Song Lyric Writing Mastery

Turn what you know into an opportunity and reach millions around the world.

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Created byBrent Halenkamp

Last updated 10/2024

English

What you'll learn

Write hit song lyrics with a collection of actionable functions, subfunctions, and modifiers
Create complex rhythms and melodies using a simple systematic process
Reverse-engineer any hit song lyric with ease
Interview your thoughts and experiences with tried-and-true journalism techniques

Course content

5 sections • 25 lectures • 1h 8m total length

Course Introduction0:45
Begin your song lyric writing mastery by building a solid foundation through the thought draft in the r&d w slots and the hidden meaning equation, following the course in order.

Thought Draft Overview0:44
Learn to interview your thoughts and experiences, focus on pivotal memories, filter white noise, and analyze and condense the thought draft for the hidden meaning equation.
Goals and Considerations1:11
Explore how dilemma and adversity shape engaging song lyrics, and how solution-based writing guides listeners toward hopeful outcomes, with underdog leaders inspiring fans during tough times.
Thought Draft: Key Terms Overview0:42
Explore key terms and interviewing tools, including probing questions and the five Ws. Create an anchor word list, craft metaphors and metaphor seeds, and organize thoughts around setting and norms.
Interviewing Tools Pt 1: Probing Questions and The 5W's3:55
Explore interviewing tools for lyric writing: balance statements and questions, use probing questions and the five Ws and how to elicit vivid details and authentic thought drafts.
Interviewing Tools Pt 2: Normally, Now - Opposites - I wish, what if1:49
Learn interviewing tools for lyric writing by contrasting past and present states, and using I wish and what if prompts to bridge experiences with your current dilemma.
Analysis Draft Pt1: Core Dilemma & Stakeholder Reaction, Anchor Word List2:35
Identify the core dilemma and stakeholder reaction from the thought draft, build an anchor word list of power words and mood words, then write a metaphor and condense the thought.
Analysis Draft Pt 2: Writing Metaphors2:31
Break down metaphor writing by mapping your personal thought draft (a) to external details (b) from the outside world. Remove like, swap a with metaphorical be for vivid lyrics.
Analysis Draft Pt 3: Condensed Thought Draft1:30
Condense the thought draft by organizing and summarizing into shorter sentences or bullets, left-aligned, and tie it to analysis, interview orientation, core dilemma and stakeholder reaction, and power words.

R.M.V.W. Slots Overview0:32
Explore the R&B slots overview and map rhythm, melody, vowels, and words into lyric templates, starting with lyrics and vocals before addressing instrumentation.
Rhythm Slots7:03
Explore rhythm slots, syllable placement, and offbeat syncopation with 16th notes on a Cubase mini grid to build melody notes, pitch, and duration.
Melody Slots3:38
learn how to craft a melody by fitting pitches into rhythm slots, considering key and mood, then align note durations and vowels, explore harmonies and cross-song motifs to spark ideas.
Vowel Slots2:08
Discover how to use vowel slots by finding the anchor bell and anchor vowel, then add vowels one at a time to align accents with the instrumental.
Word Slots1:35
Explore word slots and anchor words in song lyric crafting, linking accented vowels and anchor links through functions, sub-functions, and modifiers to reveal the hidden meaning equation.

Hidden Meaning Equation Overview0:52
Explore the hidden meaning equation by examining functions and sub functions in modifiers, transforming your thought draft into lyric form, or building from anchor words to craft songs.
IMPLIED MEANING, FUNCTIONS, AND SUBFUNCTIONS OVERVIEW1:07
Grasp implied meaning as hinted, not stated, in lyrics, and use the framework of functions and sub functions in modifiers—additive, subtractive, and interchange—to connect words.
Functions5:19
Explore additive, subtractive, and interchange functions to craft lyrics by filling anchor word lengths with vowels, shifting rhythm, and avoiding clichés through thought drafts and implied meaning.
Subfunctions8:25
Explore subfunctions in lyric writing, including the four watts and five Ws, to build implied meaning with modifiers and anchor words for richer lines.
MODIFIERS9:40
Explore how modifiers reshape lyric meaning by adjusting degree and nature of properties, swapping objects and subjects, and changing point of view to deepen imagery.
HME APPLIED PT1: (SOMETHING REAL)2:28
Identify the core dilemma and stakeholder reactions from the Thor draft, then apply thought drafts, word banks, and anchor words to build R&B W slots with pattern breaks and modifiers.
HME APPLIED PT2: (SOMETHING REAL)4:04
Apply the hidden meaning equation to lyric writing by using modifiers, syllable counts, and anchor links to craft lines like hit me with your kiss.

Final Touches: Functions of Life1:07
Explore functions of life as a macro perspective in lyric writing, weaving slang, life roles, and universal experiences into subliminal, escalated scenes reminiscent of an NCIS sequence.
FINAL TOUCHES: SECTIONS OF LYRICS1:05
Master the sections of lyrics by ensuring a logical flow, using parenthetical draft details beside lines, guiding missing lines, and tethering transitions to the first chorus.
Final Touches: Interview Orientation3:32
Learn to orient interview tools around intimate moments, internal and external forces, and the setting of people, places, and things, using a song example to map tone and outcomes.
CONGRADULATIONS!!!0:24
Celebrate completing the course and reflect on your progress in song lyric writing mastery. Thank you for your time, and best wishes for your future endeavors.

Requirements

No prior knowledge of songwriting needed

Description

Unlock Your Song Lyric Writing Potential: Craft Timeless Lyrics, accompanied by tasteful Melodies, and interestign Rhythms

Discover the secrets to crafting captivating song lyrics, mesmerizing melodies, and syncopated rhythms in this comprehensive songwriting and lyric writing course. Uncover lesser-known songwriting tools and techniques that will elevate your compositions to new heights.

Our course is divided into three key sections:

1. Fundamentals of Lyric Writing: Learn the core principles of songwriting, drawing inspiration from journalism and interview techniques.

2. Mastering Vocal Toplines: Develop a systematic approach to creating vocal toplines with the R.M.V.W. Slots (Rhythm, Melody, Vowels, and Words), guiding you step by step.

3. Deep Dive into Song Structure: Explore the intricate functions, sub-functions, and modifiers that shape every lyric, giving you a deeper understanding of song composition.

What You'll Gain from this Course:

- Unique methods from a seasoned musician with 23 years of writing experience and a history of performing with national acts.

- Over 20 concise lectures revealing the closely-guarded writing secrets of renowned artists.

- Step-by-step instructions suitable for all writing styles and genres, including Pop, Country, Rap, Rock, and Metal.

- Learn to transform basic sentences into captivating, metaphorical lyrics filled with hidden meaning.

- Acquire journalism tools and interview techniques for mining your authentic thoughts and experiences.

- Clear and concise PowerPoint presentations featuring rhythm, melody, and lyric crafting diagrams.

- A versatile Drumline rhythm writing process applicable to both vocals and instrumentation.

- Master the art of melody writing, from the fundamentals to more complex compositions.

- Incorporate stand-up comedy techniques to enhance your lyric writing skills.

Discover the magic of juxtaposing unrelated subjects, re-contextualizing details, and playing with language to convey your unique perspective in your songs. Great song lyrics thrive on suggestion and informality.

Join us in this transformative course and unlock your songwriting potential. Bid farewell to creative blocks and clichés as you embark on a journey to create original and memorable music.

Your instructor has been a dedicated student of music and has conducted extensive case studies on successful artists. They are committed to helping you break through creative barriers and bring your musical vision to life.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to revolutionize your songwriting journey. Enroll now for an enriching experience!"

Who this course is for:

Aspiring songwriters of any skill level who want to learn a unique, efficient, and repeatable songwriting process.