how do I go about writing song lyrics?

Now archived: for some old examples (from 2010) of my inspirations behind songwriting (as per a short line + lengthy description), check my long since disbanded song idea of the week page.

If some basic songwriting advise is what you're looking for, I might be able to help you out here. I'd describe myself as a prolific songwriter, writing things pretty much everyday for the past few years. I used to wonder how all these artists I listened to went about writing their lyrics. As for me, I'd have the music layed down on my instrument and then often struggle to put words to it...

I then got into the habit of writing my thoughts into my MP3 player, phone, notebook, Nintendo DS, laptop, whatever it is I had at hand. Then I'd try to turn those feelings into a form of poetry/art. How I'd do this was I'd sort of hear the lyrics in my head as if they were being sung by someone else, i.e. a band that I could relate to. Of course, make these lyrics your own - you're basically expressing yourself.

I'd advise to avoid writing in the shoes of someone else though; as if you were that person. You don't want to be fake and all, but you can still write about the effects of a certain situation affecting you. Remember to see it through your own eyes/perspective. The ultimate goal is be yourself.

As for the ultimate songwriting question, ask yourself: "what's on my mind right now?" It's ideally best to try and speak your piece *in the moment*. That hasn't really been the case for me though, as I'm still hanging onto thoughts/ideas of past months and years. But that's been out of my hands as I've had no one to explore these songs with. Still, the words are written down so I can always come back to them; as I someday will; hopefully before I'm in my mid-20s, that is!

Also, forget about trying to please everyone else, conform to no one who'd go against the message you want to put across. Go by your personal instinct; (get to) know yourself; let loose your emotions; pour out your soul.

You should also think about the style/subject/audience. Who are you aiming this song at? Is it intended to be for just you and your friends/family, is it specifically written for a local gig (or generally for "local vibes"), or are you aiming for it to be universal; reaching out to potentially anyone/everyone in the world?

This is definitely something that grows with age and confidence as I started writing at the young age of 15, and it's taken years for me to be comfortable with how I write. I definitely advise listening to songs by all sorts of artists which you can relate to, perhaps songs you could see yourself covering on guitar/vox (or whatever instrument it is you play); perhaps not now but maybe in the forseeable future. This is a good way to form ideas and to build up your personal "songwriting vocabulary". Also be sure to check out music in other genres; you might find yourself being inspired by that too.

Hope that helps. Now go fucking show 'em what you're about!