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In this chapter, I have outlined the 4 steps required to write any song. They are:
Steps 2 & 3 do not necessarily have to be in that order. Since this is a creative art, you could have step 3 before step 2. However, these 4 steps are indispensable to successfully writing any song.
So let's break it down.
1. Choose or Decide On A Theme Or Concept You Want To Sing About
Every song has an over arching theme or concept but deciding on what that theme will be is sometimes a bit difficult. This is because there are so many themes to write on. For example love, mercy, forgiveness, vengeance, deliverance, protection, healing, betrayal, restoration, faith, joy, victory, success, anger, hurt and pain, unforgiveness, bitterness, heart ache, death of a loved one, sickness, miracles, romance, family breakdown, politics, prophecy, global events, pandemics or plagues, faithfulness, repentance, generosity or giving, etc.
As you can see, it can be a bit daunting with so many options. However once this part is decided, you can then move on to the next steps of finding a melody and lyrics.
On the other hand, the theme could also be informed by inspiration. By this I mean you may already be inspired with a melody and lyrics. You may have actually finished the writing process before you realise that the theme is one thing or another.
2. Getting A Tune or Melody
Achieving this can be through different means. It can be done mechanically by just humming tunes and playing with them i.e trial and error or by pure inspiration from the Holy Spirit. Remember God is a Spirit and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). Remember also that ALL music originated from God. He is the Source of ALL things. There are a number of platforms online where you can obtain fully completed songs without lyrics. Some producers put fully mastered work online for free and all you need to do is just generate your own lyrics that will match the melodies and music. You could also get/develop a melody by listening to certain chords or progressions being played on an instrument e.g the keyboard or guitar or maybe even a saxophone.
3. Pen lyrics for verse or chorus
Putting lyrics together for the verse or chorus is usually the toughest part (in my opinion). Some people are prolific wordsmiths and some others, not so much.
The objective here is to use words to express the chosen theme within the confines of the melody. There should be words that rhyme and as such provide a poetic flow and rhythm. I should say here that something you need to take into consideration is the fact that as the years go by, the style of lyrical expression changes. I mean the way lyrics were used to express different concepts and feelings in the past has changed. For instance, the way romance was expressed in song in the 1970s is very different from how it was expressed in the 2000s. I'm just saying that you need to use the right words in your day that will maximally communicate the ideas and feelings you want to convey in your song.
4. Choose A Song Title
Take a breath! At this point you can pat yourself on the back! You have succeeded in choosing a theme to write/sing about, you've succeeded in getting a melody/tune for the song, you have succeeded in actually writing lyrics for the chorus and/or the remaining body of the song. So celebrate these milestones!!
Okay enough with the celebration!
Let's complete it with a nice bow on top by choosing a song title. Choosing a title sometimes is very straightforward but at other times it can be a bit tricky. The main thing to note here is that the title of your song traditionally would be found embedded in your chorus or verse (mostly in your chorus). It's usually a word or phrase that captures the essence of the theme and has been repeated over and over again in the song.
Sometimes because of the theme you've chosen to write about, you may have already chosen a song title. However, once the song is completed, you may find that your initial title doesn't quite carry the same punch any more. I mean it may not truly represent/ capture the essence of the song. I remember one of my songs that I was writing and the theme was on God's sovereignty so I had titled it "Sovereign". By the time I had finished writing and listened to it over and over again, I had to change the title to "Awesome God". There was another one that I had completed and titled "He Rules" but that had to be changed to "God In The Heavens".
Be that as it may, whatever the title you have chosen, you can now sit back, pour yourself a drink and savour the moment because you deserve it. You have now completed your first song. Well done!!
