Hi Simon. I do not write back to front as a specified process. However, often, when working on a verse or stanza - knowing what I want to say but unable to adequately match or complete the rhyme scheme, write the final line without regard to the prior lines.
This forces me to re-write the lines before and often opens up possibilities I had not thought of. It is a technique I've talked about during presentations to other songwriter groups.
Regarding the challenge with the second verse, I have a similar approach. I think of a song like a movie or photo shoot. Verse 1 is an establishing shot. Verse 2 can provide a specific event or memory. The bridge, or a third verse, offers a lesson or an insight to the listener or an introspective or realization by the protagonist.
It is one of my admonishments to aspiring writers - don't simply repeat yourself in verse 2. Move the song somewhere.
Hi Simon. I do not write back to front as a specified process. However, often, when working on a verse or stanza - knowing what I want to say but unable to adequately match or complete the rhyme scheme, write the final line without regard to the prior lines.
This forces me to re-write the lines before and often opens up possibilities I had not thought of. It is a technique I've talked about during presentations to other songwriter groups.
Regarding the challenge with the second verse, I have a similar approach. I think of a song like a movie or photo shoot. Verse 1 is an establishing shot. Verse 2 can provide a specific event or memory. The bridge, or a third verse, offers a lesson or an insight to the listener or an introspective or realization by the protagonist.
It is one of my admonishments to aspiring writers - don't simply repeat yourself in verse 2. Move the song somewhere.
Anyway.. glad I subscribed. Be well.
Brilliant, thanks for this Matthew.