In this class, we’ll be discussing how to write pro-level lyrics! You'll learn to create compelling worlds and characters within your songs, how to write clever turns of phrase, and how to break away from your listener’s expectations in order to create something fresh and unique.

If you find that lyric writing is the hardest part of the songwriting process, if you’ve been writing for a while and feel like you’ve plateaued, or if you just want to learn some cool new techniques to use in your lyrics, this class will give you all you need to start writing amazing songs, whether you feel inspired or not.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

Point of View and Tense. Who is singing, who are they singing to, and when is your song taking place? We’ll answer these questions to figure out the Point of View and Tense of your song.

Character Voices. Characters can be hard to crack! We'll be discussing your lyric writing voice in order to discover how your characters think, act, and speak.

The 5 S's of Lyric Writing. You can take lyrics from good to great just by incorporating what I call The 5 S's of Lyric Writing: Simplicity, Story, Senses, Specifics, and Subtext.

Stresses, Beats, & Breaths. Writing lyrics before you write the music can leave you with mismatched words and melody, so we're going to figure out the line lengths and syllable count of your song. We'll even talk about what to emphasize and when to breathe!

Metaphor. Metaphor is one of the most useful, exciting tools to use in lyric writing! We'll dive into metaphor by comparing seemingly unrelated things in order to create interesting and unique imagery.

Expectations. When you listen to a song, you have certain expectations about the rhyme, story, and even the line lengths! Knowing what your listener expects is a wonderful starting point for either making them feel comfortable or breaking those expectations by doing something out of the box.

Clever Turns of Phrase. Some artists seem to come up with clever lyrics out of nowhere, but there is a method to the madness! We’ll be talking about how to create witty lyrics that stick with your listeners by using irony, contrast, and double meanings.

Word Sounds. Have you ever noticed that some words sound naturally pretty, while others feel harsh and abrasive - even without knowing the meanings? The way your words sound can be just as important as what you’re saying, so we’ll be exploring word sounds and sonic connections.

Rhetorical Devices. These are amazing tools to incorporate in your writing that can elevate your listener’s experience and add some spice to your songs!

Shelly Phelps

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