A basic tenet of strong lyric writing is “show—don’t tell.” Instead of stating how the singer feels, this technique uses action, details, and senses to bring the listener into the world of the song. While every song does not need to tell a story—and every line of lyric does not need to “show”—every song benefits by the inclusion of fresh and detailed imagery.
The article “10 Words to Avoid in Your Lyrics” from BMI.com, authored by Jason Blume, delves into the essential principle of lyric writing: “show—don’t tell.” This approach emphasizes using action, details, and senses to convey feelings and stories, rather than directly stating emotions.
It advises against the use of generic words such as “beautiful,” “handsome,” “sexy,” “nice,” “sweet,” “special,” “kind,” “angry,” “ugly,” and “sad,” arguing that replacing these with detailed imagery and descriptions can significantly enhance the effectiveness of lyrics.
For instance, rather than simply stating someone is beautiful, it’s more compelling to describe their warm brown eyes and crooked smile. This method not only sets lyrics apart but also enables listeners to vividly imagine and feel the emotions being conveyed, increasing the chances of engaging artists and decision-makers.
The article stresses the importance of revisiting and refining lyrics, encouraging writers to seek fresh and original images that remain conversational while steering clear of clichés.
Jason Blume, a seasoned songwriter and author, underscores the competitive edge detailed descriptions can provide in making music stand out.
This is well worth reading…
Source: 10 Words to Avoid in Your Lyrics | The Weekly | BMI.com
