H.E.R.'s Simple Method For Writing GREAT Lyrics | Studio Deep Dive

Summary

In this video, multi-Grammy award-winning songwriter HER takes viewers inside the creative process of writing a song. From initial melodies and mumbles to refining lyrics, she demonstrates how trust in the process can shape meaningful lyrics. The key is finding a central theme early, such as 'ultimatum,' and crafting every lyric to reflect and enhance that concept. HER emphasizes authenticity over complexity, offering practical tips for songwriting, including experimenting with simple chord progressions and making each line connect back to the central theme.

Takeaways

• 😀 Start with simple chord progressions: Limit yourself to two or three chords and play them on a loop to build a foundation for the song.
• 😀 Experiment with melodies: Sing or try different melodic ideas over the chord progression until you find something that resonates.
• 😀 Use 'mumbling' to find lyrics: Initially, use mumbles or gibberish over the melody, as they can lead to discovering words and concepts that work.
• 😀 Identify a theme or title early on: As the melody develops, listen for a phrase or word that becomes the central theme of the song.
• 😀 Focus on authenticity: Songwriting is not about impressing but about creating something that feels true and emotionally resonant.
• 😀 Trust the process: Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Allow the music to guide you to the right ideas and lyrics.
• 😀 Ensure every lyric connects to the central theme: As you write lyrics, ensure that each line ties back to the core theme or title to maintain coherence.
• 😀 Be open to spontaneity: Let go of perfectionism and allow new ideas to emerge even if they seem random or unplanned.
• 😀 Develop the story through questions: When writing lyrics, ask yourself questions about the story, like why a character feels a certain way, to help generate new lines.
• 😀 Balance repetition and new ideas: Avoid repeating the same idea over and over. Introduce new concepts or expand on existing ones to keep the song dynamic.

Q & A

What is the difference between something meaningful and something deep in songwriting?

In songwriting, something meaningful refers to being clear and certain with your words, while something deep often involves complex, poetic or emotional expression. You don’t need a complicated or dramatic scenario to write meaningful lyrics; being authentic and clear is key.

How do great song ideas emerge during the songwriting process?

Great song ideas often come from the music itself. When working with a melody, you might subconsciously start forming words or phrases, which can inspire the central theme or title of the song. The process involves letting the music lead you.

What role do mumbles play in the songwriting process?

Mumbles serve as an exploratory tool in the songwriting process. They allow the songwriter to experiment with sounds and melodies without worrying about making sense. Often, a word or phrase will emerge from these mumbles that can become the foundation for the song’s lyrics.

Why is it important to trust the songwriting process?

Trusting the process allows space for creativity to flourish. Instead of forcing ideas, letting the music guide you helps uncover authentic emotions or themes. Trusting the flow encourages experimentation and leads to more organic, meaningful lyrics.

What is the significance of the central theme in songwriting?

The central theme acts as the anchor of the song. Once established, it ensures all lyrics are tightly connected and consistent, guiding the direction of the song. In the case of this script, the theme 'ultimatum' is used to shape every line of the song, keeping it focused.

How can a songwriter stay connected to their theme throughout the song?

A songwriter should ensure that every lyric directly relates to the central theme. Regularly revisiting and reflecting on the theme helps in crafting lyrics that push the narrative forward, avoiding filler lines that don't add to the story.

What role does wordplay and rhyme schemes play in the lyrics?

Wordplay and internal rhymes bring dynamism to the lyrics. They make the song feel more engaging and memorable, while also enhancing the emotional or thematic impact. Creative rhymes and word choices also help deepen the song's meaning.

What is the purpose of introducing new ideas in the second half of the song?

Introducing new ideas in the second half of the song helps provide balance and depth. It allows the songwriter to explore the theme from different perspectives, expanding on the initial concept while avoiding redundancy.

What is the first step to take when starting to write a song?

Start with a simple chord progression. A basic 2-3 chord loop creates a foundation on which you can experiment with different melodies and phrases. This simplicity helps keep the process fluid and open to inspiration.

How can a songwriter effectively move from melody to lyrics?

Once you have a melody, listen for a phrase or theme that emerges from it. This phrase can serve as the title or central idea of the song. As you start writing lyrics, ensure that each line is connected to that emerging theme.