Expert Tips for Converting Song Lyrics to Music
Creating a compelling song requires a delicate balance between words and melody. As songwriters, we work with two languages: words and music. This article will guide you through the process of transforming your song lyrics into a captivating melody, drawing from expert insights in the field of songwriting.
Understanding the Role of Lyrics in Melody
When you write a song, you should start with the words. However, these words must evoke a melody. This means that even while developing your lyrics, you must be aware of how the melody will fit. Consider the following tips from seasoned songwriters:
Placing Open Vowel Sounds
A significant aspect of crafting a melody with your lyrics is placing words with open vowel sounds in places you believe the singer will hold a note. For instance, a word like “cant” or “oh” can be strategically placed for vocal emphasis. This technique was famously employed in songs by legendary songwriters like Bernie Taupin, where he masterfully crafted “Rocket Man” with carefully placed open vowel sounds.
Imitating Bernie Taupin's Technique
Imagine crafting a section of your song similarly to Bernie Taupin's stylistic approach. Think about the structure of each line and how it contributes to the overall melody. For example, vary the length and rhythm of the lines within each section to force the melody to change. The verse might flow differently from the bridge, and the chorus should contrast the cadence and rhythm of the verse.
Rhyme as Punctuation
Rhymes are a songwriter's punctuation. They dictate the thought groupings within the lyrics and help shape the overall structure of the song. Listen to your melody first and allow it to guide where you place the rhymes. Sometimes, you might start with non-sense words to test the melody, noticing the natural places for rhymes. For example, in an "abcb" rhyme scheme, the overall thought is not complete until the end of the fourth line, which is the end of the rhyme pattern.
Emphasizing Ideas and Words
When writing a melody to match cold lyrics, it's crucial to consider the placement of ideas and words. Ensure that the melody or groove emphasizes the important parts of your lyrics. For instance, if you want to emphasize a particular word in the chorus, make sure the melody creates the right emphasis. Look at the direction of the melody to create contrast. If the verse melody goes downward, for example, the chorus melody should go upward. When the melody by itself communicates the emotions of the lyrics, we call it "prosody."
Simultaneous Words and Melody
While most of the time you might structure the melody around the lyrics, there are instances where you might write the words and melody simultaneously. This approach often occurs when you are inspired by a powerful hook. Writing both elements at the same time can lead to a more cohesive and emotionally resonant song.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of converting song lyrics into music is a skill that requires both creativity and technical knowledge. By understanding the role of open vowel sounds, mastering rhyme schemes, emphasizing ideas, and considering the emotional prosody of your lyrics, you can elevate your songwriting to a new level. Whether you're a seasoned songwriter or a beginner, these tips will enrich your understanding of how songs are crafted.