I am a lyricist and a singer but I am having problems with working out melodies. If I have a melody written down, I can arrange. Problem is, I am inexperienced at writing down melodies and get easily distracted in the process. To be absolutely honest, I can't do it.

So, fundamental question when songwriting: how do I know when to change chords? Simple folk/country music style (think 50s Memphis). No jazz or anything complicated. The lyrics are the most important as far as I am concerned and the vocals should ride above the music and not be buried in it. I love the sound of the simple strummed guitar but there is a rock&roll/country rhythm behind my lyrics.

For example: taking a Country 'boom-chikka-boom' type rhythm and using just the basic 3 chord trick (I-IV-V7), never mind any substitutional chords, how would you find the melody and arrangement (just the basic 3 chord trick) for the following set of lyrics:

"Dark clouds are flying overhead.
I think I'd do better in my bed.
Still there are others on my mind,
Besides the wind, besides the wind

Blues skies turning into grey.
They drive those summer days away.
But still you're mine,
But still you're mine

Soon I will be far too old.
My body will start turning cold.
And the grey that I see up in the skies
Will be the colour I will die

I will die, oh I will die"

Yes, this is a 'ghost' song. It took me just 2 minutes to write but it is purely an example. If anybody recognises th original - full marks!

This really is a FUNDAMENTAL question for me. Please, when to change chords and why? And... How do you feel when to change????

Follow That Dream

Sam
Karaoke King

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Turning that corner again - I have to keep following that dream, no matter what