Lyric Mastery – Storytelling in Songwriting

If you’re like me, you have something valuable to share.

Something that matters.

And that we know that can help someone who will listen to our song. 

And to get our message across in a way that bypasses a listener's critical mind, we have to wrap what we have to say into an experience.

And we create that experience through the journey we send our song’s main character on.

So that’s why we talk about the waypoints of that journey.

So that we can create that experience that leads someone from their mess to a better place.

And today, we will talk about the second waypoint on that journey.

Today, we’ll make it even worse for our song’s main character.

Because that’s life, right?

It has to get worse first before it can get better.

So let’s get right to it.

• [00:01:13] Overview
• [00:05:56] Progressive Complications
• [00:10:03] Creating Progressive Complications
• [00:11:32] Turning Point
• [00:12:41] Turning Point Categories

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Today, I wanna take the chance and introduce myself to you. Especially, I wanna tell you the story about the time in my life when I was completely lost, on my own, literally at the end of the world, and how one song gave me the strength to carry on… and what all of that taught me about what makes lyrics powerful.

So it’s all about my journey, so to say, and why I’m so passionate about the power of lyrics. Because this is the most incredible thing ever. 

So here’s how everything started.

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You know, I always consider what happens in a powerful lyric like a journey.
 
It’s basically about watching a character move from one point in their life to another.
 
They are in a certain external or internal situation, and they wanna get from where they are to a better place.
 
So there’s always this little journey that the song’s main character goes on.
 
But before anyone moves in life and takes action, most of the time, though, something must happen beforehand.
 
And that’s what today’s episode is all about.
 
It’s about that incident that makes them see that they gotta pursue what they want so that they can get rid of an imbalance.
 
It’s like they feel that something is off, and they’re pulled towards something better — externally or internally.
 
So, if you want to find out how to write lyrics with a meaningful message, then this episode is the first part of five to doing just that.
 
Here's what we'll cover:

• [00:01:37] 5 Commandments
• [00:03:54] Definition of the Inciting Incident
• [00:08:31] Creating Drive in the Audience
• [00:09:29] Causal and Coincidental Inciting Incidents
• [00:11:03] Placement of the Inciting Incident

 
Show Notes

• #37 - Attention Grabbing Opening Lines - Part 1: The Powerful Problem
• Hot Legs lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
• That's Amore lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
• I Will Survive lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
• The Foundations of Decay lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
• Stan lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc
• I'll Be There For You lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group

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In today’s episode, I want to talk with you about you, your purpose, and why we write lyrics. 

For me, when it comes to writing – no matter if it’s novels or lyrics – I use my words as the means to communicate with my audience and deliver a meaningful message that has the power to make an impact on them. 

And I guess, since you are here, you have the same desire. You want to be heard because you have something to say about life. And what you have to say matters.

But communicating what we have to say in a way that matters to others isn’t easy. We can’t be preaching to the choir. We can’t take the role of a parent and say: Don’t do this because it leads to … We all know that no one listens if you preach it to them. On the other hand, if we are direct and say it bluntly, people might hear our words, but they will not care or take them seriously. We could also just write an academic paper and explain why our message is important … But who’s ever going to read that bulky volume?

That’s why in today’s episode, we talk about a storytelling principle that helps you deliver your message in a way that affects lives, changes minds, touches hearts, and makes an impact. 

Because what it all comes down to is that we, as songwriters, lyricists, and storytellers, have an amazing power to influence people’s lives and make a positive, even life-changing, contribution.

But that only works if we rely on one of the most basic and most important storytelling principles. 

What that is, well, you're about to find out.


Podcast Overview:

• [00:02:25] Treat A Song Like An Experience
• [00:05:29] Why Stories Matter
• [00:11:12] The Five Commandments of Storytelling
• [00:15:16] Wrap up - 5 Commandments

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In today’s episode, we’ll go through the lyrics of  “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not” by Thompson Square.

And I tell you, as I first listened to the song. I thought: Quite nice. But I didn’t give the lyrics much thought. But now, after I have studied the lyrics and their storytelling power, I must say, I’m super surprised by how well-crafted those lyrics are. 

It’s like when you say: Yes, Game of Thrones by G.R.R. Martin is a nice fantasy series. When it truth, it’s an epic masterwork.

And somehow, I feel like the lyrics to this song don’t get appreciated enough. They are so well-crafted that it is a delight to take them apart and just see how well they’ve been strung together.

So if you aim to write a love song that smoothly flows through a narrative and gives your audience a fully-satisfied listening experience, I invite you to study the lyrics of “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not” by Thompson Square with me.

Episode Overview:

[00:01:45] The S.O.N.G. Framework

[00:03:07] “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not” by Thompson Square 

[00:05:22] Step 1: Summary - What is the song about?

[00:15:13] Step 2: Observer - Who is the main character of the song?

[00:23:51] Step 3: Narration - Analyzing the storytelling craft.

[00:30:25] Analyzing the scene told in the song.

[00:35:20] The Change

[00:37:41] Writing Techniques

[00:40:15] Step 4: Gist - What is the message of the song?

[00:43:16] What we've learned from “You Shouldn't Kiss Me Like This”

[00:45:43] Song Exercise - The First Kiss

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#043 - Welcome to part 3 of our mini-series of Attention-Grabbing Opening Lines.

In episode 41 of the Stories in Songs Podcast, I’m gonna throw a lot of questions at you.

Why?

Listen to the show and find out. ;-)

Episode Overview

[00:00:53] The Intriguing Question

[00:03:37] Different Types of Questions to ask

[00:07:13] Song Examples that start with a question

[00:09:49] The Intriguing Question – Wrapup

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#040 - Creating A One-Sentence Lyric Outline To Guide Your Writing Process.

In today’s episode, we continue with steps Two and Three to Creating A One-Sentence Lyric Outline To Guide Your Writing Process.

If you haven’t listened to episode 38 yet where we talked about the character’s literal action, please go back to that episode and listen to it. It’s vital if you want to move forward with me in this episode. 

I’ll include a short recap, but listen to the full episode if you haven’t yet.

Episode Overview:

• [00:01:15] Your Lyric Writing Compass Point
• [00:03:40] Literal Action - Recap
• [00:08:57] A Character’s Essential Tactic
• [00:13:26] The Purpose of Essential Tactics
• [00:17:52] Change and Valences
• [00:22:07] Direct Address, Conflict, and the Question of Who Wins?
• [00:27:10] The Lyric’s Guiding Message
• [00:31:41] Lyric Writing With Intention

Show Notes

• Another Day In Paradise lyrics © Concord Music Publishing LLC
• Welcome To The Jungle lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
• I Will Survive lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

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#39 - Today, we continue with another technique of how you can create an attention-grabbing opening line for your lyrics beginning.

And specifically, we talk about the Shocking Statement and different ways how you can pull it off to stun your audience and make them wanna hear more!

Episode Overview:

• [00:01:08] The Shocking Statement
• [00:03:35] Different Ways to Create a Shocking Statement:
• [00:07:02] More examples of songs that start with a Shocking Statement
• [00:11:16] The Shocking Statement - Wrapup

Show Notes

• Dead! lyrics © Blow The Doors Off The Jersey Shore Music Inc

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#038 - Let's address the question of why we should look at the craft of storytelling when we write our lyrics – apart from the impact the power of storytelling has on our audience. 

Let's focus on our writing process.

Because when we write our lyrics, it’s good to know where we are going. Otherwise, we’re just writing words that are all over the place. 

And that’s going to feel messy to our listeners. So to write a good line or lyric section, we have to ensure that every part of the lyric does what it’s supposed to: Engage and connect. 

And once we get a clear idea of what we are trying to accomplish, everything unlocks.

So if you look for a compass point that helps you write your lyrics with clarity and intention, this episode is for you.

Episode Overview:

• [00:02:21] Your Lyric Writing Compass Point
• [00:05:59] Your character’s literal action
• [00:12:20] The Size of The Cast in Your Lyric
• [00:16:58] Setting and Context
• [00:18:58] The Purpose of Literal Action 
• [00:23:32] Recap: Literal Action

Show Notes

• Another Day In Paradise lyrics © Concord Music Publishing LLC
• Welcome To The Jungle lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
• You Shouldn't Kiss Me Like This lyrics © Tokeco Tunes
• I Will Survive lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Visit ⁠⁠lyricmastery.com⁠⁠ for everything on storytelling in songwriting.

#037 - How can we write an attention-grabbing opening line so that we can hook our listener with our first line?

In today’s age, thousands of distractions compete for our audience’s attention. And if our song doesn’t hook our listeners straight away, they might not listen to it at all.

But we want to get heard, right?

Songs are a powerful way to make an impact on someone – in as little as three minutes. But in order to get our message across or what we have to say about life, we have to get people’s attention right from the first line on. Otherwise, … it’s like a movie. If we miss the beginning, it’s so hard to catch up on and we probably give up anyway.

So let’s talk about ways to make sure our listeners actually want to listen to our lyrics … and how we can achieve that with our opening line.

Episode Overview

[00:01:42] The Purpose of a Strong Opening Line in Songs

[00:06:00] The Opening Line of the Powerful Problem

[00:10:24] How to pull off the attention-grabbing opening line of the Powerful Problem.

[00:14:41] Song Examples that have lyrics that start with a problem:

[00:23:45] The Powerful Problem - Wrapup

Show Notes

• I'll Be There for You lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

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#036 - How To Answer The Question Of Relevancy when it comes to Writing Lyrics.

Have you ever listened to a song only to end up confused because something in the lyrics seemed off? Did you struggle because something was missing or didn’t understand why something was included because it didn’t seem relevant?

In today’s episode, I want to talk with you about how you can figure out what’s relevant to include in your lyrics and what you can leave out. I’ll let you in on the secret and show you the tools that support you in making the decision to keep and eliminate lines, sections, or the overall idea. 

After all, the goal is to write a lyric where the entire lyric, its different parts, and the way they work together are all in sync. 

So if you are intrigued to discover the tools to determine 

• which lines belong in your narrative
• which building blocks to use
• and find the right words to effectively communicate all the details and events of your lyric to your audience.

… then this episode is for you.

Episode Overview

[00:01:58] Coherence is a Lyric’s Main Goal

[00:03:29] A character in a song needs to face a problem.

[00:04:51] 1. The What If? Scenario

[00:06:53] Fish out of the Water-Scenario

[00:10:44] Strange Thing or Stranger Comes to Town - Scenario

[00:16:03] 2. Narrative Device

[00:23:10] 3. Point of View

[00:28:39] Summary: Relevance

Show Notes

• I’m a Believer lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group

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#035 - “Can A Song Save A Life.” Lyrics ain’t an afterthought to making a song. They are equally as important as the melody and the song’s production.

I mean, writing Songs as well as Listening to Songs can be the greatest aid in a desperate situation. It can keep us from falling down a cliff and empower us again. Like Galadriel said to Frodo: “May it be a light to you in dark places when all other lights go out.”

That’s the power of songs. 

Let’s talk about how a song can even save a life.

Episode Overview

[00:01:19] The Power of Songs

[00:03:17] My All Is Lost Moment - New Zealand Part 2

[00:11:53] The Next Right Thing

Show Notes

• Die Toten Hosen “Steh auf, wenn du am Boden liegst” (German Version) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J86zYZGApkc
• Die Toten Hosen “Stand Up” (English Version) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJUvrw7O_6I
• Stand Up lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Melodie Der Welt GmbH
• The Next Right Thing lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
• Watch “The Next Right Thing” on Youtube: https://youtu.be/kFkClV2gM-s

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#034 - How to Crush it as a Support Act to Get People Interested in Your Stuff.

After all, it’s all a question: Will they sing your lyrics back to you, or will they not?

For me as a listener, yes, I’ll definitely shout back: Viva La Victoria!

Now what that means and how you can get people excited as a support act – even if they didn’t come because of you – you’ll discover that in this episode. We talk about how you can hook, captivate, and keep the crowd's attention and awaken their interest in you and what you have to say.

I’ll share with you some of the DO’s and DON’Ts of how you can crush it as a support act. And I’ll even tell you a secret way that will ensure that people start singing along to your songs even if they have never heard your songs before.

Episode Overview

[00:02:40] The Opportunity of Being Hired as a Support Act

[00:07:38] Getting a Chain Reaction in the Audience & Making Them Feel Something

[00:11:01] The DONT’s of being a Support Act

[00:12:29] Eclipse - The band that truly got the crowd excited.

[00:15:40] When you are booked as a Support Act, DO this:

[00:22:40] The secret way of how you can get the crowd to sing along to your songs even if they have never heard them before.

[00:28:00] Summary of Do’s and Dont’s

Show Notes

• Check out Eclipse from Sweden - https://www.eclipsemerch.com/
• Listen to “Viva La Victoria” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-EvFAx0OsE

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#033 - What does  “character development” or “developing characters” mean?

And do we, as songwriters, really have to think about how we create our song’s character? And if so, how can we show the audience a character in the lyrics that they can invest themselves in? That is so believable that they themselves have the power to carry the message of the song?

If you ever thought that the task of character development is for writers of novels or screenplays only, this episode will surprise you.

So let’s dive in and find out more about the importance of your song’s character.

Episode Overview:

[00:01:19] The importance of the song’s character

[00:06:45] Developing characters vs. evolving characters.

[00:10:15] Three reasons why fleshing out your characters is so darn important.

[00:11:36] What makes a well-developed character?

[00:12:13] How does character development affect the story?

[00:13:37] Different kinds of characters in songwriting

[00:15:40] Dynamic Characters in Songwriting

[00:24:38] How to create a dynamic character for your next song?

[00:28:44] "Dynamic Characters" – Assignment

Show Notes

• I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That) lyrics © Edward B Marks Music Company, Marks Edward B. Music Corp., Edward B. Marks Music Co.
• Nothing Else Matters lyrics © Creeping Death Music
• Ain't No Other Man lyrics © Universal Music - Careers, Downtown Music Publishing Llc, Bug Music, Xtina Music, Gifted Pearl Music Inc., Bobby Marin Music Publishing, Reach Music Publishing Inc., Concord Copyrights
• I'd Come for You lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc
• Love Yourself lyrics © Universal Music Corp., Bieber Time Publishing, Hipgnosis Songs Fund Limited

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#032 - Making Your Song’s Character Fall in Love and Influence your Audience's Engagement.

In today’s episode, we’ll go through the lyrics of the song “You Shouldn't Kiss Me Like This” by Toby Keith.

The lyrics are so amazing to see how much the power of storytelling influences your audience’s engagement.

The song is written so great, and the lyrics show you how you can make your song’s character fall in love.

And you’ll learn exactly how you can pull that off too by using Pat Pattison’s Development Engine of the three boxes as an outline and fill it with life by looking at this song’s narrative techniques.

Furthermore, they offer you lots of great insights you can take away from them – especially when it comes to using the power of storytelling to keep listeners engaged from the first phrase to the last.

Episode Overview:

[00:01:29] The S.O.N.G. Framework

[00:02:19] “You Shouldn't Kiss Me Like This” by Toby Keith

[00:04:20] Step 1: Summary - What is the song about?

[00:12:08] Step 2: Observer - Who is the main character of the song?

[00:18:55] Step 3: Narration - Analyzing the storytelling craft.

[00:21:53] Analyzing the scene told in the song.

[00:27:30] The Change

[00:29:35] Writing Techniques

[00:32:32] Step 4: Gist - What is the message of the song?

[00:34:57] What we've learned from “You Shouldn't Kiss Me Like This”

[00:38:19] Song Exercise - The First Kiss

• You Shouldn't Kiss Me Like This lyrics © Tokeco Tunes

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#031 - The Wants and Needs of a Song’s Character and How They Can Engage Your Listeners through Creating Conflict.

Did you know that listeners are drawn to specific topics of lyrics because they strive to get similar things in their lives as the character in the song? 

When you think about your lyrics this way, it’s much easier to see the kind of target audience you want as a songwriter because your future listener will enjoy investing themselves in your song’s characters.

• But how can you decide what your character strives for and what he wants or needs?
• Where to start?
• And how do their Wants and Needs influence each other to create a compelling narrative?

I’m glad you asked.

In today’s episode, I’m happy to share with you some storytelling tips on how you can write a compelling story for your song by creating some spicy conflict.

Episode Overview:

[00:01:24] What does your song’s character want?

[00:04:29] What does your song’s character need?

[00:11:02] Wants, Needs, and Conflict

[00:12:29] Conflicting Conscious and Unconscious Desires

[00:14:44] “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor

[00:16:16] Tips for writing lyrics with Conflicting Conscious and Unconscious Desires

[00:19:51] Conflicting Conscious Desires and Unrecognized Needs

[00:21:27] “Welcome to the Black Parade” by My Chemical Romance

[00:26:23] Tips for writing lyrics with Conflicting Conscious Desires and Unrecognized Needs

[00:29:06] Everybody wants to be different, but nobody wants to change.


Links mentioned in this episode:

• “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor © Wb Music Corp., Sony/atv Melody, Easy Action Music
• “Welcome to the Black Parade” by My Chemical Romance © BLOW THE DOORS OFF CHICAGO

Visit ⁠⁠lyricmastery.com⁠⁠ for everything on storytelling in songwriting.

#30 - Write a song that shows a meaningful transformation of your song’s main character. Here's how you can do that.

Do you want to tell your audience about someone who had to change a part of who they are to get what they actually needed?

Does it interest you not only to write lyrics about external challenges but also to discover how those external challenges affect and change a person internally?

Are you fascinated by character arcs because you wanna see how a person has started out at one point in their life and what circumstances led to becoming a different person?

In today’s bite-sized episode, we’ll talk about three different areas that are at your disposal to show a meaningful change in how your song’s character thinks, acts, or is perceived by others and themselves.

We’ll do that by looking at internal content genres. 

What that means? 

Well, you’re about to find out.

Episode Overview:

[00:01:01] Stories are about change. But what kind?

[00:05:04] Internal Content Gerne - Definition

[00:07:44] The three Internal Genres

[00:08:53] Internal Genre: Status

[00:15:19] Internal Genre: Worldview

[00:19:29] Internal Genre: Morality

[00:24:28] Summary: Internal Content Genres


Links mentioned in this episode:

• “Stuck With Me” by Green Day – Stuck With Me lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
• Live Like You Were Dying lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc, Round Hill Music Big Loud Songs, BMG Rights Management

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#029 - Let's create a character for your song who does what's necessary to get what they want. And besides, we also figure out WHAT a character might want.

In a story, the main character actively pursues a goal, right?

I don’t think you’ve ever gone to the movies to watch someone sitting on the couch all day and doing nothing. We watch a story to follow a certain character in their journey of how they’re trying to achieve something, more precisely, a certain goal.

And when it comes to writing lyrics, your song’s character also needs to WANT something.

But how do you figure out what your character might be after? What is it they want?

If you have trouble finding an answer to that question, this podcast episode will give you some great insights on where you can look to easily find out some great possibilities of your character’s want. And the good thing is: we are talking about possibilities that have been proven in how they hook and engage the audience since there were stories. So it can’t get any better than that.

So let’s find out how we can easily figure out what our song’s character might want. So that we don’t create a character that’s sitting on the couch, never leaves his house, and does nothing. But someone who will do what’s necessary to get what they want.

Episode Overview:

[00:01:57] Recap: Universal Human Values

[00:04:16] External Content Genre

[00:06:22] Hierarchy of Needs

[00:08:13] What does your character WANT?

[00:10:22] Physiological Needs – Action Stories

[00:11:22] Safety Needs – Crime, War, Thriller, Horror, Western

[00:13:30] Love and Belonging - Love Story

[00:14:08] Esteem – Performance and Society Stories

[00:15:36] Now, why is it so important to know what your character wants?

[00:17:10] Don’t forget: Why do they want it?
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#028 -  Today we’ll do our third lyric study about the love story moment of the first kiss.

More specifically, we’ll talk a little more about the tension, and the anticipation BEFORE the first kiss happens. After all, that’s an incredible feeling to be moments away from that first kiss while the butterflies are rushing in roller coasters through your tummy.

But we also point out what can completely ruin that special moment. And you should be aware of avoiding that mistake in your own lyric writing. 

Wanna find out more about this?

Episode Overview:

[00:02:06] What you’ll learn in this episode

[00:03:31] “Shut Up and Kiss Me” by Mary Chapin Carpenter

[00:05:44] Step 1: Summary - What is the song about?

[00:11:39] Step 2: Observer - Who is the main character of the song?

[00:22:43] Step 3: Narration - Analyzing the storytelling craft.

[00:27:14] Analyzing the scene told in the song.

[00:29:54] The Change

[00:32:04] Writing Techniques

[00:38:10] Step 4: Gist - What is the message of the song?

[00:38:20] What we've learned from "Shut Up and Kiss Me"

[00:42:45] Song Exercise - The First Kiss


Links mentioned in this episode:

• Shut Up and Kiss Me lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group

Visit ⁠⁠lyricmastery.com⁠⁠ for everything on storytelling in songwriting.

#027 - Do you want to make it progressively worse for your song's character? Then find out how you can use progressive complications to develop your lyric verses.

Do you struggle with writing the second verse?

Do you have problems developing your song’s idea and creating an outline?

You might have already looked at some ways how to come up with ideas to overcome being stuck in writing the second verse.

Maybe you have tried to use Pat Pattison’s concept of the three boxes, but you still feel a little stuck.

In today’s episode, we talk about the song “Hero of War” by Rise Against to find out how using progressive complications can actually help you develop your idea, take it through the boxes, and write about something that will really make an impact.

Episode Overview:

[00:01:19] Recap: The Three Boxes & The Five Commandments of Storytelling

[00:01:51] Development Engine – 3 Boxes

[00:03:09] Five Commandments of Storytelling

[00:03:48] Do we need to state every commandment in lyrics?

[00:05:16] “Hero of War” by Rise Against

[00:07:51] The Five Commandments for “Hero of War”

[00:10:12] Progressive Complications in “Hero of War”

[00:17:22] Progressive Complications – Summary

[00:18:59] Progressive Complications and the 3 Boxes

• Hero of War lyrics © Sony/atv Tunes Llc, Do It To Win Music
• Progressive Complications - Article on the Story Grid Website

Visit ⁠⁠lyricmastery.com⁠⁠ for everything on storytelling in songwriting.

#026 - Use Pat Pattison's Development Engine and the 5 Commandments of Storytelling and develop your lyric idea.

Today we talk about how you can actually develop your lyric idea into an outline. That means no more struggles with what to put in the first verse or the dreaded second verse!

You might already be familiar with Pat Pattison’s approach. He’s calling it “Your Development Engine” by using boxes that are different in size. Even if you haven’t heard of his approach yet, and you’ll wonder what I mean by boxes in various sizes, I’ll give you a quick introduction to that concept in a couple of minutes.

And then, after learning about Pat’s approach, we’ll then expand that established concept with another storytelling concept to help you better flesh out the idea you have for your lyrics.

So if you struggle with not knowing how to put your idea into an outline, this episode is for you.

P.S. Check the show notes and download your free work- and cheatsheet!

Episode Overview:

[00:01:32] Why Storytelling Matters in Songwriting

[00:03:34] Introduction to Pattison’s Boxes

[00:04:03] Productive Repetition

[00:05:36] Development Engine – BOXES

[00:07:51] Verse Development

[00:11:22] The Story Grid’s 5 Commandments of Storytelling

[00:13:41] 5 Commandments in a chronologically told story in a song

[00:14:42] Commandment #1: Inciting Incident

[00:16:26] Commandment #2: The Turning Point Progressive Complication

[00:19:05] Commandment #3: Crisis

[00:20:32] Commandment #4: Climax

[00:20:56] Commandment #5: Resolution

[00:21:12] Verse Development by using the five commandments of storytelling

[00:22:49] “I’m A Believer” and the five commandments

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Coursera Songwriting Course with Pat Pattison

Visit ⁠⁠lyricmastery.com⁠⁠ for everything on storytelling in songwriting.

#025 - Outline your lyric's idea by using six crucial questions and combine them with the Story Grid Diorama Model.

Today we talk about a songwriter’s six best friends.

You might have already heard about the term: Songwriter’s Six Best Friends in the book “Writing Better Lyrics” by Pat Pattison or in one of his courses.

But today, we want to make his concept more practical. We want to use a specific model that will help us visualize our six best friends.

At the end of today’s episode, you’ll be much clearer in how you can put your six best friends to use without wondering how it might all fit together.

You’ll get the glue delivered in this episode. So let’s go.

P.S. Check the show notes for your free work- and cheatsheet!


Episode Overview:

[00:01:35] A Songwriter’s Six Best Friends

[00:02:34] Lyric Writing: Who

[00:05:15] Lyric Writing: What

[00:06:26] Lyric Writing: When

[00:08:00] Lyric Writing: Where

[00:09:21] Lyric Writing: Why & How

[00:10:30] Story Grid Diorama Model

[00:14:55] Diorama Model & Six best Friends

[00:17:32] Preview


Links mentioned in this episode:

• Story Grid Trinity Seminar

• Pat Pattison: Writing Better Lyrics

Visit ⁠⁠lyricmastery.com⁠⁠ for everything on storytelling in songwriting.

#024 - Do you want to write a great love song about the first kiss? Get inspired by using love story conventions to get your listeners into the mood.

Today we’ll do our second lyric study about the love story moment of the first kiss. And we’ll use the song “Rumor” by Lee Brice as today’s example to find out how you can pull it off to write about that special and exciting moment when two persons who are attracted to each other are about to share their first kiss.

And by studying the lyrics of this song, you’ll discover ...

• how you can use multiple love story conventions in a song without getting over the top
• and when it’s better to leave your story unresolved and end with a cliffhanger not to steal the spotlight from your song’s central idea.

Sound good?

So let’s get started.

Episode Overview:

[00:01:21] The S.O.N.G. Framework

[00:02:25] “Rumor” by Lee Brice

[00:04:43] 1. Summary (About)

[00:17:27] 2. Observer

[00:22:55] 3. Narration

[00:28:02] Analyzing the scene told in the song.

[00:36:16] Change

[00:38:18] Writing Techniques

[00:47:59] What we’ve learned from Rumor by Lee Brice

[00:50:30] Song Exercise - The First Kiss


Links mentioned in this episode:

• Rumor lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Visit ⁠⁠lyricmastery.com⁠⁠ for everything on storytelling in songwriting.

#023 - Not in the mood to write another song about love? Get inspired by other great topics to write about.

Let me ask you this:

Have you ever wondered if there’s anything other than writing a love song? 

It seems every second song seems to be about love. So there’s a huge demand for love stories. 

But still, can’t we write about something else for once?

But what else is there?

• How can we define some other options of things to write about?
• Where do we start? How can we come up with interesting ideas that really interest people?
• Are there some overall possibilities we could use, like some overall categories that can inspire us to know what to write about?

Today’s bite-sized episode will give you the answer, and I’ll include song examples that help you see each of those different topic versions applied.


Episode Overview:

[00:01:28] Recap of Crucial Components of Storytelling

[00:03:00] Universal Human Values in Stories

[00:06:08] Love Spectrum

[00:07:18] Life and Death Spectrum

[00:11:13] Story Example: Gladiator

[00:13:56] Crucial Components in a Love Story

[00:16:47] Lyric topic ideas by looking at different Story Content Genres

[00:18:03] Action 

[00:18:35] Crime

[00:19:20] Horror

[00:19:51] War

[00:20:24] Thriller

[00:20:57] Western

[00:21:07] Society

[00:21:30] Performance

[00:21:56] Summary of what we’ve learned about external content genres and universal human values

Visit ⁠⁠lyricmastery.com⁠⁠ for everything on storytelling in songwriting.

#022 - The Most Important Element of a Story that Works – How to Show a Change between Beginning and Ending.

Honestly, you’re about to learn about one of the most important aspects that decide if you have a story or if it’s just a sequence of events where nothing happens at all. 

You might already know what I mean: Stories are about change. 

In each episode, I’m saying, “Stories are about change. Stories are about change.”

But what does “Change” actually mean?

• How can we end differently than we started?
• How can we show how our plot progresses?
• And how can we keep listeners engaged?

Well, in today’s bite-sized episode, you’ll discover how you can use that crucial element of storytelling for writing more captivating lyrics.

Are you ready?

Let’s get started.

Episode Overview:

[00:01:29] Recap of what we've learned so far

[00:02:27] Change in Stories

[00:03:37] What is a plot?

[00:06:20] Beginning - CHANGE - Ending

[00:09:21] Story Example: The Lion King

[00:12:10] Song Examples that Show Change

[00:12:18] “I’m A Believer” by The Monkees

[00:13:01] “Love Again” by Dua Lipa

[00:14:21] “Good Riddance / Time of Your Life” by Green Day

[00:15:05] “I’d Do Anything for Love” by Meat Loaf

[00:16:23] “You Asked for This” by Halsey

[00:17:19] “To Be Loved” by Adele

[00:18:32] Summary and Outro


Links mentioned in this episode:

• Song Exploder: https://songexploder.net/dua-lipa
• “I’m A Believer” – The Monkees – © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
• “Love Again” – Dua Lipa – © Silver Fox Music Limited, Tap Music Publishing Ltd., Best Coffee In Town, Tomboy Music Limited
• “Good Riddance / Time of your Life” – Green Day – © W.b.m. Music Corp., Green Daze Music
• “I’d do Anything for Love” – Meat Loaf – © Edward B Marks Music Company, Marks Edward B. Music Corp., Edward B. Marks Music Co.
• “You Asked for This” – Halsey – © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group, Downtown Music Publishing
• “To Be Loved” – Adele – © Universal Music Publishing Group

Visit ⁠⁠lyricmastery.com⁠⁠ for everything on storytelling in songwriting.

#021 - No more struggles when you flesh out your lyric's idea.

Today we start with our first bite-sized episode to talk about one specific aspect of using the power of storytelling in writing lyrics.

Let me ask you this:

When it comes to finding ideas to write about, do you know how to turn that idea into lyrics? 

Do you know what components you actually need to turn that idea into an outline that will help you actually write the lines?

If you struggle with not knowing how to flesh out an idea, then this episode is for you.

We talk about the crucial components that you need to make your lyrics meaningful and to actually provide a takeaway for your listener. Those crucial components belong to the craft of storytelling. And they are amazing little helpers to help you transform your ideas into an outline for your song.

Does that sound like something you need to know more about?

Then today’s bite-sized episode is exactly what you need to listen to.

Episode Overview:

[00:01:34] Getting to know the Crucial Components of Storytelling

[00:02:59] Character

[00:03:22] Object of Desire / Want

[00:04:13] Increasing Obstacles

[00:04:48] Something must be at stake

[00:05:38] Make a Sacrifice

[00:07:04] External and Internal Change

[00:07:43] Message / Takeaway

[00:08:00] Red Notice - Crucial Components

[00:12:03] Crucial Components of a Story

[00:13:42] Crucial Components of Storytelling in Lyrics

[00:14:42] “I’m A Believer” by The Monkees

[00:19:33] Crucial Elements of Storytelling Summary


Links mentioned in this episode:
I'm A Believer lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group

Visit ⁠⁠lyricmastery.com⁠⁠ for everything on storytelling in songwriting.

#020 - Find out why change is better than repetition in writing the lyric's plot.

Today we’ll talk about Parachute’s song “Kiss Me Slowly.” This is the first song we analyze in the category of the love story moment of the First Kiss.

And you’re in for a surprise. 

The more we take that song apart, the more we discover why the lyrics actually confuse us and how we could have avoided that confusion. 

Not only that, but we also talk about three mistakes in writing lyrics that you should never make – especially if you want to use the power of storytelling to really empower your lyrics.

And I tell you one thing:

If you dread the second verse, there’s no need to worry anymore. Even the songwriters of this song struggled with the second verse. If you stick around to the end of the episode, I’ll give you some tips on how you could avoid writing a plot that does not progress and repeats itself.

Sound good?

Let's get started.

Here's what we cover:

[00:02:48] What you’ll learn in this episode

[00:05:05] "Kiss Me Slowly" by Parachute

[00:09:03] Step 1: Summary - What is the song about?

[00:28:30] Step 2: Observer - Who is the main character of the song?

[00:39:12] Step 3: Narration - Analyzing the storytelling craft.

[00:50:07] Analyzing the scene told in the song.

[00:59:13] The Change

[01:03:00] Writing Techniques

[01:11:55] Step 4: Gist - What is the message of the song?

[01:12:33] Songwriting Tips Summary

[01:14:07] Song Exercise - Confident Character


Links mentioned in this episode:
Kiss Me Slowly lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc

Visit ⁠⁠lyricmastery.com⁠⁠ for everything on storytelling in songwriting.

Love is the most amazing feeling of all that we can experience – and if your song shares a heart-melting kissing moment, you have an unforgettable tale at your hands…

But if romance isn’t your type of thing to write about, you’re probably worried about how you’d pull it off. You want your song to be emotional and meaningful, but not sappy and cliché. Sooner or later, you’ll end up having to explore love songs about kissing at least briefly to create dynamic and varied relationships between characters. 

But… even if you’re in a happy relationship, you might still be lost on how to convey romance authentically in your songs.

So the question is:

How can you get to the heart of what makes the lyrics about your song’s characters’ kissing exciting and transfer that onto paper?

How do you write kissing lyrics that will truly accelerate your listeners’ pulse without being on the nose, fall into clichés, or use the words that have been said a thousand times before? 

Today I show you how you can create intimacy between your lovers and write about their attraction for each other so that you can build up to the moment of their First Kiss and make them kiss in your lyrics.

If that sounds like something you need to know, this episode is for you.

Here's what we cover:
[00:00:00] What all songwriters need to know about writing lyrics about the first kiss

[00:01:49] Telling Stories in Songs

[00:05:52] Recap: Love Stories in Songs

[00:08:39] Recap: The lovers’ first meet scene

[00:13:36] The “first kiss or intimate connection” love story moment

[00:23:48] How do we create intimacy?

[00:26:17] Why is finding the right words for your love song so hard?

[00:27:25] Step 1: How to Write Attraction to build up to the moment of the First Kiss

[00:35:30] Step 2: How to Write about the First Kiss in your lyrics

[00:39:19] Preview: Next Stories in Songs episode

Visit ⁠⁠lyricmastery.com⁠⁠ for everything on storytelling in songwriting.

#018 - The Ultimate Guide To Writing Love Lyrics About The Lovers' First Encounter.

Do you want to write an original love song about the lovers' first encounter?

About that special moment when the possible future couple first lays eyes on each other?

But there are so many love songs out there and you don’t know what details to focus on and apply to your songwriting to find the best ways to write your original and innovative love song that will speak right to the heart of your listeners.

If that’s you, I’ve got great news for you.

Today’s episode, "15 Secrets Every Songwriter Must Know About Writing The Lyrics For A Lovers’ First Meet Scene." - is exactly what you're looking for!

It summarizes the 15 most helpful tips about writing the lovers’ first meet scene.

Those tips are the ultimate collection of what we’ve found out as we studied the lyrics of some wonderful songs about the lovers' first encounter in the last eight episodes.

Only by listening to this episode will you perfectly know what you need to focus on when writing about this kind of love song.

Additionally, you'll also learn about four different types of "Meet-Cute" scenes that we have not yet talked about to ignite your imagination.

I’ll also tell you about nine other love songs about the lovers’ first encounter that you can study to get even more inspired by different possible ways to write about that one love story must-have moment.

And I’ve got a big surprise for you at the end of this episode.

So if you want to be able to start working on your new original love song about the lovers’ first meet scene right away, then tune in to spark your imagination.

Here's what we cover:
[00:00:00] Discover the 15 secrets to writing the lyrics for the lovers' first meet scene.

[00:02:19] What can listening to the Stories in Songs Podcast do for you?

[00:06:43] Telling Stories in Songs

[00:08:01] Love Stories in Songs

[00:10:20] The lovers’ meet scene

[00:12:11] Option 1: Lovers First Meet Scene - Mutual attraction

[00:14:32] Option 2: Lovers First Meet Scene - Only one character is instantly attracted to the other one but the other character is disinterested

[00:16:27] Option 3: Lovers First Meet Scene - Mutually disinterested

[00:19:14] Option 4: Lovers First Meet Scene - Missing Courage to act or feeling too overwhelmed to act

[00:20:56] Advice for using those options for your songwriting

[00:23:01] 15 Tips for writing a lovers’ first meet scene in your song.

[00:52:23] More “Meet-Cute” Songs to study

[00:55:16] Preview: Next Stories in Songs episodes

Visit ⁠⁠lyricmastery.com⁠⁠ for everything on storytelling in songwriting.

#017 - One songwriting trick to help you use the most essential element of great storytelling to your songwriting advantage.

If you've been having a hard time finishing the lyrics of a song you're stuck in and being objective about your own material, then this podcast episode - "The Simplest Way to Start and Finish Song Lyrics that Mean Something! " - is exactly what you're looking for!

It shows you one songwriting trick to help you stay on topic in your lyrics and write something meaningful AND helps you figure out how you can use the most essential element of great storytelling to your songwriting advantage.

We will study the lyrics of Placebo’s song “Special K” to talk about this great songwriting trick. 

And furthermore, I will explain each question of each step of the S.O.N.G. framework that we use for discovering the storytelling power of lyrics to help you make better sense of why those questions not only help you improve your lyric writing skills, but also help you revise your lyrics, push them to a higher level, and discover your skills as a storyteller.

So if you want to know the easiest way to start and finish the lyrics of a song that uses the power of storytelling to deliver a message to your listeners, then listen to episode 17 of the Stories in Songs Podcast.

Here's what we cover:

[00:01:50] What you’ll learn in this episode

[00:04:23] "Special K" by Placebo

[00:07:13] Step 1: Summary - What is the song about?

[00:23:46] Step 2: Observer - Who is the main character of the song?

[00:37:24] Step 3: Narration - Analyzing the storytelling craft.

[00:43:56] Analyzing the scene told in the song.

[00:52:10] The Change

[01:00:36] Writing Techniques

[01:04:51] Step 4: Gist - What is the message of the song?

[01:10:11] Songwriting Tips Summary

[01:12:21] Song Exercise - The Lovers Meet

Visit ⁠⁠lyricmastery.com⁠⁠ for everything on storytelling in songwriting.

#016 - Insider’s guide to pushing album sales by ending the lyrics of a single release with a cliffhanger.

Do you want your songs to be heard?

Then I've got great news for you.

Here's what my new podcast episode can help you with:

If you've been having a hard time writing something that's never been said before ...

While trying to be relatable and make it interesting, new, credible and catchy ...

And you're trying to write song lyrics that make people want to listen to more of your songs, ...

Then this new podcast episode - "One Amazing Songwriting Trick to Increase Your Album's Streaming Numbers" - is exactly what you're looking for!

It shows you a successful song example to 

• understand how using the power of storytelling in songwriting will not only help you get your one song out there 
• but also make people want to listen to more of your songs 
• AND helps you figure out how you can write the lyrics for a single release that will help you to promote your album sales / streaming number.

Listen to the new episode and let me know what you think by leaving me a comment in the show notes!

Thank you, Melanie!

Here's what we cover:

[00:01:38] What you’ll learn in this episode

[00:04:08] "Middle of a Memory" by Cole Swindell

[00:07:14] Step 1: Summary - What is the song about?

[00:13:07] Step 2: Observer - Who is the main character of the song?

[00:20:15] Step 3: Narration - Analyzing the storytelling craft.

[00:24:48] Analyzing the scene told in the song.

[00:31:25] The Change

[00:33:53] Writing Techniques

[00:36:35] Step 4: Gist - What is the message of the song?

[00:38:30] Songwriting Tips Summary

[00:40:49] Song Exercise - The Lovers Meet


Middle of a Memory lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Round Hill Music Big Loud Songs

Visit ⁠⁠lyricmastery.com⁠⁠ for everything on storytelling in songwriting.

#015 - Find Out How To Stop Writing Fairytale Love Songs And Show A Darker Side Of Love In Your Lyrics.

Do you want to write a love song that is not about a happily ever after?

Are you fed up with fairytale love songs that always have a happy ending, but don't know how to go about showing how to dig a hole for your song's main character and letting them suffer?

After all, love is not all about butterflies.

Sometimes love hurts.

This new podcast episode will help you ...

Because it helps you figure out how you can tell a love story moment without its happy ending ...

But still, leave your audience with a glimpse of hope.

AND it will show you how your song's main character may get stuck in life, ...

And how you can get him out of that hole again without letting him get what his heart desires.

If that sounds like something you want to try out in your own songwriting, then tune in.

Here's what we cover:

[00:01:37] What you’ll learn in this episode

[00:04:59] "Heartache on the Dancefloor" by Jon Pardi

[00:07:47] Step 1: Summary - What is the song about?

[00:17:41] Step 2: Observer - Who is the main character of the song?

[00:23:14] Step 3: Narration - Analyzing the storytelling craft.

[00:25:46] Analyzing the scene told in the song.

[00:31:36] The Change

[00:33:39] Writing Techniques

[00:37:15] Step 4: Gist - What is the message of the song?

[00:41:48] Song Exercise - The Lovers Meet
Links mentioned in this episode:
Heartache on the Dance Floor lyrics © Wordspring Music Llc, Sony/atv Countryside, Blongsongs, Songs Of Song Factory, Rancho Fiesta Publishing, Wordspring Music, Llc

Visit ⁠⁠lyricmastery.com⁠⁠ for everything on storytelling in songwriting.

#014 - A Wonderful Way To Show The Change Of Your Song's Character - while letting love take on the role of the villain!

Do you want to make your listeners relate to your song's character's troubles?

But you don't know how to pull it off?

Are you looking for a way to show the personal development of your song's main character ...

especially, when you want to show the hardship your character had to go through ...

in order to become who they are today.

Great News!

This new podcast episode will help you ...

Because it shows you a wonderful way to show the change of your song's character while letting love take on the role of the villain!

And still, be writing a wonderful little love story.

Does that sound exciting?

If yes, then tune in to study the successful hit "I'm A Believer" by the Monkees with me!

Here's what we cover:

[00:01:18] What you’ll learn in this episode

[00:02:13] "I'm a Believer" by The Monkees

[00:04:50] Step 1: Summary - What is the song about?

[00:10:26] Step 2: Observer - Who is the main character of the song?

[00:15:08] Step 3: Narration - Analyzing the storytelling craft.

[00:17:21] Analyzing the scene told in the song.

[00:19:47] The Change

[00:20:56] Writing Techniques

[00:23:19] Step 4: Gist - What is the message of the song?

[00:24:37] How a first-person narration can hook your audience

[00:26:06] Song Exercise - The Lovers Meet


I'm A Believer lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group

Visit ⁠⁠lyricmastery.com⁠⁠ for everything on storytelling in songwriting.

#013  - Learn how to narrate a "Love At First Sight" moment in your lyrics while still keeping your listeners engaged.

Do you want to learn how to narrate a "Love At First Sight" moment in your lyrics?

But you struggle with not knowing how to keep your listeners engaged in your narration, especially if you want to include your audience in your first-person narration.

And maybe you’ve already been searching for song examples that show you how to pull it off?

Well, look no further. 

This episode is what you were looking for.

Because it gives you an example of how The Beatles pulled it off!

AND we use one of their famous songs "I Saw Her Standing There" ...

To find out how to use a love story moment and wrap it into a narration ...

... that addresses your listeners while still engaging them in what you have to say.

Then tune into this episode.

Here's what we cover:

1. What you’ll learn in this episode
2. "I Saw Her Standing There" by The Beatles
3. Step 1: Summary - What is the song about?
4. Step 2: Observer - Who is the main character of the song?
5. Step 3: Narration - Analyzing the storytelling craft.
6. Analyzing the scene told in the song.
7. The Change
8. Writing Techniques
9. Step 4: Gist - What is the message of the song?
10. Song Exercise - The Lovers Meet

I Saw Her Standing There lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Visit ⁠⁠⁠lyricmastery.com⁠⁠⁠ for everything on storytelling in songwriting.

#012 - The secret weapon every singer/songwriter needs right now to pull their audience into their song.

Do you want to write lyrics that have an enticing flavor?

But don't know how to go about study the lyrics of other love songs?

So that you know what other songwriters do to engage someone ...

... and make them feel the tension ...

... and the attraction of meeting someone special for the very first time ...

... that makes you fall so hard for that person ...

... that you think you're losing your mind?

If you struggle to make your audience feel the heat of the moment ...

Then I've got a great New Podcast Episode for you!

It will inspire you!

It will help you to engage your audience and make them feel like they are the character in your song!

And I will show you how to use the writing strategy of "Show, don't Tell" in your songwriting.

So join me and tune in!


Here's what we cover:
[00:01:30] What you’ll learn in this episode

[00:03:21] "Crazy for You" by Madonna

[00:06:10] Step 1: Summary - What is the song about?

[00:12:18] Step 2: Observer - Who is the main character of the song?

[00:16:40] Step 3: Narration - Analyzing the storytelling craft.

[00:20:50] Analyzing the scene told in the song.

[00:27:26] The Change

[00:29:52] Writing Techniques

[00:33:21] Step 4: Gist - What is the message of the song?

[00:35:32] Song Exercise - The Lovers Meet


Crazy for You lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc, Universal Music Publishing Group

Visit ⁠⁠⁠lyricmastery.com⁠⁠⁠ for everything on storytelling in songwriting.

#011 - How to avoid making your listeners feel left out.

Are you struggling with creating an emotional connection with your audience?

And you don't know how to go about learning some more songwriting techniques?

Well, today this is about to change.

In this episode, you will learn how to engage your listeners ...

And putting them in your song's character's shoes ...

AND I will show you exactly what you need to include in your lyrics so that your listeners root for your character.

Especially by avoiding three lyric writing mistakes that could cost you your audience’s engagement.

Sound good to you?

Then let’s get started.

Here's what we'll cover:

[00:01:18] The S.O.N.G Framework

[00:03:39] What you’ll learn in this episode

[00:04:22] "Ain't No Other Man" by Christina Aguilera

[00:07:37] Step 1: Summary - What is the song about?

[00:13:08] Step 2: Observer - Who is the main character of the song?

[00:19:56] Step 3: Narration - Analyzing the storytelling craft.

[00:26:00] Analyzing the scene told in the song.

[00:32:19] The Change

[00:35:51] Writing Techniques

[00:39:06] Step 4: Gist - What is the message of the song?

[00:40:41] Three Lyric Writing Mistakes That Could Cost You Your Audience’s Engagement

[00:42:55] Song Exercise - The Lovers Meet

Download the exercise here: storiesinsongs.com/podcast/episode-011

Ain't No Other Man lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Universal Music Publishing Group, BMG Rights Management, Reach Music Publishing

Visit ⁠⁠⁠lyricmastery.com⁠⁠⁠ for everything on storytelling in songwriting.

#010 -  Write A "Love at First Sight" Song Like The Pros And Create Catharsis

If you've been having a hard time beating writer's block...

And you need to write a captivating love song ...

Then this new podcast episode - "How To Write A "Love at First Sight" Song" - is exactly what you're looking for!

It helps you to study the storytelling aspect of lyrics ...

And how you can use a song as an inspiration to write your own unique lyrics ...

AND it shows you exactly what you need to include in your lyrics to create an emotional reaction in your audience.

PS - Seriously, if you want results, this shows you exactly what you need to include in your lyrics to create an emotional reaction in your audience!

Here's what we cover:
[00:03:05] The S.O.N.G Framework

[00:04:29] Why you should learn how to tell stories in songs

[00:06:24] What is a love story

[00:09:01] Moment 1 - The lovers meet

[00:12:12] "Sold (The Grundy County Auction Incident)" by John Michael Montgomery

[00:16:22] Step 1: Summary

[00:23:21] Step 2: Observer

[00:27:32] Step 3: Narration

[00:31:16] Analyzing the scene told in the song.

[00:39:04] The Change

[00:43:37] Writing Techniques

[00:46:00] Step 4: Gist

[00:48:17] Song Exercise - The Lovers Meet

Download the exercise: storiesinsongs.com/podcast/episode-010

Sold (The Grundy County Auction Incident) lyrics © Broadminded Music, Robroy West Music, Of Music, Robroy Music, Criterion Music Corp. Obo Of Music

Visit ⁠⁠⁠lyricmastery.com⁠⁠⁠ for everything on storytelling in songwriting.

#009 -  What If You Had The Ability To Know How To Write An Evergreen?
 
A song that would resonate with your audience, hook them from the first line, and which you could then use to skyrocket your album sales and get more fans?

If that’s something you’re interested in, listen to this podcast episode to find out how this show can help you improve your lyric writing.

Here's what we cover:

[00:03:07] - What If You Had The Ability To Know How To Write An Evergreen?

[00:04:30] - Introduction to the podcast host: Melanie Naumann

[00:06:23] - Melanie's story

[00:12:25] - Proof that storytelling matters in songwriting

[00:16:51] - How can you benefit from listening to this podcast?

[00:20:44] - Preview of what you can expect from the Stories in Songs Podcast

Visit ⁠⁠⁠lyricmastery.com⁠⁠⁠ for everything on storytelling in songwriting.

#008 -  Here’s What You Don’t Know About Songwriting That Could Revolutionize your Lyrics. Interview with A Minute for Manny about Storytelling in Songs

This episode is for you when you want to know the simple way to make your songs meaningful to your audience without giving in to popular demand.

A Minute for Manny, singer-songwriter, and guitarist, talks about how he approaches songwriting and what it has to do with showing both sides of the same coin. He reveals what The Sandman by Neil Gaiman taught him so that he could write better lyrics.

This episode is about his journey of becoming a musician, what it takes, what he learned along the way, and what influenced him the most.

And you'll also find out what a Disney song as well as "Hallowed Be Thy Name" by Iron Maiden have in common.

And why he considers music to be the pinnacle of storytelling.

So tune in.

Here's what we cover:

[00:01:12] - How A Minute for Manny got into music by filling someone else’s shoes.

[00:07:30] - “I still have the metalhead blood flowing through my veins”

[00:08:15] - How writing a pop song started as a joke.

[00:10:16] - Flipping the coin in songwriting

[00:12:23] - Quitting a day job to go busking in small towns

[00:19:00] - Recording “They Say”

[00:20:50] - A song a day challenge - over 100 songs written in 100 days

[00:27:31] - "Music can be the pinnacle of storytelling"

[00:30:30] - How Iron Maiden and a Disney Song made an impact

[00:33:50] - Everything changed with Bruce Springsteen

[00:36:33] - How to make a song meaningful?

[00:40:57] - The Sandman by Neil Gaiman and what it teaches songwriters

[00:49:32] - Cast your own songwriter group. Who will be in It


Links mentioned in this episode:

• MannyG (A Minute for Manny) on Soundcloud
• A Minute for Manny on Spotify
• A Minute for Manny on Instagram
• Tunnel of Love by A Minute for Manny
• Simple Man by Lynyrd Skynyrd
• Hallowed Be Thy Name by Iron Maiden
• Treasure Planet Movie
• Treasure Planet Song I'm Still Here
• Blinded by the Light Movie
• Western Stars Bruce Springsteen
• The Sandman by Neil Gaiman

Visit ⁠⁠⁠lyricmastery.com⁠⁠⁠ for everything on storytelling in songwriting.

#007 - How to write an amazing, heartbreaking love song so that you take your audience with you back into a moment in time when they had to get over a breakup.

We’ll do that by analyzing one song of an aspiring songwriter and musician called A Minute for Manny. We’ll play his song in full and talk about the lyrics as well as about the theme of his song, and the craft of storytelling that he used to be able to write his heartbreaking love song: “Last Goodbye”.

And he will take us on his emotional journey and reveal what it takes to come to terms with the new situation and to get out of one’s misery.

A song about hope and pain

If you get the lyrics for this kind of song right, then you give your listeners hope that it is indeed possible to move on, and you provide them with the strength for it.

They will look at you and the hardship you had to go through, and they will find someone in you who can relate to their heartache and who understands their pain.

And this sense that there’s someone else out there who had to go through a terrible breakup as well will empower them to gather their strength and start moving on, too.

Those listeners will become your fans because you’ve helped them through one of the saddest and most challenging moments of their lives. They will be entirely grateful to you to have given them this strength to get back on their feet.

And writing a powerful heartbreaking song that helps someone get over a failed relationship is what you’ll learn in this episode.

You will discover the three most important things to watch out for when writing a song like this.

You will know the 10 questions you need to ask yourself about your song to find out how strong the lyrics are to truly make an impact.

Here's what we cover:

[00:00:00] - Introduction to the episode

[00:02:59] - Introducing: A Minute for Manny

[00:04:15] - "Last Goodbye" by A Minute for Manny

[00:08:35] - My initial observation after listening to the song

[00:10:02] - How to analyze the lyrics of a song? Step 1: Which problem faces the character in the song?

[00:15:01] - Step 2 - The unexpected event

[00:22:31] - Step 3 - The lyrics in detail

[00:26:52] - 10 questions to determine the strength of the lyrics

[00:40:36] - How to write a heartbreaking love song - Summary.

Links mentioned in this episode:

• MannyG (A Minute for Manny) on Soundcloud
• A Minute for Manny on Spotify
• A Minute for Manny on Instagram

Visit ⁠⁠⁠lyricmastery.com⁠⁠⁠ for everything on storytelling in songwriting.

#006 - Get inspired by the six most anticipated moments of every love story and use them to write powerful love songs.

It might bore you to write another love song because everything has been said already. But has it?

I want you to know you don’t need to feel intimidated by the big evergreens like I’d Do Anything for Love, I don’t wanna miss a thing, or I want to know what love is.

It might surprise you that when we tell someone a love story, there’s much more to that story than two people confessing their love to each other and living happily ever after, or, as we all know it: when they go through a breakup.

So I invite you to join me in this episode to get inspired about the six most important moments every great love story needs. I’ll provide you with lots of examples on the way.

And I promise you, those moments will provide you with lots of inspiration and ideas that you can start writing new and innovative love songs today.

Here's what we cover:

[00:00:00] - Introduction to the episode

[00:01:43] - What’s a love story?

[00:04:10] - Moments of a love story

[00:09:10] - Moment 1: The lovers meet

[00:14:04] - Moment 2: First Kiss or Intimate Connection

[00:18:12] - Moment 3 - The Confession of Love

[00:22:16] - Moment 4 - The Breakup & 8 Stages of going through a breakup

[00:29:33] - Moment 5 - The Proof of Love

[00:32:54] - Moment 6 - Lover’s reunite

[00:36:08] - What's coming next?

Visit ⁠⁠⁠lyricmastery.com⁠⁠⁠ for everything on storytelling in songwriting.

#005 - Today I want to talk with you about a problem many of us have to face at one point or another: How the heck can we finish the lyrics of a song we’re struggling with? 

After all, if that song would not be important to you, you wouldn’t worry that much about finding the right words. You would just get it out there and move on.

But you want to finish the job yourself because that is your song.

But how?

In this episode, I will give you a 3-Step Action Plan with an exercise at the end of each step so that you find your inspiration, motivation as well as a clear picture of what you want to express in your song. 

And I also have a surprise for you at the end of this podcast episode. It’s like a reward for you if you manage to finish writing this song you’re struggling with. And it will help you see how strong the lyrics of your songs are. So stick around to hear more about this amazing and FREE offer.

Here's what we cover:

[00:00:00] - Introduction to the episode

[00:02:16] - Step 1 - Identifying the Problem

[00:06:29] - Your purpose as an artist and creator

[00:08:30] - Step 2 - The problem the character in your song faces

[00:11:42] - The idea behind your song. And the need for conflict. (Example: Eminem: Sing for the Moment)

[00:22:44] - Step 3 - One Sentence to give you clarity about what you want to write about.

[00:32:09] - End of episode

Visit ⁠⁠⁠lyricmastery.com⁠⁠⁠ for everything on storytelling in songwriting.

#004 - Don't wanna compete in a staring contest with that blank sheet of paper and wonder how to begin writing a song? I'll show you a method as well as three different types of beginnings that will spark your imagination.

Today we attack that nagging, frustrating feeling of sitting in front of an empty paper and not being able to make the pen start writing. Today, we want to beat that blank white sheet of paper.

So if you want to start with a new song and wonder if you have what it takes to come up with the lines that truly matter to someone, this episode is for you. After all, you have something to say and you ought to be able to share your message with others in order to make a positive impact in their lives.

So here’s what we can do.

First, I’ll show you why it’s so important to trust the person you are and the power you have inside of you.

Secondly, I’ll help you find a way to focus on one single thing that could spark your imagination and inspire you to start writing. That will burn inside of you. We’ll ignite that fire. That passion. That sense of urgency and need to get it out of your system.

And thirdly, I’ll give you three different types of beginnings that you can use to start filling that blank sheet of paper with words. This won’t be a staring contest anymore. And you know how it ends. No matter how long you stare at that sheet of paper, you’ll always lose. Except for if your computer intervenes and the screensaver goes on. But with those three types of beginnings, you’d be able to just make that paper yours. It’s not your enemy. It’s your friend.

[00:00:00] - Introduction to the episode

[00:03:34] - The power inside of you

[00:07:58] - Write about what inspires/drives you

[00:18:43] - The beginning and setting up expectations

[00:22:20] - Three types of beginning the lyrics of a song

[00:23:45] - Action Beginning

[00:25:42] - Narrative Beginning

[00:27:27] - Setting Beginning

[00:30:24] - How to begin a Love song

Visit ⁠⁠⁠lyricmastery.com⁠⁠⁠ for everything on storytelling in songwriting.

#003 - Learn the basics components you need for telling a powerful story or a captivating incident in your song.

I give you three specific things that you can do in your songwriting right now to help you hook your listeners and to keep them engaged in the lyrics.

You might wonder: Why is storytelling so important for songwriting? Why do we need to tell a story or part of a story in a song at all?

The short answer: If you want to reach more people and increase the sales of your next album, then this is what you should do beyond the aspect of music, composition, and melody.

So there’s a lot of ground to cover today, but at the end of this episode, you’ll have a better understanding of what the main ingredients are that you need for telling a story.

Here's what we cover:

[00:00:00] - Introduction to the episode

[00:03:55] - Songwriting meets the Story Grid, + Who is Melanie?

[00:07:06] - What do we need in order to tell a story?

[00:07:50] - Problem

[00:11:23] - Character

[00:14:40] - The goal and what's at stake?

[00:17:34] - An unexpected surprise

[00:21:32] - The dilemma and the crisis situation

[00:25:06] - Is the problem resolved at the ending?

[00:28:30] - Wrap up & 3 Tools

[00:31:44] - Cautionary or prescriptive tale?

Visit ⁠⁠⁠lyricmastery.com⁠⁠⁠ for everything on storytelling in songwriting.

#002 - Do you wonder if it’s necessary to express a kind of deeper meaning in a song? Does there need to be a takeaway for the listener? Let's find it out in this episode.

Do you want your songs to have a meaningful message for your listeners?

But you do not know if you’re on the right track, how you can achieve it or how to tell if there’s already a takeaway for your listener in the song you just wrote? 

Isn’t it enough to have a catchy melody and let everyone hit the dance floor?

Sometimes that’s cool, but if you want your song to resonate with your listeners and to be unforgettable, you need to incorporate something that your listener can learn from or relate to.

In this episode, I will show you a method of how to find out if your song is a cautionary tale meaning it’s expressing something your listeners should avoid or a prescriptive tale that offers guidance to achieve something they want. 

And in this episode, I’ll also tell you exactly which one, cautionary or prescriptive, is the one you should aim for and why. 

Here's what we cover:

[00:00:00] - Introduction to the episode

[00:03:05] - Defining what we mean by a 'message' or a central idea in a song. We look at the definition of Jack Perricone and Robert McKee.

[00:05:42] - Examples of Messages in songs and why not every song with a message resonates with us.

[00:09:04] - How can you include a message in a song?

[00:13:22] - Example #1 – ›Nothing else Matters‹ by Metallica

[00:16:18] - Example #2 – ›The Rose‹ by Bette Midler - You can even have two messages in a song.

[00:18:59] - Example #3 – ›I’d do anything for love‹ by Meatloaf

[00:21:01] - Songs can save lives

[00:23:24] - Why are prescriptive tales the ones we love the most?

Visit ⁠⁠⁠lyricmastery.com⁠⁠⁠ for everything on storytelling in songwriting.

#001 - If you wonder if lyrics still play an important part in songwriting, this episode is for you. 

This is the very first episode of the Stories in Songs podcast. And you get the answer to the question of why we should not neglect the art of capturing your listeners' attention through telling a story in a song.

Especially I talk about how you can turn your listeners into fans and how you can make your songs resonate with them. 

I also walk you through the amazing storytelling in My Chemical Romance's song 'Welcome to the Black Parade' that turned so many people into fans of MCR.

Lyrics are super important if you want to build a fan base. And in this episode, you'll find out why.

Here's what we cover:

[00:00:00] - Introduction to the episode

[00:01:19] - Is it a secret of how you can turn your listeners into fans? Or is it a craft?

[00:01:54] - Who is this podcast for?

[00:02:29] - The craft of storytelling and why it matters in songwriting.

[00:03:36] - Songs set expectations. And why you should deliver.

[00:06:03] - How one song of a band I had never heard of before turned me straight into a fan. Let's analyze the song 'Welcome to the Black Parade' and why it was so powerful.

[00:23:28] - Being a fan is great. Here's why it's so important for people to have something to connect to.

[00:24:27] - The purpose of this podcast is to turn your audience into fans by learning how to tell captivating stories.

Visit ⁠⁠⁠lyricmastery.com⁠⁠⁠ for everything on storytelling in songwriting.