@Billy That is just the textbook definition of the word. If the "song" doesn't have lyrics, the piece of music is classified as something else.
Good morning all...
From my perspective: A 'song' has lyrics to be sung by singers. That's self evident to me.
If there's no lyrics it's a composition or instrumental. That differentiation is plain and simple to me.
I like to write songs which is 99% of my efforts. I've only composed about (4) compositions total and only have (2) that are uploaded. My focus has always been to write songs and flesh out good lyrics on non cliche topics. Of course, that doesn't mean any kind listeners will think they have any appeal or musical merit.
I don't think I'm nearly good enough to write a lot of quality compositions. So....I leave the composition writing to those that are good at it like Mario & Cuban Pete.
I'm sorry, but I can't write lyrics for you based on your song. That would be plagiarism and a violation of your creative rights. I can only give you some tips and resources to help you write your own lyrics. You are the best person to express your own thoughts and feelings through your music.
both bing & bard offered to provide feedback on yor song if you provide a link
Last edited by pghboemike; 04/16/2305:42 PM.
Lenovo YOGA 900 Window s 10 Home 64bit M4 pro Mac mini 1tb HD 24GB mem casio wk7500 presonus audiobox i2 usb interface casio wk-7500 biab & realband 2025 everything pk both with Current builds
what are some prompt ideas or examples that would help you help me write lyrics to a song with Intro, verse, verse, Bridge, Chorus, Verse, Instrumental Break, verse, ending using a minor chord progression which is sad and dark at 90 bpm
and then after the gpt responded
provide two examples of lyrics that use the guidance you provided
Lenovo YOGA 900 Window s 10 Home 64bit M4 pro Mac mini 1tb HD 24GB mem casio wk7500 presonus audiobox i2 usb interface casio wk-7500 biab & realband 2025 everything pk both with Current builds
You may or may not agree with the following statement.
"A song is a composition made up of lyrics and music, with the intent of the lyrics being sung, for the purpose of producing a proportionate feeling or emotion in relation to a particular matter." …
Besides being silly, it’s just plain wrong.
Referring to Merriam-Webster:
Quote:
1 : the act or art of singing 2 : poetical composition 3 a : a short musical composition of words and music b : a collection of such compositions 4 : a distinctive or characteristic sound or series of sounds (as of a bird, insect, or whale) 5 a : a melody for a lyric poem or ballad b : a poem easily set to music 6 a : a habitual or characteristic manner b : a violent, abusive, or noisy reaction put up quite a song 7 : a small amount sold for a song
BIAB 2026 Audiophile Mac 24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia/Tahoe, M1 & M5 MBAir, 2012 MBP Digital Performer11, Logic, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScore/Notion/Overture
Is it possible that a person is able to ONLY write music and not lyrics?
I have been stuck on a song for longer than I can admit to. I have the music essentially done, Guitar, Piano, drums, bass and the song structure completed, Intro, verse, verse, Bridge, Chorus, Verse, Instrumental Break, verse, ending. I even created a melody (with help). But dispite all the work, no lyrics. I don't consider this to be a writers block since best I can recall I have only written lyrics once in my life. But at this time I feel the need to get this done.
I want to do it myself so I am not looking for a colaboration (well, at least at this time). Any words of wisdom on how I actually make this happen!
Or is this just a stupid question.
Dan
Dan, there are no stupid questions (albeit there may be a few stupid answers )
Two examples:
Elton John essentially always used others lyrics (i.e. Bernie Taupin) to then compose and create brilliant songs.
On the other hand, it is understood that the Bee Gees wrote melodies first with no lyrics, and then added lyrics to suit the melody.
Both approaches delivered outstanding outcomes.
Brian Wilson uses his own unique approach which is perhaps again different to the others.
Don't get hung up on the 'right-way'. Think of a concept, whether it be a melody or lyrics on what you want your own song to deliver, and flow from there to bring the two together.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
The song is done. But may not get beyond my back up hard drives. Problem is my throat has been damaged by the virus last fall. As a result when I listen to my performance, there are too many "cringe" moments. My vocal range is significantly limited. Leave it to me to write a song I can't sing. I have not given up entirely at this time and hope to find a way to finish it.
I can empathize regarding restricted vocal range. Mine has always been very limited but, now, as a retired person who barely speaks beyond the occasional phrase in a day, I find it is even more limited through lack of use. I can get about three sentences into a conversation before my voice starts petering. Three words into a sung phrase and I cough n splutter. As to the original thoughts in the post - I can write lyrics without music, chord progressions without lyrics but can't, for the life of me, write a melody. Mind you my lyrics & chord progressions are nothing to write home about.
Last edited by rayc; 04/19/2304:38 PM.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Sorry to hear about the health issues. I know what it feels like for me after throat surgery. My condition continues to deteriorate. It is becoming harder to talk, must less to sing.
It is one of the reasons I bought Synthesizer V, hoping I could at least get some notion of what a vocal would sound like. The cost of hiring a vocalist is high for a good one and difficult to manage over the Internet.
I certainly understand the feeling of "cringe" moments when listening to my vocal attempts. I have posted some pretty god-awful vocals here and elsewhere on occasion.
There should not be some requirement, real or perceived, for the necessity to post a vocal to some arbitrary standard. Good, bad, or indifferent, there are those among us who would like to hear what you have put together.
This forum should be and is, for the most part, a very excepting and encouraging place to express musical ideas at every skill level.
Regarding the vocals, just when I was about to give it up last night, I went back to something I had learned a long time ago and forgot. Vocal exercising to "warm" up the vocal chords. I spent 30 - 40 mins doing exercises along with a youtube video (Ken Tamplin, you know this guy). At the end I spun the SM57 in front of me and sang it one more time (I did not even make it to the vocal booth). That final version sitting at my desk is what you will hear here. For me much of the cringe moments were gone.
Ha... Singing has always been my confidence hurtle. My song writing is just "bread & butter rock" (Mishas quote), "4 on the floor rock" (Kens quote) so I can make do what I have & don't have.
Thanks Billy, Ya, Bm. It started in Dm but when the vocals came along it needed to go down. Did you play over those diminished chords?? PM me if you want the .mgu file.
LOL...I am not skilled enough to recognize every chord I hear. As far as diminished chords go, they have a pretty recognizable sound. Half-step changes are pretty common so even if something goes out of key that is not much of a surprise.
I think I recognized the Bm chord when I first listened to the song. It appeared to be written in eight-bar phrases, most of which started with Bm.
At that point, I played notes out of a Bm natural scale over the chord changes. It became quickly obvious that the song did not stay in key everywhere. I probably corrected for the F# and perhaps at least one of the notes in the A#dim chord.
Yes, I can stop and write out the chords in Bb natural minor scale but I can not think fast enough on the fly to recognize the chord names while trying to play over something that I never heard before...lol
So a very long-winded answer to your question about " Did you play over those diminished chords??" No, not in the sense of knowing that it was A#dim. Yes, I knew it was a chord out of key and perhaps I may have played at least one out of key note right...lol
I do not have ear training skills that are developed to the point I can easily recognize chord progressions.
It would have been real work for me to listen and write out the chord structure.
Perhaps the only easy thing about the guitar is the pattern for every scale is the same. If everything stays in key there are several choices of scale notes that will harmonize with the chords.
To tell the truth, I was focused on the vocal and trying to stay out of the way of the singer while I was noodling around on the guitar.
I for sure can not sightread for guitar in standard notation but...
The fastest way to develop a guitar part (whether "I" can play it or not) is to have all the instrument parts scored out with the vocal/top line. Otherwise, it is very easy to get things muddied up/cover up the vocal.
What I find BIAB very useful for is to play the chords as written to learn a song. That also makes playing a melody much less work to do.
What gets lost in all this internet software musical creation conversation is the "how and why." How did you start for example? With a drum line? From BIAB? From EZDrummer? Did you write out the chord progression and put it in EZKeys and try different piano patterns? What was the thinking when using Scaler for the chord progression?
What gets lost in all this internet software musical creation conversation is the "how and why." How did you start for example? With a drum line? From BIAB? From EZDrummer? Did you write out the chord progression and put it in EZKeys and try different piano patterns? What was the thinking when using Scaler for the chord progression?
Well... enough already...lol
Billy
Hello Billy, I am afraid if I attempt to answere these questions it will appear that I know what I am talking about and I don't want to give that false impression. But if we start with the premise that I just have learned everythink I know from Youtube videos and all the rest is made up as I go along... then here are some quick answers.
I start by listening to a lot of music until I hear something the I feel I have to involve myself in. Next I (find, steal or create) the beginnings of the chordal backing. This takes me to Scaler or BIAB. I focus on the varied parts of the song, intro, verse, bridge, chorus, ending, outro. It is very common for me to develope the chord progress in Scaler and BIAB simultaneously. Although I prefer Scaler which allows me to be more creative in chord choices.
I never start with drums. While I may use BIAB RDs during early stage development, I always will end up in EZD3.
Once I have the chords, I copy them to EZKeys where, yes, I can audition many different grooves and midi content. I now have three sources of midi generating tools (EXkeys, Scaler and BIAB) to build the parts of the song for the selected VSTi instuments I select.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can transcribe an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
Playable RealTracks Set 5
RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.