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Funnily enough, this may not seem as hard as you think it is. Song writing is something that is possible no matter who you are – well that’s what I believe anyway…
When writing a song, there are various ways to complete the task at hand. Some musicians may argue subject matter is the first requirement, whilst others would argue that a good strong melody is the best starting point.
The pleasure and beauty of it all though is the fact that you get to do it your way. Creatively in this day and age, songs come in all shapes, sizes and forms. And of course due to varying tastes in music, whatever the final product, there is sure to be someone out there that appreciates what you do.
Getting Started Being a singer songwriter myself, the best way to go about teaching or giving guidelines on writing a song, would be to explain how the process works for me. Most of the time I start with a little tune getting stuck in my head. Not the kind of tune that has already been done by someone else, but the kind that somehow starts flowing through my musical brain whilst sitting in Auckland’s not so fantastic traffic.
Once the beginning of the song starts to take some shape, the time comes to start thinking of some appropriate lyrics. Often just the mood I’m in will impact this, other times I find that lyrics will come out of something I’ve been thinking about for a couple of days, or an issue that needs addressing. Any which way you decide to go is entirely up to you. As long as you keep things relatively rhyming, and make sure the song has some structure, you’ll be on your way to super stardom. Structure is definitely something that needs a little more explanation…let me elaborate.
The Structure Typically a song is made up of three things. A verse, or verses, a bridge (otherwise known as a pre-chorus) and last but not least, a powerful catchy chorus. Verses are more often than not the bulk of the song, and tend not to be the most memorable part, but the much needed lead up to the chorus. They paint a picture, and start the story which often gets resolved or explained once the song reaches the chorus.
Because the verses are often quite subdued and not as catchy as the latter, there needs to be a definite ‘break’ or additional ‘build up’ before hitting the chorus, hence the bridge.
Bridges are quite strange things though, and take many shapes and forms. They may be considerably long, but can also take the form of a mere one or two lines, just to give the song depth and space, before leading into the most vital bit of any great song - yes once again, I’m talking about the chorus.
Onto tackling this ‘chorus’ then…beware though as things tend to sometimes get a little tricky. With regards to lyrics, a chorus can either be really simple with repetitive aspects, or rather complex and driven by smart words and a catchy melody.
Whatever you do with this though, make sure it is the highlight of the song.
The Music Musically, it would be a bonus if you do in fact play your own instrument, but all is not lost if you don’t. The best thing to do would be to call a friend – one of course who is musically gifted. If they are well learned on their instrument of choice, it’s as simple as singing them the song, and working together to find the right chords that suit and fit with the melody.
This is one of the songs I wrote about a year back. Have a read through, and a listen to it at www.myspace.com/milagurney, it may just help you out as you embark on your song writing career… Just remember, the creation is always yours, so let loose, and have fun with it. Good luck!
Two Words
Verse one: Been sailing away wasting my time, Found my peace of mind, in running away
Pre-Chorus: It was a small, small world from my point of view, But I know it's your world, and I wish happiness on you
Verse two: Been wasting away, watching my time, Left my sense of mind, and I'm on my way
Pre-Chorus: And it was a small, small world from my point of view, And I know it's your world, I wish happiness on you
Chorus: And I'm saying goodbye I'll keep the memories of this place Please wish me goodbye As I offer two words to say Thank you
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Song writing is something that is possible no matter who you are – well that’s what I believe anyway… 
Being a singer songwriter myself, the best way to go about teaching or giving guidelines on writing a song, would be to explain how the process works for me. Most of the time I start with a little tune getting stuck in my head. Not the kind of tune that has already been done by someone else, but the kind that somehow starts flowing through my musical brain whilst sitting in Auckland’s not so fantastic traffic. 
The Structure
Onto tackling this ‘chorus’ then…beware though as things tend to sometimes get a little tricky. With regards to lyrics, a chorus can either be really simple with repetitive aspects, or rather complex and driven by smart words and a catchy melody. 
This is one of the songs I wrote about a year back. Have a read through, and a listen to it at