#31 - Creating Conflict by Using a Character's Wants and Needs (+ WORKSHEET)

#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.