Any tips on writing lyrics?

Hi guys, as we have a lot of lyricist here on wikiloops have you any tips how to getting started? :)
I've tried several times to write something but that led maybe to 2-4 lines atmost. Often I have the feeling that my life is to unspectacular to say something about, I mean I really don't want to talk about my procrastination in college or anything haha
How did you get to the point where writing becomes natural and easy? :)

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Hi eothen :)

Actually, subjects like procrastination, boredom, lack of inspiration and all those negative feelings can make really good lyrics. But before that you need to know the style of music you're aiming at. Jolly, happy, upbeat lyrics can be quite minimal and repetitive so that listeners can join in. Many commercial songs are successful with just a couple of lines.

If you want to write something more 'poetic' be careful, listeners don't always 'get' your message if it's wrapped up in challenging words and concepts. If I want to use creative writing, I find it doesn't work so well when sung... so I tend to use narration :)

Just my opinion, maybe someone else can speak from their perspective.

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There was a time in my life where I spent most of my energies on music and writing, the more you do it the better you will get, so just start and stay with it. I used to write about all sorts of stuff, but a good friend who was older and wiser told me to stop **** about and write things about myself, how I see things, from my perspective so that when I sing it people will believe me. So for me a good story is something that people will believe when they hear it. Now you might consider yourself not interesting or whatever, but be assured millions of people your age group are feeling exactly that, and are waiting to hear a song about their life. The Smith were a band that thrived on that stuff for years! So, go ahead, jump into the deep end and swiiiiim :)

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Hello eothen! I tend to write 2 types of songs. One is something drawn literally from my experiences. The other in putting an element of myself into someone else's life and imagining what that life would be like and telling a story about him (or them if it's a couple). Sometimes the lyrics flow quickly from an interesting opening line, other times it takes days.

And sometimes what looks very simple on paper "sings" really well so don't think you have to write "American Pie" for it to be a good song.

Cheers! Mike

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Thank you guys that's a lot of good advice!!! :) I really appreciate your tips!!

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i'm not sure any of this will help eothen. i don't write anything down ahead of time so i guess i'm not a writer. for me, songs and vocals/lyrics are just a melody in my head, no different than a guitar line with words. it's the song that may trigger some humming, then maybe a single line of words emerges. from that point, once it becomes a loose "subject", then i start to write around that subject and music style. if i can draw from experiences, i will, and most definitely if i can embellish the experience, i will :) or it will be completely made up, equally as fun :) it can be fun to be cryptic on purpose or you can just be direct or anything in between with your word choice. have fun bro!

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I usually have no idea what will come out.
When it happens, it is the result of something that touches my heart, resonates,
I suspect that reading a lot,
Reading poetry, myth, the study and practice of
Music, rhythym, beat
Study of words themself,
And letting my own heart and soul be open and speak freely.
None of which is easy.
Music and poetry is lightning encapsulated.
It is pure emotion caught, expressed, shared, experienced.
In short,
It is Magick.

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Donn5150 attached the following image:

@Root and Donn also many thanks to you :) It's really interesting to hear how everyone of you guys have found their own workflow :) I will try these tips out and hopefully come back with a songtext or performance!

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