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The Write World: Songwriting 1.1
- 2. Who Am I Melissa Myatt I am singer-songwriter. For 13 years now, I have been a citizen of the Songwriting world. And today I am ready to share what I have learned and utilized with you.
- 3. Songwriting 1.1 “Songwriting is In today’s lesson we will be discussing song structure, form and content – two essentials to songwriting. poetry with For our song example, we will be using, “I Wish” written and rhythm, performed by one of the most legendary Singer-Songwriters of all time, Stevie Wonder. melodies, and harmonies…”
- 4. Song Structure & Form A song’s structure and form usually includes the following: - Verse - Chorus - Pre-Chorus (Optional) - Bridge (Optional)
- 5. Verse The Verse sets us the framework for the song The 1st verse sets up the story, and acts as an introduction The 2nd verse goes into further detail about the story, idea, or feeling previously expressed
- 6. Verse Example Verse 1: “Looking back on when I Was a little nappy- headed boy Then my only worry Was for Christmas what would be my toy” - In this first verse, Wonder sets up the storyline and idea for the song.
- 7. Chorus The chorus summarizes the verse into an often short and brief phrase. The chorus is usually the catchiest part of the song. The chorus is often repeated throughout the song. It can also include the title of the song.
- 8. Chorus Example Chorus: “I wish those days could Come back once more Why did those days ev- Er have to go” - The song title is included in the chorus - It can be the most memorable part of the song
- 9. Optional Aspects Pre – Chorus Bridge Can be crucial to the natural Can also be a crucial part of flow of a song when present. the song when present “The glue that puts the pieces Tells another portion of the together” story, idea, concept, or feeling Creates a build-up, a slight Summarizes what has already climax been expressed Poses a question; the chorus Acts as the breather/rest follow-ups by answering the portion of the song question
- 10. Pre- Chorus Example Pre- Chorus: “Trying your best to bring the Water to your eyes Thinking it my stop her From whooping yo’ behind ” - In this pre-chorus, the story is built up and a conclusion is arriving.
- 11. Song Content When writing a song, you can include the following content: - Relatable/Abstract Idea - Storytelling - Figurative Language
- 12. Relatable/Abstract Idea All songs, be it mainstream or underground, can relate to someone somewhere on this planet. A songwriter is able to convey a common or familiar idea, feeling, or concept that their audience encounters everyday. - Using emotions and experiences - Using social/political issues - Using funny situations in life
- 13. Relatable/Abstract Idea Example Verse 1: “Looking back on when I Was a little nappy- headed boy Then my only worry Was for Christmas what would be my toy” - In this verse, Wonder describes a childhood moment and the feeling he had during the moment
- 14. Storytelling Using storytelling to write a song is a clear and fun way to get your idea across. Some songwriters use conversational speech, while others may choose to be more poetic in their speech. In your storytelling: - Explain your feeling, idea, or concept - Talk about your experience
- 15. Storytelling Example Verse 1: “Looking back on when I Was a little nappy- headed boy Then my only worry Was for Christmas what would be my toy” - In this verse, Wonder also vividly describes the childhood moment – from the way he looked, the feeling he had, and the season in which the memory took place
- 16. Figurative Language Songwriting can be used as a musical form of poetry. It often filled with elaborate descriptions of ordinary aspects of life -- songs should be filled with these types of descriptions as well. When using figurative language: - Use adjectives - Use metaphors and personification - Think of other ways to describe ordinary things, - Ex: “It started to rain” = “The sky began to shed tears”
- 17. Figurative Language Example Pre- Chorus: “Trying your best to bring the Water to your eyes Thinking it my stop her From whooping yo’ behind ” - In the first two lines, Wonder uses a poetic way to convey a memory in which he was about to cry. - He does not simply say, he was about to cry; he phrases it in a way that adds a vivid detail to the childhood memory.
- 18. Songwriting 1.1 We hope that with this lesson, you were able to grasp the basics of SONGWRITING!
- 19. The Write World “A Place Where The Right Way is The Creative Way!” We thank you for watching! Please Tune In To The Next Write World Video!
- 20. Attributions Stevie Wonder’s “I Wish” :Slides 1, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, and 19) – Album, Songs In The Key of Life Vol.1 – Motown Records Stevie Wonder Photo (Slide 3) – Google Images