Tips for Lyrics Writing, Writers' Block and Not Giving Up
Love Music More · hosted by Luke F. Walton · Solo episode
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Topics discussed
Host note
After my conversation with Slow Leaves, I wanted to talk specifically about lyrics: how I write them, and what I do when I get stuck. Randy Newman once told me my lyrics were lazy, and this episode is me still trying to prove him both right and wrong.
I get into a technique I call "two steps removed": you write the blunt, obvious version of what you mean first, then push it a couple of steps away from the literal until it becomes something worth singing. I also cover brainstorming with sensory words tied to a single time or place, and why stepping away from a lyric for a day often does more than forcing it.
I close on why I finish songs rather than abandon them, even the ones I'm sure are dead. More than once, a song I almost gave up on became something I was proud to release.
Selected moments
- On Songwriting Reflection 0:19 I reflect on my conversation with Slow Leaves and how it prompted me to consider my own songwriting journey.
- Masterclass Insight 1:09 I share a memorable critique from **Randy Newman** on my lyrics and how it influenced my writing process.
- The Challenge of Lyric Writing 2:31 I discuss the difficulty many musicians, including myself, face when it comes to capturing the essence of a song in lyrics.
- Two Steps Removed Method 3:05 I explain a lyric writing technique I call 'two steps removed' to help generate creative ideas.
- The Importance of Stepping Away 4:32 I emphasize the value of taking breaks to refresh one's perspective before tackling lyrics.
- Brainstorming Techniques 6:01 I discuss the effectiveness of brainstorming using sensory words to inspire creativity.
- Embracing Imperfection 10:39 I talk about why I prefer to finish songs rather than abandon them and how this approach enhances creativity.
- Seeing Ideas Through 13:39 I share the experience of transforming an originally discarded song into a successful new piece.
Selected excerpts
I wanted to talk about songwriting and specifically lyric writing... when to move on and say that song is either dead or, you know, suspended animation.
Randy Newman told me that my lyrics were lazy... I'm simultaneously trying to prove them both right and wrong with this project.
Talking about a simple subject so for example, 'Can't Imagine Feeling Better'... the chorus says it all. I'm feeling good, okay, what do I do for verses?
I kind of gravitated towards this method that I call two steps removed... you just write it down bluntly.
There's value in stepping away from lyric writing... getting down all the ideas you can possibly think of and then maybe coming back tomorrow.
There's a lot of options for brainstorming... like a bunch of sensory words based around a singular topic, time or place.
I like how it forces us sometimes to jump between the narrator's thoughts, feelings, experiences, and environment.
I like finishing stuff and then deciding whether or not to release it rather than letting something die before you really dig into it.
FAQ
What are some tips for overcoming writer's block?
In this episode, I discuss stepping away from the writing process and revisiting it later to gain new perspectives and ideas.
How can I improve my lyric writing?
I share various techniques, including the 'two steps removed' method and brainstorming sensory words, to enhance your lyric crafting.
What should I do if I feel like my lyrics are lazy?
I recount my experience with Randy Newman, who challenged my lyrics, and how it's essential to push yourself and explore beyond initial ideas.
These pages are host notes, not a full transcript. An automatic transcript is on the Spotify episode.