How To Write Love Songs (Pro Songwriting Techniques)

Summary

In this engaging discussion, Clay Mills from Songtown Studios delves into the nuances of writing love songs, particularly focusing on addressing insecurities and emotions like reassurance, unrequited love, and body image. By analyzing popular hits, such as his own song 'Fall' and John Mayer's 'Your Body Is a Wonderland,' Mills highlights how understanding these underlying themes can make a song resonate more deeply with listeners. The conversation emphasizes the importance of exploring specific angles when crafting love songs to create meaningful and relatable music.

Takeaways

• 🎶 Love songs can be hits across different genres, as demonstrated by the song 'Fall' which had versions in country and dance music.
• 💌 The theme of reassurance is common in love songs, where the singer often assures the listener of their enduring love or support.
• 🤔 Addressing insecurities is a powerful way to connect with listeners in love songs, as seen in 'Your Body Is a Wonderland' which tackles body image issues.
• 🎉 The song 'Fall' specifically reassures the listener that they can rely on the singer for support, no matter their troubles.
• 👫 Long-term relationships often inspire love songs that reassure partners of continued affection despite the passage of time.
• 🚫 It's important to understand and address, rather than exploit, insecurities in songwriting to create meaningful connections with listeners.
• 💬 Songs can express what people wish they could say in real life but struggle to articulate, especially men expressing vulnerability or seeking guidance in love.
• 🕊️ 'I Honestly Love You' by Olivia Newton John is an example of a love song that explores the tension of unrequited love and the desire to express love despite the circumstances.
• 🔍 Studying the lyrics of love songs can reveal common themes like unrequited love, reassurance, and addressing insecurities, which can inform songwriting.
• 📝 Songwriters are encouraged to identify a singular theme or insecurity they want to address in their love songs to create a focused and impactful message.
• 🎁 The conversation emphasizes the value of understanding and communicating with the audience through song, especially in expressing love and addressing emotional needs.

Q & A

What is the importance of addressing insecurities in love songs according to the discussion in the script?

Addressing insecurities in love songs is crucial as it allows the songwriter to connect with the listeners on a deeper emotional level, providing reassurance and addressing common concerns or fears in relationships.

Can you provide an example of a love song that has been successful across different genres as mentioned in the script?

The song 'Fall' is an example of a love song that has been successful across different genres. It was originally a country hit for Kay Walker and later became a number one dance hit for Kimberly Locke.

What is the main theme of the song 'Fall' as discussed in the script?

The main theme of the song 'Fall' is reassurance and support. The lyrics convey the message that the singer understands the struggles of his partner and offers a safe place for her to fall apart, promising to catch her every time.

What does the script suggest about the song 'Your Body Is a Wonderland' by John Mayer?

The script suggests that 'Your Body Is a Wonderland' addresses the common insecurity of body image, particularly among women. The song reassures the listener of their beauty and desirability, which is a significant aspect of the song's appeal.

What is the role of contrast and friction in creating compelling love songs as per the discussion in the script?

Contrast and friction play a vital role in creating compelling love songs by adding tension and emotional depth. It often involves the expression of unrequited love or the struggle between desire and reality, making the song more relatable and emotionally impactful.

How does the script relate the song 'I Honestly Love You' by Olivia Newton John to the concept of unrequited love?

The script relates 'I Honestly Love You' to unrequited love by highlighting the lyrics that express the singer's love for someone who may not be able to reciprocate due to existing relationships, thus creating a sense of longing and vulnerability.

What advice does the script give for songwriters looking to write love songs that resonate with their audience?

The script advises songwriters to study love songs that have been successful, identify the insecurities or themes they address, and then brainstorm ideas that reassure or address similar concerns in their own unique way.

What is the significance of the song 'Can't Make You Love Me' in the context of the script's discussion on love songs?

The song 'Can't Make You Love Me' is significant as it exemplifies the theme of unrequited love, where the singer acknowledges the impossibility of making someone love them, adding a layer of emotional complexity to the love song genre.

How does the script suggest songwriters can avoid exploiting people's insecurities while writing love songs?

The script suggests that songwriters should understand people's insecurities in order to address them in a respectful and empathetic manner, rather than exploiting them for the sake of creating a hit song.

What is the role of vulnerability in love songs as discussed in the script?

Vulnerability plays a key role in love songs as it allows the singer to express their true feelings and emotions, making the song more authentic and relatable. It helps in creating a connection with the audience by showing the raw and honest side of love.

What is the purpose of the weekly Songtown Plus One Zoom call mentioned in the script?

The purpose of the weekly Songtown Plus One Zoom call is to provide a platform for songwriters to discuss and learn more about songwriting techniques, share insights, and engage with other songwriters in a collaborative environment.

Outlines

00:00

🎵 The Art of Love Songs: Reassurance and Insecurities

In this segment, Clay Mills from Songtown Studios discusses the art of writing love songs, focusing on the theme of reassurance and addressing insecurities. He shares his experience with hits like 'Fall', which has been successful in different genres, illustrating the power of a well-crafted song. Mills emphasizes the importance of sticking to one story and theme throughout a song, using 'Fall' as an example where the singer reassures his partner that he will catch her if she falls apart. The conversation delves into the common thread of reassurance in love songs, which often aim to alleviate the listener's fears and insecurities about love and relationships. The discussion also touches on the idea of writing from a place of vulnerability and the impact of such an approach on the listener.

05:00

💖 Exploring Love Songs: Men's Wishes and Unrequited Love

The second paragraph explores the different angles and emotions addressed in love songs, particularly those that resonate with men who wish they could express themselves more openly. It highlights the idea that love songs often convey messages that people want to hear but struggle to articulate in real life. The discussion includes an analysis of 'I Honestly Love You' by Olivia Newton John, which captures the essence of unrequited love and the tension of wanting something that cannot be. The paragraph also touches on the importance of studying love songs to understand the insecurities and emotions they address, such as body image and the fear of aging. Mills suggests using this understanding to create love songs that are meaningful and relatable, offering reassurance and addressing specific concerns within relationships.

Keywords

💡Love Songs

Love songs are musical compositions that express feelings of love, affection, and emotional attachment. In the video, love songs are the central theme, with the discussion focusing on how they address various emotional needs and insecurities. The song 'Fall' is highlighted as an example of a love song that has found success in different genres, demonstrating the universal appeal of love songs.

💡Reassurance

Reassurance in the context of the video refers to the emotional comfort and confidence provided by love songs to listeners, particularly in long-term relationships. The songs are said to address insecurities such as whether a partner's feelings remain the same over time. An example from the script is the discussion on how certain love songs reassure listeners of their partner's enduring love.

💡Insecurities

Insecurities are feelings of uncertainty or self-doubt that individuals may experience in their relationships. The video script discusses how love songs often target these insecurities, such as body image issues or the fear of a partner's waning affection. The song 'Your Body Is a Wonderland' is mentioned as an example that addresses the common insecurity of body image.

💡Songwriting

Songwriting is the process of creating the lyrics and musical composition for a song. The video emphasizes the importance of songwriting in crafting love songs that resonate with listeners by addressing their emotional needs. The discussion includes analyzing the lyrics of various love songs to understand the underlying messages and how they connect with the audience.

💡Genres

Genres refer to categories of music that share certain characteristics, such as instrumentation, style, or content. The video script mentions how a well-written song can transcend genre boundaries, as illustrated by the song 'Fall' which became a hit in both country and dance music genres.

💡Vulnerability

Vulnerability in the video script is associated with the openness and honesty expressed in love songs, particularly when they convey unrequited love or deep emotional attachment. The song 'I Honestly Love You' is used as an example to illustrate the vulnerability of confessing love despite the potential for rejection or impossibility of being together.

💡Unrequited Love

Unrequited love is a type of love that is not reciprocated or returned by the person it is directed towards. The video discusses how songs about unrequited love, such as 'I Can't Make You Love Me,' create emotional tension and resonate with listeners who have experienced similar feelings of longing and unfulfilled desire.

💡Song Analysis

Song analysis involves breaking down the components of a song, such as lyrics, melody, and theme, to understand its impact and message. The video script describes a detailed analysis of love songs to identify common themes and emotional appeals, helping songwriters to create more impactful compositions.

💡Emotional Connection

Emotional connection refers to the bond or resonance that listeners feel with the content of a song. The video emphasizes the importance of creating an emotional connection in love songs, whether through addressing insecurities, expressing vulnerability, or conveying reassurance.

💡Stereotypical Presentation

The video script discusses the avoidance of stereotypical presentations in love songs, such as the 'macho' male figure, and instead encourages a more relatable and humble approach. An example given is a song where the male character seeks help to become a better lover, which is a more genuine and appealing portrayal of masculinity.

💡Songwriting Class

The video script mentions a songwriting class where participants are tasked with studying love songs and identifying the unique angles or insecurities addressed within them. This exercise aims to broaden the songwriters' perspectives and inspire new approaches to crafting love songs.

Highlights

Songtown Studios creates a warm and cozy environment for songwriting by turning off the air conditioner to avoid noise.

Love songs can be produced in different genres if they are well-written, as demonstrated by the song 'Fall' which became hits in both country and dance genres.

The song 'Fall' conveys a message of reassurance, showing that the singer understands the listener's need for support and is there to catch them.

Many love songs address insecurities, such as long-term relationship doubts or body image issues, by offering reassurance.

The song 'Your Body Is a Wonderland' by John Mayer directly addresses women's number one insecurity, body image, in a reassuring manner.

Understanding and addressing insecurities in songs can make them resonate more with listeners.

Ed Sheeran's 'Shape of You' is another example of a song that addresses insecurities about physical attraction and love.

Songs can also express a desire for improvement in a relationship, as in 'Must Be Doing Something Right', where the singer seeks to be a better partner.

The song 'I Honestly Love You' by Olivia Newton John explores the theme of unrequited love and the tension of wanting something that cannot be.

Songs that convey vulnerability, like admitting love even when it's not reciprocated, can deeply impact listeners.

The contrast between desire and reality in love songs, such as 'I Can't Make You Love Me', adds tension and makes the songs more compelling.

Studying love songs can reveal common themes like reassurance, unrequited love, and addressing insecurities.

When writing love songs, focusing on a singular theme or insecurity can make the song more impactful.

The task of studying love songs and identifying angles or insecurities they address can improve songwriting.

Sweetwater is highlighted as a sponsor providing great customer service and musical gear for various situations.

The importance of understanding and addressing the emotional needs of the listener in songwriting is emphasized.

Transcripts

song town I'm here with Clay Mills

songtown Studios it's nice and toasty

warm in

here we have to turn off the air

conditioner so you don't hear it we we

we do that for you that's for you um so

I've got a topic and um recently I was

in a discussion with some songwriters

and we were breaking down some love

songs mhm and we kind of took a

different approach to it so I thought

I'd talk a little bit about that so I

know you've had some hits that were love

songs what uh give me one example of one

of your hits It's of love songs love

songs have been very very good to me yes

they have I had a song called fall

one-word title um was a country hit Kay

Walker and then later Kimberly lock had

a dance hit a number one dance hit with

it talk about schizophrenic that's I

love that because it shows me that I've

had that happen a few times in my career

where if you write a good song it can be

produced in a lot of different genres if

it's a good song yeah and that's a great

song yeah um so in that song what does

the singer want he wants to let well

I'll just show you he wants to let um it

starts

out oh look there you go

again putting on that smile again even

though I know you've had a hard day so

he's letting her know that

in the verse that he understands that

she gives to everyone else around her

and doesn't receive enough and so the

chorus is like

fall go on and fall

apart fall into These Arms of Mine I'll

catch you every time so the chorus is

all about you can lay all your troubles

and worries and years all on me know and

I'll catch you that's great you're right

it sticks to one story and one theme all

the way through he wants her to know

that she can count on him yeah and it

was really interesting as we were

studying these love songs that so many

of them fell into that category which I

would call kind of reassurance yeah

songs so there's you if you think about

it there's love songs um that are

telling a person you've been with a long

time I still love you like I did when we

first

met well that that's an insecurity that

people have so you're in a long-term

relationship reassuring yeah so you're

in a long-term relationship and you

wonder at times does my partner feel the

same way they did about me in the

beginning or have they kind of are they

kind of falling out of love with me you

know so those songs address that

insecurity and and they're reassuring

yeah let's write that and reassurance

yeah do you still

the way you deal

with just we'll be right back we're

going to write no but that so when we

started looking at okay what is the

singer addressing in the song it was

really interesting because we looked at

like um the song John Mayor song Your

Body Is a Wonderland oh yeah well if you

Google what you know women's biggest

insecurity number one is body image oh

wow so he's addressing an

insecurity and um he even says in the

song This was interesting i' never

noticed this before but he says you know

you're mine you're mine all

mine and so he's he's in a long-term

relationship with this person and he's

what he's saying is I'm still crazy

about how beautiful you are you think he

Googled women's insecurities I don't

know before he wrote it I don't know but

you know so the conversation we had this

morning is like you don't want to

exploit people's insecurities right but

you want to understand them so you can

address them in your songs so you know

there's a lot of people that are

insecure about um you know am I getting

older and they're you know they don't

look at me the way I look they looked at

me before so that's what he's doing in

that song that's what Ed Sheeran did in

the shape of you yeah you know so

there's songs that are addressing that

particular insecurity there's songs that

are addressing the insecurity of you

know do you still love me like you do

did um my song must be doing something

right um we wanted to kind of fight the

stereotypical guy of like he's God's

gift to women and he knows everything

with a presentation of of a man who's

going hey I want to be a great lover for

you but I need your help you know I need

you to show me how to be a better lover

well what woman wouldn't want to hear

that see you're hitting on something a

lot of times

I feel like I've had good success with

songs that say the guy in the song is

saying what men in real life wish they

could say but but they're too Macho or

they're too like um they can't find the

words but they're the words that their

spouse wants to hear that the woman

wants to hear you know Skip eing said to

me one time he's like he was going in

this long thing about what he tries to

accomplish when he writes songs

it was really complicated and Skip's a

brilliant writer but I looked at him I

go skip I just write songs women want to

hear I'm trying to to convey a message

and to to talk to them but yeah yeah

another song we broke down in this um

Zoom I was was in was um I love you I

Honestly Love You the Olivia Newton John

song and I had never paid attention to

exactly the the lyrics but what's

happening in that song is she's saying

hey if if we could have been met in

another place in

time I think this moment could have

ended in a kiss but you've got somebody

and I've got somebody and maybe I

shouldn't even say this but I need to

tell you that I love you I Honestly Love

You Yeah and when you hear that you're

just like oh my gosh you know and so and

it's that that friction and that

contrast of I want to but I can't you

know yes and I think that contrast those

that friction of an idea is deeply

embedded in the best songs yeah and so I

can't make you love me and the list

could go on and on of those kind of

songs that're about unrequited love so

it it's wanting something you can't have

um if that song had just been um without

that friction it's just like two people

and she's going you I love you I

Honestly Love You right it would have

been okay nice but but there's not that

the tension where we feel it and we go

oh she can't have him but she's being so

vulnerable MH and you know so those are

the kind of things if you study love

songs you'll find that that there's

often insecurities or there's that

unrequited love or there's that

reassurance going on and then you can

start thinking about well what kind of

reassuring love song would I want to

write to my partner mhm and brainstorm

ideas like what okay what would I say to

my wife that's reassuring that addresses

maybe insecurities she has about our

relationship or getting older or

whatever it might be you know and so

those can be in instead of just going

you know I'm going to write a love song

um right I think it changes the way you

think about it if you go okay what am I

what do I want to address in this love

song and you find that one singular

thing you want to hit home with of like

I still think you're beautiful or you

know I'm still in love with you or i'

have to tell you that I love you even

though we can't be together kind of you

know that kind of thing so I think um I

gave the class the task of you know go

study some love songs and and figure out

what other angles or insecurities are

being addressed you know but it was

really interesting discussion yeah so

guys we appreciate you tuning in like

subscribe comment below

if you're into this kind of stuff that

Marty's talking about he does a weekly

songtown plus one Zoom call um you can

email us about that and we can get you

on that call thanks to our sponsor

Sweetwater those guys are great um great

customer service and they will get you

hooked up with any kind of musical gear

for any situation any last words see you

soon I love you Martin thank you do you

honestly love me I do okay but we can't

kiss no we we sh okay cheers y'all

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