how do you do it?

[everydayDMBfan_18]

Im trying to write some songs and its a bitch. Writing out tabs is hard but i can actually write up a few. Words are the things that piss me off. They dont really seem to fit. What do you guys do to kind of ease the writing process?

[isaac]

if you're writing up tabs, try to find some decent software to help ya along. http://download.com just do a search on there for tablature software and you should find a few. one of my problems is that i never bother with writing out my songs, but i figure if it sticks with me and i remember it then it's a keeper; if i forget it then other people will forget the song too.

as for lyrics? just depends on what happens. if you write the music first, which is what i usually do, just save it on your comp and put it on loop for a while. close your eyes and get the feel of the music, and then just start writing down what you're thinking about and how you feel when you hear it. write about what the song actually sounds like. write for yourself, most of all. don't force it. if nothing comes out, set it aside, then come back to it with the new experiences you gained in that time from setting it down to picking it up again.

for me, the words are the easy part, the music was the hard part. probably because i started writing a lot before i did music, and it always just flowed naturally. that's not to say my lyrics aren't horrid, though.

the thing that i try to do is to write it all in one sitting. if you're going after a certain objective, or writing while you're feeling a certain way, if you go back later, you won't exactly achieve the same goal. this can be a good and bad thing in the end, but you'll fine your own process after a few tries. for me, i do sometimes write a song in seperate sittings, but that's when i'm only dealing with the music. it's easier to mess around with and mold and sculpt, but with lyrics it's hard to keep the same train of thought over a prolonged period of time.

just let the words flow, mate. they're in there in your head, but if you force 'em out those won't be the same as if you woulda let the words write themselves.

there's a lotta cliche, and i admit, i'm not the best songwriter/lyricist, but this has been what's gotten me by, and hopefully it'll help you out a bit. g'luck.

[ryopan]

isaac's answer was great. listen to that guy. putting the two things (music and words) is so hard. i have tried both directions but for me i now start w/ music. i save it (riff/progression) on my computer as the word that kinda sums up the tone or feeling of the music. then i come back to it with that word in mind and give some lyrics a try. its always a work in progress kinda thing. you know, you get distracted and disappointed and take a break, but keep up on it so you can actually finish. good luck.. 8)

[swift360]

im just tryin to remember when i created the account name issac (just kidding).. cuz that is how i feel about it also ... good answer

[isaac]

im just tryin to remember when i created the account name issac (just kidding).. cuz that is how i feel about it also ... good answer

hehe...ruddy "issac"...i'm surprised ryopan spelled my name right. glad i've got someone else that agrees on what i said. *chuckles*

anyway, ryopan is right...a lot of songs are usually work in progresses. there are so many different stages that you go through when writing a song that you don't even realize it. performing is also part of the songwriting progress. you can see this a lot with DMB.

anyway, i've probably rambled on enough in this thread, so close, i'll comment on ending comment, "keep up on it so you can actually finish."

definitely true. always keep going.

persistance, persistance, persistance. can't say it enough.

[fatjack]

the only thing i have to say is when writing a song, too much creativity can hurt. whenever i write something, i always end up adding too many parts to it and the overall feeling of the song is lost...but the flip side to that is that you can take out certain parts and use them for other songs. so, all in all, be careful once you get going.

[isaac]

oh yeah... you people keep reminding me of things i forget.

so! i'm back with more input.

as fatjack said, too much reativity can hurt.

i forgot add it to my original post, but, after you're done writing how you feel, etc. go back and rework it. try to keep it simple, and make sure there's no excess and nothing useless. the worst part about writing is going back and editing your work. i continue to despise it, and sometimes i'm fortunate enough where i don't need to go back and edit too much.

you can say so much in using so little words...just takes some practice.

think about how many times we quote "celebrate we will, for life is short but sweet for certain." not the most elaborate phrase and not the most elevated vocabulary, but it hits where it needs to and leaves us smiling and asking for more!

[mattm]

one good thing about music -- when it hit you ya feel no pain

[Appfro]

can i just say, that not only do i do exactly that...record the music to my computer and write words to it, so not only is your advice right on, but Calvin and Hobbs rule the world.

[Jonny B Good]

Something small I might add, but rather important in my opinion...cos' I have no problem writing the music, but all the problems with lyrics.

YOU HAVE TO HAVE SOMETHING YOU WANT TO SAY

Honestly...that's my biggest problem though...I create music and songs, but I don't have anything verbal I really feel strongly about to put into lyrics. I have nothing to say.

[grock]

one good thing about music -- when it hit you ya feel no pain

that's Bob Marley, right??

Something small I might add, but rather important in my opinion...cos' I have no problem writing the music, but all the problems with lyrics.

YOU HAVE TO HAVE SOMETHING YOU WANT TO SAY

Honestly...that's my biggest problem though...I create music and songs, but I don't have anything verbal I really feel strongly about to put into lyrics. I have nothing to say.

Write a song about having nothing to say. i i can't remeber the names off the top of my head but i know a couple songs about being tongue tied or silent on issues and stuff.

[everydayDMBfan_18]

Thanks for the ideas guys