Writing a song - in a rut?

Question

I have tried to write songs in the past and I never get past the lyrics. I always get stuck when I try to put music to it. Either I feel I just can't think of a good melody, or I feel that the words don't fit into a good rhythym. I am so confused...where to turn...because right now I have some feelings written down on paper...my boyfriend wanted me to write a song for him this weekend as a Christmas present...but the same thing is happening again where I can't think of a good melody or something...it's so hard to explain...it's like nothing feels right. I have contemplated starting with music and then adding lyrics...maybe I should try that again...but somehow that doesn't seem to work either. Help!

Answer 1

Let me ask you a question.....how do the lyrics of this song for your boyfriend make you feel? Happy, excited, do they remind you of a certain time you spent together? You have to think about these things. Also what are you writing your music on, guitar, keyboard, trombone!!? Something you can play chords on is better than a solo instrument obviously. Sit down and write some chords that mirror the mood of your lyrics and then once you have that just play around with a melody. I always sing around over the chords until I get something I like, something that fits the style of the song and the mood of the song. It all depends on the mood and feel of what it is your are writing. I do have to say that writing the music first is easier and fitting the words into the music. You wouldn't make the filling of an Apple Pie first and then try and shove it in the crust after wards would you. Make your crust and then add your filling. I hope that analogy makes sense to you.

Song writing is not easy....but it is easier when you know exactly what it is you want to say and how you want to say it.

Good luck and I hope your man enjoys what you create for him.

Answer 2

My mom plays around with her piano and comes up with a good melody. Then, she puts in her lyrics and alters some words so that it fits the beat. Just try playing around with it and I'm sure something will come to you.

Answer 3

I envy your capacity to even check out, but when your muse (or mojo) is not doing it, then it is not doing it. Your bf has a fats nerve to call for a music - inform him you do not simply opt for them up off the bottom. I wish any individual to write down a film for me, and movie it and unlock it and provide me the DVD, however it is not gonna occur, now could be it? More significantly, have you ever notion of participating with any individual? You do lyrics, any individual else does track (or vice versa)? Sort of like Lennon-McCartney, or Elton John-Bernie Taupin.

Answer 4

Don't stress out over it you are blocking your creativity.
It can happen either way with words first or visa versa.

When I start with words, I just start playing different combinations of chords until something strikes me.