Cold Chisel

Photo by Barn Images on Unsplash

One problem that can confront songwriters is the balance between simplicity and originality.
 
Simplicity is fundamental for lyricists. Simple words tell it straight.


You, me, I, love, we, good, hot,
skin, heart, girl, lips, kiss,
time, gone, sad
bad
 
The words are unequivocal, clearly understood by most folks who speak the language the songwriters do. They're easy to sing.
 
They cut to the heart of the matter. What could be simpler than I will always love you, help! or let it be?
 
The issue is that songwriters have been using the same words in so many songs, it can feel like there’s no room at the simple table for anyone else.
 
 There are two strategies that songwriters have to get around this (either consciously or intuitively): use different words or use words differently.

And yes, I’m hugely simplifying things here, but it might be a helpful framework when you’re stuck down the well.
 
Strategy One is: Use Different Words.
 
The reason this can catapult your songs into the realm of unexpected and delighted surprise is that stretching your vocabulary carves up conceptual space more precisely according to linguist Geoffrey Nunberg.
 
It can also push you into using words that are more specific and relevant in particular situations your lyric describes. Therefore, it can make your song more authentic.
 
It can mean Prince using Corvette instead of car. 
 
Or rather than Bob Dylan saying jobs, he says
 
Some are mathematicians, some are carpenters’ wives.
 
Or Eminem on pushback,
 
You think I give a damn about a Grammy
Half of you critics can't even stomach me, let alone stand me
 
Different doesn’t necessarily mean difficult.
 
Changing just one word in a song can be the difference between raw or wild - both could be useful but one might work better.

It can be adding an adjective like yellow dress, leather jacket, Venetian mask, Spanish leather.
 
However, it can also mean atmosphere instead of air or oxygen instead of air. The syllable count goes up but that might not be a bad thing.  It might make your song fresh as mint sauce on a roast lamb!
  
The tactic here is making friends with your online thesaurus. Full of visual prompts, it can shower your frontal cortex with words you hadn’t considered - all good song fodder.

Sure, stay local to stay vocal, but if you’re feeling your songs are cheesy or that it’s all been said before, sharpen your chisel and try some synonyms.
 
Thanks so much for all your feedback and queries. Keep 'em coming!

Talk more soon,
Charlotte


ps to level up your songwriting, come to the Next Level Songwriting Retreat I'm presenting 22-25 January in Tahora. We have just two places left. Jump in!

pps thesongfoundry.com's Ed Bell's just released a very practical book you may find helpful called How to Write A Song (Even If You've Never Written One Before and You Think You Suck).