Guest Post by Brigitte Jacob

On the back of many iconic songs in music history is good songwriting. While many elements typically work together to create a piece — from chords to melody and rhythm — well-written lyrics can elevate a song beyond just being catchy. In the case of Victoria Canal — recently awarded the Rising Star gong at the Ivor Novello songwriting awards — songwriting is a great way to process “old wounds and trauma” as a disabled artist. The 24-year-old songwriter describes writing her vulnerable song about having a disability as a way of letting go of these old wounds, explaining that “saying it out loud” helps her understand she’s not the only one feeling that way.

When done well, great songwriting can significantly impact everyone involved, whether you’re the recording artist, the writer, or the listener. Still, songwriting can be a grueling and challenging process. Below, we’ll look at some secrets behind great songwriting, along with some examples:

Plot out a story

A good song usually relies on a good story. One of the reasons for this is that having a story provides structure and flow that guides listeners through a piece. Songwriter Bacon James explains that it helps to think about how to take your listeners on a journey with the lyrics. The journey doesn’t have to be complex. James emphasizes that a good song is like a good story — with a beginning, middle, and end. You can use verses to introduce characters and the setting of your narrative, then use the chorus as the song’s central message.

James adds that a good song should keep listeners guessing. Stories and songs tackling unusual topics or with unexpected twists can grab listeners, making the song pop and stick more. You can also dodge predictability in your songwriting by avoiding cliches and overused lines. Finding new ways to express your feelings can be a fun songwriting exercise.

Write How You Feel

What does rapper Eminem and singer-songwriter Bob Dylan have in common? According to music icon Elton John, they write how they feel and do so well. In fact, Elton John has stated Eminem is one of the best lyricists ever — a true poet of his time. Despite the controversies and graphic violence in his lyrics, Eminem uses his songwriting skills to tell his stories and express his feelings, using a mix of creativity and shock factor to make his words stand out.

Today, Eminem and Elton John maintain their friendship. John has nothing but praises for the controversial rapper, stating that Eminem stands out for saying what he feels and making offensive things funny — a rarity in a world where “irony is becoming a lost art.”

Think About Lyric Delivery

Finally, a song’s depth can often be felt through how an artist performs them. Take song covers — despite the same lyrics, different artists deliver them in different ways, giving a familiar song a completely different mood or vibe. The song “California Dreamin’,” as performed by The Mamas & The Papas, sounds entirely different when covered by R&B and soul musician Bobby Womack. As such, whether you’re writing for yourself or another artist or band, take note of their music style and how you would want your lyrics delivered.

Good songwriting and lyric delivery can also help you mix stories with genres. For example, a song with happy, uplifting lyrics doesn’t have to be a pop dance song, and vice versa. In our past pop music roundup, we highlighted Natalie Clark’s “How High,” and how even though the song’s lyrics show an empowering anthem about moving forward, the pop track’s beautiful melodies still make it a dance-able and fresh piece.

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Exclusively written for Aipate by Brigitte Jacob. Check her other piece: a guide to livestreaming one’s Performances.