How to write songs like an actual professional (8)
Welcome back to episode 8 of How To Write Songs Like An Actual Professional. This week we're gonna talk about paradox. So what's a paradox? The easiest way for me to describe this to you is that it's a lyric that seems contradictory, but actually ends up telling the truth.
In blank space by Taylor Swift, she says "darling. I'm a nightmare, dressed like a daydream" she's creating this paradox of her actually being not fun to be with at all. She's like a nightmare, but on the outside, she's dressed like a daydream. Both of these things are true and that's the problem. That's where the paradox lies.
Like I said in the video, you can say something like "I'm free flying underneath this glass ceiling" you're being told you're free you feel like you're free but there's an invisible threshold that you'll never be able to pass through. This is a really fun way to play with words and add deeper meaning into your writing while tapping into your creativity.
If you want more songwriting tips challenges, inspiration, you can sign up for the Creatives Club with the link in our bio (or built4creatives.com) and get at least one email every single week with those exact things inside of it. I'll see you guys next time!!
#songwritingtips #songwritingadvice #songwritingprocess #songwriting #singersongwriter
Okay, fellow lyricists, we just explored the mind-bending magic of paradox in songwriting – how cool was that? But guess what? There’s a whole universe of literary devices waiting to elevate your tunes! Since we’re all about making our lyrics pop, I wanted to chat about another fantastic tool that can add serious sparkle: alliteration. So, what exactly is alliteration? Simply put, it’s the repetition of an initial consonant sound in multiple words that are close together. Think of tongue twisters like "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers" – that’s alliteration in action! But in songwriting, it’s way more subtle and powerful than just a silly phrase. Why should you care about alliteration for your songs? Musicality and Flow: It adds a rhythmic quality to your lyrics, making them sound smoother and more melodic, even without music. This helps your words sing themselves! Memorability: Repeating sounds creates a catchiness that sticks in the listener's mind. Ever wonder why some lines just feel right and you can't forget them? Alliteration often plays a part. Emphasis and Mood: You can use alliteration to draw attention to specific words or ideas. Want to create a feeling of urgency, softness, or even foreboding? The right consonant sound repeated can do wonders. For instance, a soft 's' sound can create a serene atmosphere, while a hard 'b' or 'p' can bring punch and power. Let’s look at some examples from songs you might know. Think of Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven" with the line, "There’s a lady who’s sure all that glitters is gold." The repeated 's' sound just flows beautifully and emphasizes the idea. Or consider Eminem's "Lose Yourself" – "Palms are sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy / There's vomit on his sweater already, mom’s spaghetti." Here, he uses both 'p' and 's' sounds to create a sense of frantic energy and vivid imagery. These literary devices are everywhere once you start listening for them! Ready to try adding alliteration to your own lyrics? Here are a few tips: Don't force it: It should feel natural, not like you're just cramming words with the same letter. Read your lines aloud to see if they flow. Pick your punch: Decide which words you want to emphasize. If you want to highlight a feeling or an object, try to find other words with the same initial consonant sound to go with it. Mix it up: You don't need alliteration in every line. Use it strategically in choruses, bridge sections, or poignant verses to make them stand out. Experiment with different sounds: Soft 's' and 'f' sounds create a different vibe than hard 'b' and 'd' sounds. Play around and see what mood each sound evokes. This is just another fantastic trick to add to your Lyricist's Literary Cheat Sheet! If you're feeling stuck or want to inject more life into your writing, try crafting a line where three or four words start with the same sound. How about describing a "silent summer sky" or a "bright blue balloon"? It's a simple technique that can have a huge impact on how your audience connects with your lyrics. Keep experimenting and keep writing, creative friends! What's your favorite song that uses alliteration?