What is Diction?
Putting conversational above a rhyme scheme.
One of the most common criticisms publishers say about songs is that the lyrics are not conversational enough.
“Not conversational enough”
And they are right. In reality, how often do you chat with a friend, colleague, or family member but only speak in perfect rhymes? That would be a fun challenge, I must admit, if not irritating for everyone around me. But sure, the rhyme schemes are essential for songs, but they are not more critical enough as the ideas and the conversations used in most genres. That’s why diction is so crucial.
Diction is vital in many forms of writing, whether a novel, a short story or an essay. And for songwriters, diction is incredibly important for the 3:30 minutes we communicate to the listeners. It is how a writer uses words to create a particular effect or feeling. The tone of a piece is dictated by the diction used. For example,
If a writer wants to create a feeling of intimacy, they might use soft and gentle words.
They might use harsh words with sharp edges if they want to create a feeling of suspense or danger.
Diction can also create a sense of rhythm and flow in a piece of writing. This is often done by using words with similar sounds or cadences. Ultimately, for us songwriters, this is one of the most powerful tools we have at our disposal to create the desired effect in our songs. Especially when we make it conversational.
How to use diction
The right word choice can make all the difference in whether or not your song is commercially viable. Of course, there's no magic formula for success, but there are some general tips that pro songwriters use to get the most out of their diction.
You want to be aware of the connotations of your words. For example, if you're writing a love song, you might want to avoid words with negative connotations like "hate" or "dark." Unless it’s used on purpose.
It's a good idea to think about how your words will sound when sung. Sure, that means taking into account things like syllable counts and rhyme schemes, but the ideas you need to use in a particular place in the song, there are always creative ways to make it work somehow, even by playing with the rhythm of a line or two or using vague rhymes. This is what mosaic rhyme is all about (Link)
Don't be afraid to experiment a bit with your diction. Sometimes the best way to find the right word is simply to try out a few different options and see what feels best.
It is crucial to consider the different connotations of different words. In other words, think about the different meanings that a word can have. For example, the word 'home' can conjure up images of warmth and safety or evoke feelings of anxiety and isolation. It all depends on the context.
Also, different genres will often call for different kinds of diction.
By considering both the meaning of your words and the context in which you are using them, you can get a feel for how to use diction effectively in your writing.
So go ahead and play with your lyrics until you find the perfect combination of words for your song.
Examples
The use of diction can be a crucial element in creating the feeling and tone of a song. For example,
Pop – maybe look at the diction in the beautiful, well-crafted “Easy On Me” by Adele (Link), nominated for a GRAMMY in 2023. Nice.
Country – songs often use rustic words and phrases that evoke images of the outdoors and simple living. Such as “Flower Shops” by ERNEST and Morgan Wallen (Link)
Worship – lyrics usually focus on praising God, expressing spiritual devotion, or creating a personal journey. As a result, the choice of words is significant in worship songs, like “House Of The Lord” by Phil Wickham (Link).
Hip-hop – lyrics often include slang terms and references to urban life. You will find that out there.
Rock – the choice of words can also convey a sense of urgency, excitement, or darkness, as in the case of rock songs, like “The Loneliest " by Måneskin (Link).
By carefully selecting the words we use, we can create well-crafted songs that evoke powerful specific moods and feelings. So, as a result, diction can play an essential role in shaping a song's overall sound and style. Especially when written conversationally. Conversational enough.
Questions
Here’re some questions:
What feeling do you want to create with your song?
What specific words will help you make that feeling?
Are there any words that have multiple meanings that you can play with?
Enjoy!
Simon.
www.simonhawkins.com