View Full Version : Writing lyrics/creating a song
albear
May 31, 2009, 05:31 PM
Hi, I've seen all these threads about writing songs and getting help with doing so, so if its all right id like to give it a try, I play the guitar, albeit not that well, and that's really the extent of my musical expertese :D, so any help on where to start and how would be great, thanks :D
BackFrumTheDead
May 31, 2009, 06:05 PM
What kind of music? I have friends that write music just for fun. They say that the easiest way is that once you come up with a name for your song its like writing a 3 minute story about that word.
albear
May 31, 2009, 06:20 PM
Hmmm thanks, I've already tried writing lyrics but haven't hiven it a title yet, also I was thinking more along the lines of guitar solo apart from the choruses, kind of slow rock if you know what I mean, but... I can't think of a tune. And my lyrics that I've written down need work :)
Clough
May 31, 2009, 06:36 PM
Hi, albear!
I've received your emails as well as private messages.
It's not hard. The important thing is just to start it.
As I've already mentioned to you, I can help you with all aspects of writing a song.
But, you do fear about it being something that's personal here...
If I were to help you on this site, that is something that I will help you with for free. If it goes beyond being on this site, well that is something that I would need to charge you for what I've provided to you.
If it happens on this site, then it's free!
I have no problem with people using the music that I've written on this site in other ways. I would also hope that you don't have a problem with others using the lyrics that you've written.
What us written this site can be a help to you in how to compose songs. It's not the end of the line here...
I hope that you understand. I think that you do. It's just the way things are...
I can think of tunes instantly, albear! It's part of the "gift" that I have.
Thanks!
albear
May 31, 2009, 06:42 PM
Yea, your right about me being hesitant because it's a bit personal, but no I don't mind others using whatever I write,
BackFrumTheDead
Jun 1, 2009, 09:50 AM
Have you tried listening to slow rock singers? You know.. maybe get an insperation, come up with ideas, I'm not saying copy them just gets some ideas:D:D
albear
Jun 1, 2009, 12:51 PM
Yeah, which is why id like it to be in that style, well also because I think it fits the words as well.
So I take it you'd like me to post up the bit I have done so you can help me with refining it and helping me creating a tune
Clough
Jun 1, 2009, 01:05 PM
Hi, albear!
Would you please post at least a couple lines of lyrics that you would like to have set to music?
Thanks!
albear
Jun 1, 2009, 01:25 PM
Reet, this is what I've got for the first verse:
Did you ever wonder if you were good enough for the people around you,
For the people who you care for,
For the people that care about you.
Did you ever want to make the world a better place
Did you ever wonder if the world would be a better place without you
Clough
Jun 1, 2009, 01:59 PM
I'll work on that and get back to you here, albear.
Thanks!
albear
Jun 1, 2009, 02:43 PM
I'll work on that and get back to you here, albear.
Thanks!
Thanks :)
BackFrumTheDead
Jun 1, 2009, 04:34 PM
lol sounds great, have you tried the typical method of repeating the same verse and then changing the words around? kind of like the songs that repeat the same word (name of the song) over and over again.
i dont know if that style works for you but it seems to work for the pros.
albear
Jun 1, 2009, 05:05 PM
lol sounds great, have you tried the typical method of repeating the same verse and then changing the words around? kind of like the songs that repeat the same word (name of the song) over and over again.
i dont know if that style works for you but it seems to work for the pros.
I want the song to progress with each verse, but returns to the same chorus
BackFrumTheDead
Jun 1, 2009, 05:13 PM
I think it would be best then if clough helped you out the rest f the way I was just giving any advice my friends would give me. All I got now is try putting how you feel into the song instead of making something up. Good luck :D :D :D
albear
Jun 1, 2009, 05:16 PM
i think it would be best then if clough helped you out the rest f the way i was just giving any advice my friends would give me. all i got now is try putting how you feel into the song instead of making something up. good luck :D :D :D
OK, thanks for the advice though :)
Clough
Jun 2, 2009, 10:10 PM
reet, this is what ive got for the first verse:
Did you ever wonder if you were good enough for the people around you,
for the people who you care for,
for the people that care about you.
Did you ever want to make the world a better place
Did you ever wonder if the world would be a better place without you
Do You Ever Wonder?
Did you ever wonder if you were good enough
For the people all around you,
For the people who you care for,
For the people that care about you.
Did you ever want to make the world a better place
Did you ever wonder if the world would be a better place without you
Hi again, albear!
Okay, I've added the word "all" to the first verse so that it's a little more balanced for a melody. I've already got a melody in my head for this.
What would you think about using those last two lines for the chorus? Also, can you read music with notes that are on staves?
Do you think that Do You Ever Wonder? Sounds good for the title?
Thanks!
albear
Jun 3, 2009, 05:18 AM
Do You Ever Wonder?
Did you ever wonder if you were good enough
for the people all around you,
for the people who you care for,
for the people that care about you.
Did you ever want to make the world a better place
Did you ever wonder if the world would be a better place without you
Hi again, albear!
Okay, I've added the word "all" to the first verse so that it's a little more balanced for a melody. I've already got a melody in my head for this.
What would you think about using those last two lines for the chorus? Also, can you read music with notes that are on staves?
Do you think that Do You Ever Wonder? sounds good for the title?
Thanks!
Hi again, thanks clough, yea the 'all' looks all right
That was intended to be the first verse out of the five that I've written
This was what I thought could be the chorus:
How can we tell, how can we trust those around us, to tell the truth, how can we trust ourselves, to believe the truth,
What are the tell tale signs
How can I believe people like me when I don’t like me
How can people stand to be near me when I don’t want to be near me
Why can't I see why they say nice things about me,
Do I truly believe that I am such an undeserving person
How ?
As for 'Do You Ever Wonder?' for the title, I don't think it fits to be honest
Its been a long time since I've read music, I've fogotten what notes they mean now, however I'm more familiar with tab if that helps?
Clough
Jun 3, 2009, 02:29 PM
I can write in tabs, but it would be quicker with actual notes. I'm not all that familiar with tabs, but I do have a program that will write them.
I'll work with your chorus later tonight.
It's important that lines of the lyrics be about the same length in order to fit with a melody and rhythm the best. Also, it helps to have an even number of lines for verses and the chorus.
Thanks!
albear
Jun 3, 2009, 05:38 PM
I can write in tabs, but it would be quicker with actual notes. I'm not all that familiar with tabs, but I do have a program that will write them.
I'll work with your chorus later tonight.
It's important that lines of the lyrics be about the same length in order to fit with a melody and rhythm the best. Also, it helps to have an even number of lines for verses and the chorus.Thanks!
Yea sorry abou that ill have to devote some more time to work on them. I've only bolded them so they stand out when I re read to remind me.
Do you want me to post up the rest of what I've done so far or work on this now and post it later?
Thanks
Clough
Jun 3, 2009, 05:41 PM
I think that it would be best to work on a little bit at a time. So, I would suggest that you post additional things later.
Thanks!
albear
Jun 3, 2009, 05:48 PM
I think that it would be best to work on a little bit at a time. So, I would suggest that you post additional things later.
Thanks!
OK, no worries :)
albear
Jun 15, 2009, 01:56 PM
Would I be able to hear the tune you've got, because I think it would be easier to write lyrics to a tune rather than writing the lyrics without hearing how theyd sound, if you get what I mean :)
Clough
Jun 15, 2009, 04:58 PM
Right now, you would'nt be able to hear the tune because I can't find my microphone! When I find it, I'll let you know.
Whether to start a song with the tune first or the lyrics first is kind of up for grabs. Either way works. Because I come up with the melody in my head, it's easier for me to write or work with existing lyrics first.
Thanks!
albear
Jun 15, 2009, 05:03 PM
OK, no worries, I've been re hashing the lyrics anyhoo and trying to find a better chorus that would fit with the paragraphs.
Clough
Jun 15, 2009, 05:28 PM
Would you post them here, please?
I have to go and do some yard work while it's still light out. I'll return in a few hours...
Thanks!
albear
Jun 15, 2009, 05:35 PM
Yea sure, no worries :)
Did you ever want to make the world a better place
Did you ever wonder if the world would be a better place without you
What would the world be like without you, would lives be better?
Yes?
Did you ever wonder if you were good enough
For the people all around you,
For the people who you care for,
For the people that care about you.
Yes?
Cause I'm the same, wandering around searching for those answers
Before they destroy me like cancers
But if I can't find them I hope that you do
Cause if I fail, ill be gone before you
The last verse is the chorus but its still a woki in progress (as the whole thing is :d but this more so :) )
Hmmm on second thought I think ill remove those 'yes's'
Clough
Jun 26, 2009, 04:28 PM
Hey, albear!
I'm sorry that I haven't been around! I've been ill and my Internet connection has been lousy! I do look forward to working with you!
Thanks!
albear
Jun 26, 2009, 04:32 PM
Hey, albear!
I'm sorry that I haven't been around! I've been ill and my Internet connection has been lousy! I do look foward to working with you!
Thanks!
No worries clough, sorry to hear you've not been well, you did tell me you had internet problems, hope your feeling better :)
Clough
Jun 26, 2009, 04:38 PM
I'm trying to deal with my health issues with the professionals. I had some sort of seizure on Tuesday night in the middle of rehearsal when I was playing something on the piano with my men's group.
I think that my computer has gotten some sort of virus! Am trying to figure out how to deal with that, too.
Thanks!
albear
Jun 26, 2009, 04:49 PM
Oooh, that doesn't sound good, yeah better let the pro's deal with it, get well soon, both you and your computer
Clough
Jun 26, 2009, 06:48 PM
I'm going to bring my computer from home over to where I'm house and dog sitting. I'm not on my home computer here and all of my music writing stuff is on my own computer.
It won't be tonight that I'll get my computer over to here, but in the next couple of days.
Are you interested in learning some things abou music theory in order to help you with composing music for your songs?
Thanks!
albear
Jun 26, 2009, 07:04 PM
I'm going to bring my computer from home over to where I'm house and dog sitting. I'm not on my home computer here and all of my music writing stuff is on my own computer.
It won't be tonight that I'll get my computer over to here, but in the next couple of days.
Are you interested in learning some things abou music theory in order to help you with composing music for your songs?
Thanks!
Yea that would be great and most probably help when your explaining things to me :D
Clough
Jun 26, 2009, 07:12 PM
Yes, it would help...
First question on this - What would you like to know about music theory?
By what you ask, and the subsequent discourse that ensues and follows, I can get an idea as to where you are with understanding and knowledge of the nomenclature and structure of music.
Thanks!
albear
Jun 26, 2009, 07:18 PM
Yes, it would help...
First question on this - What would you like to know about music theory?
By what you ask, and the subsequent discourse that ensues and follows, I can get an idea as to where you are with understanding and knowledge of the nomenclature and structure of music.
Thanks!
Oh I thought since you offered to teach you'd have a rough idea what I needed to know, but OK, well I don't know what I would need to know, I can read tab, I know which strings are which notes on a guitar, but as for reading normal music on a scoe I've forgotten which notes are whch, I know the one with a hole on the middle counts for 2 beats, and if they're joined at the top then they're linked - (yes I know obvious but I can't think of how to describe what I mean by that in better detail) and that's about as much theory as I know to be honest
Clough
Jun 26, 2009, 07:24 PM
Then we can start at the beginning then...
What are the seven letters of the alphabet that are used in music in the Western world, please?
Hint: They start with the letter "A".
Thanks!
albear
Jun 26, 2009, 07:27 PM
then we can start at the beginning then...
What are the seven letters of the alphabet that are used in music in the western world, please?
Hint: They start with the letter "a".
Thanks!
a,b,c,d,e,f,G?
Clough
Jun 26, 2009, 07:30 PM
You're correct! Please use capital letters when referring to the notes.
And, after the note "G" the sequence of letters starts over again.
Do you have a piano keyboard of some kind available to you?
Thanks!
albear
Jun 26, 2009, 07:33 PM
You're correct! Please use capital letters when referring to the notes.
And, after the note "G" the sequence of letters starts over again.
Do you have a piano keyboard of some kind available to you?
Thanks!
I did use capitols but for some reason they all turned back (apart from g which was an edit because I can't count :D)
Sorry I don't have a keyboard, I could probably find one online or if you already have a site?
I found this
http://www.bgfl.org/bgfl/custom/resources_ftp/client_ftp/ks2/music/piano/index.htm
Oh the second row on your comp keyboard relates to the keyboard on screen
Clough
Jun 26, 2009, 07:42 PM
I do have a keyboard online for us to use. I will find it and post the link here.
Clough
Jun 26, 2009, 07:43 PM
Here's the link for the Virtual Keyboard.
VIRTUAL KEYBOARD - PIANO (http://www.bgfl.org/bgfl/custom/resources_ftp/client_ftp/ks2/music/piano/index.htm)
Please check it out and tell me what you think. Okay?
Thanks!
albear
Jun 26, 2009, 07:44 PM
Its he same one as I posted so were good :)
Clough
Jun 26, 2009, 07:45 PM
You had posted the link to that earlier? If so, I don't remember...
albear
Jun 26, 2009, 07:47 PM
It was the same one where I asked if you had one... I made an edit after I found it,no worries :)
So now were on the same page, now what?
Clough
Jun 26, 2009, 07:50 PM
You let me know what you think of the keyboard. I would suggest that you check out its playing capabilities on your computer.
Thanks!
albear
Jun 26, 2009, 07:51 PM
Its OK, if not a bit slow on the up take, and doesn't have as many keys or different notes as I would like but beggars can't be choosers :)
Clough
Jun 26, 2009, 07:55 PM
It will be fine for learning the basics! I'm assuming that you're in college because of previous things that you've written. If so, what year are you, please?
Thanks!
albear
Jun 26, 2009, 07:58 PM
Just finished my second year of uni :)
Clough
Jun 26, 2009, 08:02 PM
Have you had any music courses of any kind in grade school, or other schools previously?
Thanks!
albear
Jun 26, 2009, 08:09 PM
Yea we did music in secondary school, way back when :), and I had guitar lessons for 3 years but we mainly worked in tab
Clough
Jun 26, 2009, 08:11 PM
Then we have lots of things that we can learn here, Bear!
I'm going to need to go for awhile, but will return yet later tonight.
I haven't been out of this home all day and need to go to check on my cat at my home. I'll see about getting my own computer over here yet tonight.
Thanks!
albear
Jun 26, 2009, 08:15 PM
Then we have lots of things that we can learn here, Bear!
I'm going to need to go for awhile, but will return yet later tonight.
I haven't been out of this home all day and need to go to check on my cat at my home. I'll see about getting my own computer over here yet tonight.
Thanks!
That's fine, don't ever let me hold you back if you need to go anywhere :), I won't be on until later today in about 9 hours or so, I'm off to bed in a bit anyhoo, but if you have anything for me to do or ask any questions please leave them here anyway and ill answer when I get back on :)
Cya later, have a good one
Clough
Jun 26, 2009, 11:46 PM
Okay, I hope that you have a very restful and peaceful sleep!
Thanks!