Determining the Appropriate Meter and Rhythm for Lyrics in Music

Setting music to lyrics requires a deep understanding of the prosody, or the rhythmic structure, of the text. This understanding is crucial in crafting a melody and harmony that not only complements the lyrics but also enhances the overall musical narrative. In this article, we explore how to determine the appropriate meter and rhythm for a given set of lyrics, drawing from examples and expert advice.

The Role of Prosody in Music

Prosody, the rhythmic pattern of words in speech, plays a significant role in the emotional and structural aspects of music. Lyrics are inherently rhythmic, and understanding their prosody helps in setting them to music. Consider these examples:

In the lyrics of “Satisfaction” by The Rolling Stones, written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the adventurous and urgent rhythm can be heard in the repetitive structure of “I can’t get no satisfaction/I can’t get no satisfaction.” Contrast this with Sting’s “Young Teacher”, which hints at a more thoughtful and reflective tone. The words “Young teacher the subject/Of schoolgirl fantasy” suggest a slower, more contemplative rhythm.

Identifying the Meter

Metrical rhythm, or meter, is a crucial aspect of setting lyrics to music. Noted lyrics by Tom Bahler, “She’s out of my life She’s out of my life Damned indecision and cursed pride kept my love for her locked deep inside,” evoke a distinct 3/4 meter. This meter is evident in the song “Beautiful Day” by(factor missing, assumed it was a song by a different artist) where the lyrics “Oh what a beautiful morning/Oh what a beautiful day” are set to a 3/4 waltz rhythm, a choice likely influenced by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II's collaboration, as evident in the timeless “Raindrops on Rose”.

However, it is important to note that the meter and rhythm are not always directly suggested by the lyrics. In some cases, a text may not have a clear meter, and setting it to music requires creativity and an understanding of musical structure. The ability to adapt to any meter or rhythm, as long as it aligns with the natural accents of the text, is a valuable skill for any songwriter.

Chasing Rhythm vs. Following Structure

When setting lyrics to music, it is tempting to focus on the rhythm of the spoken words. However, this can lead to creating songs that are less musical and might feel detached from the musical flow. It is essential to strike a balance between the natural flow of the text and the musicality of the melody and harmony. For instance, if the text has a specific rhythm, such as "BUH buh BUH buh BUH," one might be inclined to set this rhythm to a 2/4 time signature with quarter notes, a 4/4 time signature with half notes, or a 3/4 time signature with alternating half-note/quarter notes. The key is to maintain the strong beat while experimenting with different note values.

It is also possible to follow the meter and rhythm dictated by the lyrics, but this does not limit the creativity. As an example, when the British composer Ralph Vaughan Williams set A.E. Housman’s poetry for the song "On Wenlock Edge," he intentionally obscured the original square meter, demonstrating the flexibility in meter choice.

Using Prosody and Scansion to Guide Your Work

To better understand the rhythmic structure of lyrics, one should study prosody and scansion. Prosody involves the study of the rhythmic structure of language, including the patterns of stress and duration of syllables. Scansion, on the other hand, is the process of breaking down and analyzing these patterns. By studying scansion, one can determine the natural rhythm of the text and use it as a guide for setting it to music.

For instance, when setting the lyrics of “Beautiful Day” to music, one might use scansion to analyze the stressed and unstressed syllables, thereby identifying the 3/4 waltz meter. The study of these techniques can help in creating a seamless integration between the words and the music, making the song more engaging and meaningful.

Conclusion

Setting lyrics to music requires a balance between understanding the natural rhythm of the text and creating a musical structure that complements it. By studying prosody and scansion, one can ensure that the meter and rhythm of the lyrics are effectively translated into a compelling musical piece. Whether one chooses to follow the natural rhythm of the text or experiments with various meter and rhythm combinations, the key is to create a cohesive and harmonious song that resonates with the listener.

References

Royalty-free music and lyrics by Musicnotes and various classical compositions by composers such as Richard Rodgers and Ralph Vaughan Williams.