Writing Lyrics - A Note About Everything I Could Think of, off the Top of my Mind

by Charis, 13
(London)

Lots of lyrics are cliche. When I write lyrics, I try to use less common words and ideas. When people write about being alone, they tend to use words like 'lonely', 'darkness' and 'cold'. However, they are used so often that they lose their power.

Instead, I would use a stranger word to communicate the idea across, probably in the form of a metaphor. For example, I could use the word 'gossamer' to describe the security, or lack of it, in being alone.

Another thing I do, is write about things which interest me. I like reading fantasy stories, so I might write about a magical queen in a fantastical land far, far away and long, long ago... I like nature, so I might write about running through a forest.

Even when I'm writing about a more commonly used topic, I'll still try to make the lyrics sound abstract. I sometimes insert random phrases, which make the song meaning more ambiguous, or write about a different perspective. Some people might write about being afraid in a storm, but I'd write about the thrill of the storm... or maybe how the storm might see things. It sounds weird, but could make some interesting lyrics.

It is a great idea to read lyrics by people other than yourself. I try to understand what they could mean. If I can see a hidden meaning within a song, I will take it, and write my own lyrics to it. A lot of the time, people will interpret things differently than they were intended to be, but great ideas can be born from these interpretations. I would recommend you to look up lyrics by Evanescence for inspiration; they are my main inspiration for lyric writing.

I seem to be ranting along a bit, but the last thing I have to say is that it can be difficult to write purely about emotions. There is only so much you can write about one thing before the audience will become bored. You could try writing about two things. Put in a 'hidden message'. If you find this difficult (like me!), then just use ambiguous imagery. Rain could symbolise sorrow or put out a raging forest fire.

Well I think I ought to shut up now. It's up to you to take a thirteen-year-old's advise.