Although I don't write love songs or ballads I'd like to throw this out which is my approach (probably along with many others).
After choosing a subject matter I need to go there in_my_mind.
IE: if I wanted to write a song about the Grand Canyon.
I'd close my eyes and go there....maybe check a few YT videos, or look at Grand Canyon book or photos to help with the concept as I write down what I envision to create the imagery into lyrical form. From chulailet1966

My process is much like chulailet1966. I put myself in the experience of what I'm writing, I become the person, I go to the place in my mind. Sometimes I do read articles and research what I'm writing. I did a song called "The Ghost of Jenny Gray" which is a local folklore, but couldn't find alot about it so I read about another famous ghost near our area and then visualized the area Jenny was from and did the song.

I also like to think of my verses as writing for short scenes in a play, movie or a video, you would have the setting, the characters, the conversations, etc. Verse 1 would be a scene with details, the Chorus would be your hook, an emotional or generalized sing a long, Verse 2 would be another related scene with more details. The Bridge could be some new reflection, or a twist on the story, or a conclusion.

I like to write out the story first and then start my lyrics and rhyme schemes. A "great title" is really essential as it helps create your catchy chorus. A "great unusual title" also grabs the listener's attention immediately. The first few lines are equally important to pull the listener into the song. Also, need a good melody and a catchy chorus.

The music is "king" as it has to be good, the lyrics are "queen". In other words if the music is not good, no one is going to care about good lyrics. Sometimes if the music is good, one can get away with substandard lyrics. But the best marriage of course is good music and good lyrics.

Last edited by Belladonna; 12/19/18 06:29 AM.