Songwriting is a magical journey of turning emotions and experiences into melodies and words. One powerful technique that can elevate your songwriting to new heights is personification.
For us songwriters, personification is a literary device where human qualities or characteristics are attributed to non-human entities, objects, or concepts, giving human-like traits, emotions, or actions to something that is not human, often to create a vivid and relatable image or to convey abstract ideas in a more tangible way. Personification is a powerful tool in songwriting because it can make the lyrics more engaging and emotionally resonant.
For example, if a song lyric says, "The wind whispered secrets through the trees," it's using personification because it's giving the wind the human-like ability to whisper and convey secrets.
So, personification in our lyrics breathes life into non-human elements by attributing human qualities and emotions to them.
Breathing emotion and depth into your songs
When using personification, here are five things you can do to make it work in your lyrics:
1. Choosing Your Non-Human Protagonist
The first step in crafting a song with personification is selecting a non-human subject to serve as the central character of your song. Think of something that resonates with you emotionally, as this choice will shape the entire narrative of your song.
Take inspiration from The Police's "Every Breath You Take." In this song, Sting personifies obsession and possessiveness through the lens of a stalker's love. The repetitive refrain "I'll be watching you" personifies the idea of constant surveillance, turning it into a hauntingly memorable character. YouTube
2. Creating a Vivid Emotional Landscape
Now that you have your protagonist, it's time to weave an emotional narrative around them. Personification allows you to explore the subject's feelings, thoughts, and experiences in a way that resonates deeply with your audience.
Consider the classic hit "Rocket Man" by Elton John. The rocket in the song represents the isolation and detachment often felt by astronauts. Through personification, the rocket becomes a symbol of human longing and vulnerability amidst the vastness of space. YouTube
3. Adding Layers with Metaphor and Symbolism
Incorporate metaphor and symbolism alongside personification to add depth and complexity to your song.
"Hotel California" by The Eagles is a prime example. The hotel itself symbolizes the seductive allure of excess and hedonism. Through personification and metaphor, it becomes a character in the story, drawing listeners into its mysterious world. YouTube
4. The Power of Nature and Elements
Nature and elements offer a rich canvas for personification. Bob Dylan's "Blowin' in the Wind" beautifully personifies the wind as a symbol of change and uncertainty. The song's metaphorical depth, combined with the wind's human attributes, creates a powerful message about the quest for answers in a turbulent world. YouTube
5. Embracing the Unconventional
Don't be afraid to think outside the box when choosing your non-human subject. For example, in "Yellow Submarine" by The Beatles, the yellow submarine itself becomes a character in a whimsical underwater adventure. This unconventional approach adds a playful and imaginative dimension to the song. YouTube
Incorporating personification into your songwriting is like breathing life into your lyrics. By carefully choosing your protagonist, crafting an emotional landscape, and adding layers of metaphor and symbolism, you can create songs that resonate deeply with your audience.
Questions
Here are a few questions for you –
What non-human subject connects with the emotions and story you want to convey in your song?
How can you use personification to give life and relatability to your chosen subject?
What metaphors and symbols can you incorporate to enrich the depth and meaning of your lyrics?
With these insights and examples in mind, you're ready to embark on your songwriting journey, infusing your music with the enchanting world of personification.
Hope this helps!
Simon.