Episode 3: Re-Write Me A Bob Dylan Song

32 min • 27 februari 2025

Welcome to the third episode of Write Me A Song: A Songwriting Podcast with Edward Randell and Olivia Rafferty! Thanks for joining us on this journey so far. Take a listen to this week’s songwriting challenge and don’t forget we’d love you to get involved too! Scroll down to read this week’s homework and the submission link.

🎵 Episode 3: Re-Write Me A Bob Dylan Song

This week Olivia challenges Edward to use the structure of an existing song to write something entirely new.

Listen to the episode to see how he gets on.

🎹 Your Songwriting Homework!

1. Choose a simple song. We recommend using the song Ed used in this episode, ‘Simple Twist of Fate’ by Bob Dylan. Or choose your own! We recommend something with a simple structure so it doesn’t get overly complicated.

2. Pick through the lyrics and start to change words here and there. Try to keep the original meter and rhyme scheme.

3. Now that your song is starting to tell a different story, change the melodies and chord progressions to help differentiate the song more. You’re getting further and further away from the original material now!

4. ‘Simple Twist of Fate’ optional constraint #1: add a B section

5. ‘Simple Twist of Fate’ optional constraint #2: keep the initial verses in 3rd person, and then make the final verse 1st person

6. Record a demo and send it in!

Upload your song to be featured on the podcast or newsletter below:

Share Your Work

📚 Episode References

📕 Steal Like An Artist by Austin Kleon

💻 Everything Is A Remix

🎶 The Tragically Hip - Bobcaygeon

🎶 Simple Twist of Fate - Bob Dylan

🎟️ Tickets for Olivia’s Album Release Show on 6th March

🎟️ Tickets for Edward’s String Quartet Show on 3rd April