters, we all know that feeling! But what if I told you there’s a fundamental tool that can provide structure, enhance flow, and ultimately make your songs more memorable? It's all about rhyme schemes.

In my books, I often talk about the importance of having various tools in your songwriting arsenal. Understanding and using rhyme schemes effectively is definitely one of them. Let's dive in and see how they can elevate your craft.

7 things you need to know about Rhyme Schemes

1. What Exactly is a Rhyme Scheme?

Simply put, a rhyme scheme is the pattern of rhymes at the end of the lines in your song lyrics. Think of it as a roadmap for your listeners' ears, guiding them through the sonic landscape of your song.

We often use letters like A, B, C to notate these patterns, showing which lines rhyme with each other. For example, an AABB rhyme scheme means:

• The first and second lines rhyme with each other

• And the third and fourth lines rhyme with each other.

Simple.

Understanding this basic concept is the first step to harnessing its power.

2. Why Should Songwriters Care About Rhyme Schemes?

You will find commercially successful songs without a rhyme scheme - remember these are just tools, not rules. But they are rare. This is because rhyme schemes are not just academic exercises; they play a vital role in creating compelling songs. They provide structure and organisation to your lyrical ideas, helping to define the different sections of your song.

Also, rhymes are all about sound, not spelling. So, if you are writing a lyric in a different part of the world, for example from the UK or Tennessee, the words you’d be writing would be different for rhymes. For example, in London, you might rhyme “again/pen”, whereas in Nashville you might rhyme “again/sin”.

Furthermore, they significantly contribute to the flow and rhythm of your lyrics, making them feel more natural and musical. By creating an expectation of rhyme, and then delivering it, you can also provide a sense of closure and connection within each section. See more about rhyme and motion here.

3. Common Rhyme Scheme Patterns

There are several common rhyme schemes that songwriters frequently use:

• AABB (couplets) often creates a straightforward and catchy feel.

• ABAB (alternating rhyme) offers a sense of back-and-forth or a gentle movement.

• AAA can create a continuous or building feeling, with maybe using a title in the last line

• AABA can build anticipation until the final 'A' line provides a resolution.

• Even patterns like XAXA, where only the second and fourth lines rhyme, can create a unique flow.

Experimenting with these different patterns can add variety and interest to your songwriting.

4. The Relationship Between Rhyme and Flow

How you structure your rhyme scheme directly impacts the flow of your lyrics. For example, couplets (AABB) can create a more continuous, through-written feel, pushing the listener forward. In contrast, a more fragmented rhyme scheme might subdivide a section, creating pauses or emphasizing certain lines.

The strength of your rhymes also plays a role; stronger, perfect rhymes often provide a greater sense of resolution, while near rhymes can offer more flexibility. Pay attention to how your chosen rhyme scheme influences your song's overall pace and feel.

5. Making Rhyme Schemes Work For Your Song (Not Against It)

While rhyme schemes are powerful tools, it's crucial to remember that the meaning of your lyrics should always come first. Don't let the need to find a rhyme dictate your message. Instead, use rhyme schemes to enhance and support what you want to say.

Feel free to experiment and avoid deviating from strict patterns if it serves your artistic vision. Analysing the rhyme schemes in songs you admire can also provide valuable insight.

6. Beyond Basic End Rhyme

Rhyme doesn't always have to occur at the end of a line. Exploring internal rhyme, where words within the same line rhyme, can add another layer of texture and musicality to your lyrics.

You can also think about how your rhyme scheme interacts with toggling, the combination of external and internal details in your verses, as discussed by Andrea Stolpe. These more advanced techniques can make your lyrics stand out and engage listeners on a deeper level. See more about this here.

7. The Hierarchy of Rhymes

There are several kinds of rhymes that exist for songwriters to use when writing lyrics:

• Perfect Rhyme – "well, sell," "chase, face," and "saw, flaw".

• Masculine (Single Rhyme) – "wide/slide" or with the last syllable of a longer word, "free/debris".

• Feminine (Double Rhyme) – "ended/pretended", always working with the stressed syllable.

• Triple Rhyme (Trisyllabic Rhyme) – "chaseable/embraceable".

• Assonance Rhyme – "rope, known" and "straight, fame" but all weaker.

• Consonance Rhyme (Half Rhyme, Off Rhyme) – "soon/own" and "caw/men".

• Additive Rhyme – "stow, hope" and "year, feared".

• Subtractive Rhyme – Examples include "bake, stay" and "shout, now".

• Family Rhyme – using their phonetic family: "wet, deck," "dame, grain," and "float, yoke". The phonetic families include plosives (b, d, g, p, t, k), fricatives (v, TH, z, zh, j, f, th, s, sh, ch), and nasals (m, n, ng). I love writing with this.

• Mosaic Rhyme – composite rhymes using one or more syllable words matched with different syllable words such as "poet" and "know it".

Mosaic rhyme is my favorite rhyme scheme because it allows for unique rhythmic patterns and a broader range of word choices. You can find more information about mosaic rhyme here. 

In Summary

Understanding and creatively applying rhyme schemes is a fundamental skill for songwriters. They provide structure, enhance flow, and contribute to your songs' overall memorability and emotional impact.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different patterns and rhyme types to find what best serves your unique voice and message.

Questions

Here are a few questions to ponder about rhyme schemes in your own songwriting:

1. What are some of the rhyme schemes you naturally gravitate towards, and why do you think that is?

2. How consciously do you consider rhyme schemes when writing your lyrics?

3. Can you identify a song where the rhyme scheme particularly enhances its message or emotion?

Hope this helps!

Simon.

www.simonhawkins.com

As songwriters, our ultimate aim is to connect with listeners, to make them feel something, to transport them to another place or time through the power of our words and music. One of the most effective ways to forge this connection is through specificity – painting vivid pictures with concrete details that resonate with shared human experiences. If you sometimes find yourself struggling to move beyond vague generalities in your lyrics, then let me introduce you to a powerful tool that can unlock a new level of detail and impact in your songwriting: the list song.

In my books, I emphasize the importance of having a wealth of "writable ideas" and practical techniques for developing them. The list song is precisely one such technique—a structured yet creative way to generate detailed and engaging lyrics. The insightful lyric writing expert Sheila Davis championed this method as an excellent exercise for developing specificity, especially for those of us who might find ourselves defaulting to broader strokes in our writing.

To help you harness the potential of this fantastic tool, let me introduce seven ways to use a list song, why it’s so valuable, and how you can craft compelling list songs of your own.

7 Ways to Use List Songs

1. The Essence of the List Song: More Than Just a Catalogue

At its core, a list song is exactly what it sounds like: a song where a significant portion of the lyrics comprises a list of related items, actions, places, or ideas. However, a truly effective list song transcends a mere recitation of things. It uses the list to create a specific atmosphere, tell a story, evoke an emotion, or build a compelling character.

The items in the list are carefully chosen to contribute to the overall message and imagery of the song, working together to create a richer and more immersive experience for the listener. Think of it as painting a detailed picture with a series of carefully selected brushstrokes – each item in the list adds texture and depth to the final image.

2. Why Specificity Sings: The Power of Concrete Details

Why is this focus on listing specific details so important? Because specificity breeds relatability and memorability. When you use concrete nouns, vivid verbs, and sensory language, you allow your listeners to connect with your song on a deeper level. Instead of saying "I felt sad," describing "the rain on the window pane mirroring the tears I couldn't explain" creates a far more potent and relatable image.

Similarly, instead of a generic "things I love," a list of "old photographs, the smell of rain on asphalt, and the sound of a crackling vinyl record" paints a much more personal and engaging picture. This level of detail makes your lyrics more vivid, tangible, and ultimately, more memorable.

3. A Tool for Precision

Sheila Davis, in her seminal work "Successful Lyric Writing," highlights the list song as a valuable exercise for songwriters aiming to develop specificity in their lyrics. She suggests it as a practical way to combat vague or abstract language by forcing the writer to think in concrete terms. According to Davis, creating a list around a central theme or emotion can help writers who struggle with detail to hone their observational skills and translate those observations into compelling lyrical content. This exercise encourages you to move beyond general ideas and delve into the tangible elements that bring those ideas to life for the listener.

This is similar to the ideas in Pat Pattison’s object writing and Andrea Stolpe’s destination writing.

4. Unlocking Creativity Through Brainstorming Lists

One of the list song's great advantages is its power to spark creativity and overcome writer's block. When faced with a blank page, brainstorming a list of related items can be a fantastic starting point. Choose a central theme, emotion, or scenario, and then simply start jotting down anything that comes to mind, no matter how seemingly insignificant. 

For a song about a lost love, your list might include "faded photographs," "empty coffee cups," "a favourite old sweater," "silence in the hallway," and "songs on the radio we used to sing along to." From this raw list, you can then begin shaping verses, building metaphors, and creating a narrative thread. This process transforms a potentially daunting blank canvas into a collection of concrete elements ripe for exploration.

5. Weaving Lists into Your Song's Fabric: Structure and Flow

While the list itself is a key component, the way you integrate it into your song's overall structure is crucial for its effectiveness. A list song doesn't have to be just a long, uninterrupted catalogue. You can weave lists into verses to provide specific examples, use a list in the chorus to create a memorable hook, or employ a list in the bridge to offer a contrasting perspective or build towards a climax.

The key is to ensure that the list feels natural within the song's context and contributes to the overall emotional arc or narrative. Consider using transitional phrases or connecting lines to lead into and out of the list, creating a sense of flow and purpose.

6. Examples That Resonate: Analyzing Successful List Songs

A few songs you might like to take a look at demonstrating the power of list songs:

• "All I Wanna Do" – Sheryl Crow

  Uses a list of random details that paint a vivid picture of a laid-back bar scene.

• "I’ve Been Everywhere" – Johnny Cash

  A relentless travelogue of places visited, making it unforgettable.

• "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover" – Paul Simon

  Uses a clever list of suggestions for escaping a relationship.

• "We Didn’t Start the Fire" – Billy Joel

  Historical references stacked into a rapid-fire list format.

Each song relies on strong imagery and a consistent pattern, keeping the listener engaged from start to finish.

7. Practical Steps to Writing a List Song

Ready to try your hand at writing a list song? Here are some practical steps to guide you:

1. Choose a Central Theme or Idea: Start with a core concept, emotion, or scenario you want to explore. This will be the anchor for your list.

2. Brainstorm Your List: Freely generate a list of anything and everything related to your chosen theme. Don't censor yourself at this stage; the goal is to get as many ideas down as possible.

3. Refine and Select: Review your brainstormed list and select the items that are the most evocative, specific, and relevant to your song's message. Look for opportunities to use sensory details.

4. Consider Your Song Structure: Decide where the list will fit best within your song (verse, chorus, bridge) and how it will contribute to the overall flow and emotional development.

5. Integrate Seamlessly: Craft the lines leading into and out of your list to ensure a smooth transition and a sense of purpose. Use connecting phrases or narrative elements if needed.

6. Don't Just List – Describe: Where appropriate, don't just state the item, but add a brief descriptive element to enhance the imagery and impact.

7. Listen to the Rhythm and Melody: As with any lyric, pay attention to how your list flows rhythmically and how it might interact with a potential melody.

In Summary

Writing list songs is more than just a fun exercise; it’s a powerful technique for developing lyrical specificity, overcoming writer's block, and creating memorable and engaging songs. By focusing on concrete details and carefully curating your lists, you can paint vivid pictures, evoke strong emotions, and connect with your listeners on a deeper level.

So, embrace the power of the list – it might just be the key to unlocking a new dimension in your songwriting.

To delve deeper into practical songwriting techniques and learn more about developing your lyrical ideas, I encourage you to explore my books, Song Maps and The Organized Songwriter, (you can likely find it on major online book retailers) and "The Organized Songwriter" (also available online).

To learn more about writing with imagery click here. See more about specificity here about value-driven songs.

Questions

Here are a few questions to consider as you explore the potential of list songs in your own writing:

1. Can you think of any songs you love that effectively use lists or specific details? What makes them so impactful?

2. What themes or ideas have you been working on that might lend themselves well to a list song structure? Try brainstorming a quick list for one of them now.

3. How can you consciously incorporate more specific and sensory language into your songwriting, even beyond using the list song format?

Hope this helps!

Simon.

www.simonhawkins.com

More Dangerous

So, three years on from the start of Russia starting a brutal and aggressive war against Ukraine, last Friday Trump changed everything and the whole world feels more dangerous.

Six weeks ago, we took so much for granted. Now, we’re all trying to figure out what this means, wherever we are, and how to keep ourselves afloat in this new world, both militarily and economically. And if you’re like me—a songwriter—you’re also trying to process it all through your music.

Songwriting has always been a way to help make sense of uncertainty. It’s a way to speak truth, to comfort, to inspire action, or simply to scream into the void. I’ve spent years studying how great songs are built, which led to writing Song Maps and The Organized Songwriter, books designed to help songwriters craft songs with meaning and impact. And now, in times like these, we need that more than ever.

So, how do we write fearless lyrics in uncertain times in our own frontline, whatever that looks like? How do we create songs that matter when the world feels like it’s on fire? Here are three ways.

7 Ways to Write Fearless Songs in Uncertain Times

1. Write the Truth—Even When It’s Uncomfortable

The best songs don’t shy away from reality. Whether it’s Dylan’s protest songs, Lennon’s Imagine, or contemporary anthems calling for change, fearless songwriting means telling the truth—even when it’s painful.

Instead of writing what’s easy, write what’s real. What are you afraid to say? What are people afraid to hear? That’s where the real power is. Your audience doesn’t need another love song (unless love itself is a battleground right now). They need songs that make them feel seen, that articulate the unease they can’t put into words.

Try this:

Write a lyric starting with the phrase “I never thought I’d say this, but…” and see where it takes you.

2. Give Chaos a Melody

One of the most powerful things music does is bring structure to chaos. A well-crafted melody can make even the heaviest lyrics feel accessible. Think about the catchiest protest songs—they don’t just shout into the void; they invite you to sing along.

Even in uncertainty, people crave something to hold onto. Your song’s melody can be that anchor. Play with contrast: pair a hopeful melody with heartbreaking lyrics, or use dissonance to create tension in a way that mirrors the instability around you.

Try this:

Take a sad, reflective lyric and set it to an unexpectedly upbeat melody. See how it changes the emotional impact.

3. Use Specific, Vivid Imagery

Fearless songwriting isn’t about vague statements—it’s about painting a picture so vivid that your listener can’t look away. Instead of writing, “The world is broken,” show us how: “Smoke curls from the rooftops / Flags hang like heavy ghosts.”

Imagery makes emotions tangible. If you want your listener to feel the weight of uncertainty, show them what it looks like, smells like, feels like. Be their eyes in the dark. See more about writing lyrics with imagery here.

Try this:

Write a verse using only sensory details—no abstract concepts or emotions. Let the images do the talking.

4. Dare to Be Personal

When the world is in turmoil, it’s tempting to write from a distance—to commentate instead of participate. But the most powerful songs are personal. They don’t just say, “War is bad.” They say, “My brother’s gone, and the dinner table is quieter now.”

Your personal story is what makes your song unique. It’s what turns a generic message into something unforgettable. Don’t be afraid to let your own fears, frustrations, and hopes seep into your writing. Find out more about mining your stuff here.

Try this:

Write about a global issue through the lens of a single person’s experience—maybe even your own.

5. Ask the Hard Questions (Without Answering Them All)

Fearless lyrics don’t always have to provide solutions. Some of the best songs leave the listener unsettled, asking their own questions. What’s happening in the world that doesn’t make sense? What contradictions are you struggling with? Write about those.

It’s okay to leave things unresolved. In fact, sometimes, that’s the most honest thing you can do. See more about the new Song Map: Questions/Answers here.

Try this:

Write a chorus that ends with a question rather than a statement. See how that shifts the emotional weight of the song.

6. Find the Light—Even in the Dark

Songs don’t just document history; they shape it. Fearless songwriting doesn’t mean only focusing on the pain. It also means finding hope, resilience, and moments of beauty even in the darkest times.

Hope doesn’t have to be loud. It can be a quiet, persistent pulse beneath the chaos. It can be the sound of a child laughing in a war zone, the flicker of a streetlight still shining after the bombs have fallen.

Try this:

Write a verse full of darkness—but let the chorus be the light. See how that dynamic affects the listener.

7. Keep Writing—Even When It Feels Pointless

When the world feels uncertain, it’s easy to wonder if songwriting even matters. But history tells us that music has always played a role in shaping culture, lifting spirits, and giving people the words they didn’t know they needed.

Your songs might not stop a war, but they might help someone get through the night. And that’s worth writing for. See why it’s important to have practice like this here.

Try this:

Commit to writing one song a week for the next month—no matter what. See what comes out when you show up consistently.

In Summary

The world feels different today. More fragile, more unpredictable. But that’s exactly why fearless songwriting matters. Whether you’re telling the truth no one wants to hear, giving chaos a melody, or offering a small flicker of hope in the darkness, your songs have power.

So keep writing. Keep singing. The world needs your voice.

If you want to dive deeper into crafting songs with impact, check out my books Song Maps and The Organized Songwriter. You can find them here.

Questions

Here’s a few questions you might want to ask -

1. What’s a song that helped you through a difficult time?

2. How do you personally process world events through songwriting?

3. What’s one fearless lyric you’ve written—or want to write?

Hope this helps!

Simon.

www.simonhawkins.com

As songwriters, we all have moments of doubt. Even after years of studying the craft, writing countless songs, and honing our skills, that little voice inside sometimes whispers, "What if I'm not good enough?"

If you've ever felt like a fraud, you're not alone.

Real Story

I remember one of my most nerve-wracking yet exciting moments as a songwriter. After years of reading, studying, and practicing songwriting techniques, I found myself finally in a writing room at a major music publisher in Nashville.

I was about to co-write with one of my favorite and most successful songwriters—the kind of songwriter I had dreamed of working with. And to make things even more intimidating, my new co-writer had just won another Dove Award the night before. Crazy eh?

I was nervous—really nervous. But then, the first thing they said to me was this:

"Now, this is when you realize I am a fraud."

I was stunned. Here was an award-winning songwriter, someone I admired, admitting that they, too, wrestled with self-doubt. And that’s when it hit me: Impostor syndrome doesn’t go away, no matter how much success you achieve. If anything, it’s a sign that you care deeply about your work.

I want to share 10 tips to help you overcome those doubts that hold you back. I’ll also reference principles from my books, Song Maps and The Organized Songwriter, to give you practical tools for building confidence and improving your songwriting process.

10 Tips

1. Even the Best Songwriters Feel This Way

You are not alone. Many successful songwriters—whether they’ve won Grammy Awards or just written their first song—experience impostor syndrome (click here for beginners). It’s completely normal. The key is not letting it stop you from writing.

2. Writing Through It

Even songwriters with decades of experience and awards still wonder if they can write another great song. The feeling of doubt is not proof of failure—it’s part of the process. Instead of trying to eliminate doubt, learn to write through it.

3. Your Voice is Your Superpower

You don’t have to sound like anyone else to be valid as a songwriter. Your voice, perspective, and way of telling a story make your songs special and unique. Comparing yourself to others can be inspiring, but it shouldn’t stop you from writing in your own way. Some of your ideas might initially feel silly or not high value enough. But you’d be wrong: part of your superpower is to dare to suggest things like this. To find out more about daring to suck, see more in The Organized Songwriter.

4. Co-writing Strengthens Confidence

One of my biggest lessons is that co-writing can help you break through self-doubt. When you collaborate, you see that other writers struggle with the same insecurities. The magic of co-writing is that everyone brings something unique to the table—no one has to carry the whole weight alone—and everything stays in the writing room. See my top 20 tips for an awesome co-write here.

5. Songwriting is a Skill, Not Magic

Songwriting isn’t about waiting for inspiration to strike; it’s about showing up and putting in the work. Techniques like those in Song Maps help you develop a structure so that you don’t feel lost every time you sit down to write. You don’t have to be a genius—just consistent. And honor your lovely ideas, dare to get them out in the co-writing room, click here for more.

6. Perfection is the Enemy of Progress

You'll never finish anything if you wait for the perfect lyric or melody before you start writing. Writing bad songs is okay; that’s how you get to the great ones. Permit yourself to be imperfect. Here’s the reality of commercial songwriting:

Most songs are not written, they are rewritten. They are crafted through many versions until they emerge as the best version of the song.

7. Organization Builds Confidence

A structured approach to songwriting can help combat impostor syndrome. My book The Organized Songwriter shares ways to keep track of your ideas, set goals, and develop habits that make songwriting feel more natural. When you have a plan, you feel more in control. And being an organized songwriter is more professional than many of those that aren’t.

8. You Belong in the Writing Room

If you’re writing songs, you’re a songwriter. You don’t need permission to create.

You don’t need permission to create.

The more you write, the more you’ll realize that every songwriter has doubts, no matter how accomplished. What sets successful songwriters apart is that they keep writing despite those doubts. Even when your ideas are a little raw, with a few rough edges around them (click here for more), they can sometimes be incredibly successful as songs.

9. Celebrate Small Wins

Songwriting is a journey, not a single moment of success. Take time to celebrate small victories—finishing a song, getting positive feedback, or even just showing up to write on a tough day. Acknowledging progress helps build confidence over time.

10. Keep a ‘Wins’ Journal

Whenever you get a compliment on your writing, finish a song you’re proud of, or hit a personal milestone, write it down. Especially when you continue despite everything that makes you feel impostor syndrome. On days when doubt creeps in, revisit your journal to remind yourself how you have handled this.

In Summary

Impostor syndrome is a sign that you’re growing, not failing. The truth is, every songwriter deals with self-doubt, but that doesn’t mean you’re not good enough. The best way to overcome it is to keep writing, learning, and showing up.

Questions

Here are some questions you could ask yourself:

1. Have you ever felt like a fraud in your songwriting journey? How did you handle it?

2. What’s one songwriting technique that helps you push past self-doubt?

3. How can you use co-writing to build confidence in your abilities?

Hope this helps!

Simon

www.simonhawkins.com