The Payoff
Just what we were waiting for.
I remember the first time I heard the song "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen. It’s not my favorite song particularly, but I was immediately struck by the beauty of the melody and the depth of the lyrics. The song seemed to be about so much more than just a love affair; it was about the human experience in all its complexity.
As I began to learn more about the song, I realized that there was more to it than just the melody and the lyrics. There was also a sense of anticipation that built throughout the song, and it all came to a head in the final chorus. In other words, it developed just what we were all waiting for: the payoff.
Just what we were waiting for.
The payoff was so powerful that it left me feeling both satisfied and inspired.
What is a Payoff?
A payoff in a song is the moment when the listener finally gets what they've been waiting for. It's the moment when the tension is released and the song reaches its climax.
There can be two kinds of payoffs:
Musical payoffs - anything from a satisfying resolution after a dissonance (click here), a build of intensity musically, to moving the melody to a surprising twist.
Lyrical payoffs - a moment in a song where the lyrics deliver a similar surprising, satisfying, or emotionally impactful twist. It's the crescendo of your storytelling, where the tension and anticipation built throughout the song culminate in a powerful release.
Payoffs are crucial in creating engaging and emotionally satisfying compositions. They help to keep the listener invested in the music and can create memorable moments that stick with them long after the song is over.
So, how can we write our songs to include a payoff somewhere in our lovely new creations? Here are a few tips here.
Ten Tips to Help Write Payoffs
There are many different ways to create a payoff in a song, but here are ten tips:
Build Anticipation - The payoff will be more powerful if the listener has been waiting for it. You can build anticipation by using techniques such as repetition, modulation, and dynamics.
Use Contrast - The payoff will be more effective if it contrasts with the rest of the song. For example, a soft and slow song might have a loud and fast payoff.
Make it Unexpected - The payoff could be something that the listener doesn't expect. This will make it more memorable and impactful.
Keep it Simple - The payoff should be easy to understand. If the listener has to work too hard to figure it out, they won't be as satisfied.
Make it Personal - The payoff could be something that the listener can relate to. This will make the song more meaningful and emotional.
Use a Strong Hook - The hook is the part of the song that the listener will remember most. It could be catchy and memorable.
Use a Bridge - The bridge is a section of the song that provides a contrast to the rest of the song. It can be used to build anticipation or to introduce a new element.
Use a Chorus - The chorus is normally the part of the song that is repeated the most, so the most memorable part of the song and it could contain the payoff.
Use a Outro - The outro is the part of the song that ends the song. It can be used to provide a sense of closure or to leave the listener wanting more.
Practice - The best way to write a great payoff is to practice; the more you write, the better you will become at it.
Examples
For writing lyrics payoffs exclusively, here are some other ideas and examples:
1. Surprise the Listener
The payoff could be unexpected yet inevitable. Don't telegraph it too early; instead, weave hints and foreshadowing throughout the song to create a sense of anticipation. For example, in the chorus of "Fix You" by Coldplay, the lyrics "Lights will guide you home" hint at a comforting resolution to the emotional turmoil expressed in the verses.
2. Use Metaphors and Imagery
Lyrical payoffs can be enhanced by employing metaphorical language and evocative imagery. Create vivid pictures in your listeners' minds that reinforce the emotional impact of the climax. An example would be "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen, where the line "Nothing really matters to me" is transformed into a powerful anthem of acceptance through the metaphor of "mama" guiding the singer through darkness.
3. Resolve the Tension
Throughout the song, tension builds as the protagonist encounters obstacles or grapples with emotions. The payoff could provide a sense of resolution, whether it's a triumphant victory, a bittersweet acceptance, or a transformative realization.
Think about "Redemption Song" by Bob Marley, where the payoff comes in the chorus, where the lyrics "Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery" offer a powerful call to action after exploring the struggles of oppression.
4. Create a Conversational Tone
Lyrical payoffs can be more relatable and engaging when they feel like a natural conversation. Avoid overly poetic or abstract language and speak directly to your listeners in a way that they can connect with. In "Strawberry Fields Forever" by The Beatles, the payoff line "Let me take you down, 'cause I'm going to Strawberry Fields" invites listeners on a surreal and introspective journey.
5. Experiment with Structure
The structure of your song can enhance the impact of the payoff. Consider using a bridge or outro to provide a different perspective or a contrasting emotional tone that sets up the climax. Think about "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor, the payoff line "At first I was afraid, I was petrified" is followed by an instrumental bridge that builds tension before the chorus returns with renewed power.
A payoff is an essential element for writing a great song. It is the moment when the listener finally gets what they've been waiting for. By trying the ten tips above, you can create payoffs that will leave your listeners satisfied and inspired with their own “Hallelujah” moment.
Questions
Here are some questions:
What is the main point you want to make in your song? How can you build up to that? Where in the song will you place you payoff?
What do you want the listener to feel when they hear your song?
Is there a way you might want to use both a musical and a lyrical payoff all at the same time?
Hope this helps!
Simon