Every now and then, wisdom from outside the world of music echoes perfectly within it. I was recently reminded of one such gem from George Orwell (yes, the same Orwell who gave us 1984 and Animal Farm). He once wrote:
“A scrupulous writer, in every sentence that he writes, will ask himself at least four questions, thus:
What am I trying to say?
What words will express it?
What image or idiom will make it clearer?
Is this image fresh enough to have an effect?
And he will probably ask himself two more:
Could I put it more shortly?
Have I said anything that is avoidably ugly?”
Powerful stuff. But what struck me most was how seamlessly this advice translates into the world of songwriting.
In fact, I believe every songwriter—no matter the genre, style, or level of experience—can use a variation of Orwell’s quote as a personal editing compass. Here’s how I’ve adapted it:
“A scrupulous songwriter, in every lyric they craft, will ask themselves at least four questions, thus:
- What am I really trying to say with this line or verse?
- What words or phrases will capture that feeling or idea best?
- What image, metaphor, or hook will make it resonate more deeply?
- Is this image or phrasing vivid and original enough to move the listener?
And they’ll likely ask themselves two more:
- Could I express this more simply, or more musically?
- Have I used any clunky or awkward lyrics that could be more elegant or evocative?”
Let’s Break This Down
1. What am I really trying to say?
This is the heartbeat of the lyric. If you don’t know what you’re trying to say, the listener won’t either. Start with intent. Start with why this song exists.
2. What words or phrases will capture that feeling or idea best?
Be precise. Avoid filler. Each word should serve your emotion, your message, or your melody. If a phrase doesn’t feel essential, it probably isn’t.
3. What image, metaphor, or hook will make it resonate?
Songwriting isn’t just storytelling—it’s emotional architecture. The right metaphor or visual cue can open up entire worlds inside the listener. Lean into imagery that paints, not just explains.
4. Is this image fresh enough to have an effect?
Cliché is the enemy of connection. Dig deeper than the surface. Fresh language doesn’t mean complex—it just means alive, surprising, and sincere.
5. Could I express this more simply, or more musically?
Remember: your lyrics will be sung, not just read. Edit with the ear as much as the eye. Sometimes cutting a word or simplifying a line unlocks a stronger rhythm, a smoother flow.
6. Have I used any clunky or awkward lyrics?
Even a great idea can stumble if the phrasing is awkward. Read it out loud. Sing it. Does it flow? Does it sing well? Would you say that line in real life?
Why This Matters
We’re not just writing words—we’re crafting experiences. And the difference between a good song and a great one often comes down to the scrupulous editing phase. It’s the songwriter’s equivalent of chiseling marble until David emerges from the stone.
By internalizing this checklist, your lyric-writing process will become more intentional, and your songs more impactful. Orwell may have never written a song, but his clarity-first mindset is something every songwriter should carry into their creative process.
Now It’s Your Turn
Next time you write a lyric, put it through the Orwellian filter. Ask the six questions. What stays? What changes? What becomes stronger?
The truth is, songwriting isn’t just art, it’s editing in disguise.
