How to Write a Song in Less Than One Hour

• Step 1

  Use your rhythmic abilities to come up with a meter.All lines or sentences of all verses will be based on this meter. Any lyrics that fit your desired rhythm will work in the beginning, because you'll likely change or fine-tune the lyrics later anyway. An example for lyrics would be "people keep on dancing under the moon." Write it on paper and underline the syllables where the accents fall. Use this marked lyrical sentence to create different lyrics that match the theme of the song, such as "music makes you jump all over the room."

• Step 2

  Duplicate the meter of the original line emphasizing the same meter in other lines. Using the above lyrical example, the line would be written "___ keep on ____ under the _____." Put the blanks wherever you want. Write this line out four times and call it Verse 1. Write it out four more times and call it Verse 2. Then create Verse 3 using the same method. Since it is your song, you are not bound to meter or rules at all, but keeping meter consistent in the beginning helps keep the song rhythmically simple. The more the rhythm changes, the more complex the song and the longer it will take you to write.

• Step 3

  Fill in the blanks with words that have consistent syllables and accents to the original line. Use different words to fill in the blanks of different lines. Keeping the theme consistent always helps the song make more sense--but as a songwriter, you also have the liberty to writing songs that make no sense. If you get stuck, make a list of words that correspond with the song's title or theme. Then use that list to plug in words in blanks where they seem appropriate. Some songs use words that rhyme every other line, so if it helps come up with a list of rhyming words. Keep rewriting the words until they seem original and meaningful for the song.

• Step 4

  Create a bridge and/or chorus. Songs can take any form, so this step is optional. The purpose of the bridge is to break the monotony of the song, while the purpose of a chorus is to accentuate the most catchy recurring part of the song. It is perfectly acceptable to include a bridge and chorus; or your song need not have either one at all. Use your creative goals to determine if a bridge or chorus is necessary for your particular song. When using a bridge, the meter can change to whatever you think is appropriate. The chorus can also be different from the original meter, but is likely to be similar.

• Step 5

  Add melodies to your lyrics. Though it is legitimate to start with someone else's song as a basis for yours, your song must ultimately be unique. This is for your own protection, with copyright issues being the most important reason. Meter is not subject to copyright, but melody is. This means you must not duplicate popular musical phrases to the degree that they are substantial and recognizable as someone else's song. Use your musical ability to change notes with timing and tone so that the finished song sounds like something you've never heard before.

• 2
• Pen and paper Musical instrument Recording device Clock or stopwatch
• Pen and paper
• Musical instrument
• Recording device
• Clock or stopwatch
• Use a stopwatch to time out certain parts of the song or for time markers. Use your hands to clap out the meter of the song. Use a metronome is you need more help. Write out a sequence of guitar or piano chords. Record them and use them for singing along with. Record song ideas for future use.
• Use a stopwatch to time out certain parts of the song or for time markers.
• Use your hands to clap out the meter of the song. Use a metronome is you need more help.
• Write out a sequence of guitar or piano chords. Record them and use them for singing along with.
• Record song ideas for future use.
• Never infringe on copyrighted material. Make sure your lyrics and melodies are original.
• Never infringe on copyrighted material. Make sure your lyrics and melodies are original.

References & Resources

• Wrtitten in My Soul, by Bill Flanagan, 1987
• Ultimate Songwriting.com
• Easy Song Writing