Learn the basics of Songwriting!

2. Who Am I
Melissa Myatt
I am singer-songwriter.
For 13 years now, I have been a
citizen of the Songwriting world.
And today I am ready to share
what I have learned and utilized
with you.

3. Songwriting 1.1
“Songwriting is In today’s lesson we will be
discussing song structure, form and
content – two essentials to
songwriting.
poetry with
For our song example, we will be
using, “I Wish” written and
rhythm, performed by one of the most
legendary Singer-Songwriters of all
time, Stevie Wonder.
melodies,
and harmonies…”

4. Song Structure & Form
A song’s structure and form usually includes the
following:
- Verse
- Chorus
- Pre-Chorus (Optional)
- Bridge (Optional)

5. Verse
The Verse sets us the framework for the song
The 1st verse sets up the story, and acts as an
introduction
The 2nd verse goes into further detail about the
story, idea, or feeling previously expressed

6. Verse Example
Verse 1:
“Looking back on when I
Was a little nappy- headed boy
Then my only worry
Was for Christmas what would be my toy”
- In this first verse, Wonder sets up the storyline and idea for
the song.

7. Chorus
The chorus summarizes the verse into an often
short and brief phrase.
The chorus is usually the catchiest part of the
song.
The chorus is often repeated throughout the
song.
It can also include the title of the song.

8. Chorus Example
Chorus:
“I wish those days could
Come back once more
Why did those days ev-
Er have to go”
- The song title is included in the chorus
- It can be the most memorable part of the song

9. Optional Aspects
Pre – Chorus Bridge
Can be crucial to the natural Can also be a crucial part of
flow of a song when present. the song when present
“The glue that puts the pieces Tells another portion of the
together” story, idea, concept, or feeling
Creates a build-up, a slight Summarizes what has already
climax been expressed
Poses a question; the chorus Acts as the breather/rest
follow-ups by answering the portion of the song
question

10. Pre- Chorus Example
Pre- Chorus:
“Trying your best to bring the
Water to your eyes
Thinking it my stop her
From whooping yo’ behind ”
- In this pre-chorus, the story is built up and a
conclusion is arriving.

11. Song Content
When writing a song, you can include the
following content:
- Relatable/Abstract Idea
- Storytelling
- Figurative Language

12. Relatable/Abstract Idea
All songs, be it mainstream or underground, can relate to
someone somewhere on this planet.
A songwriter is able to convey a common or familiar idea,
feeling, or concept that their audience encounters
everyday.
- Using emotions and experiences
- Using social/political issues
- Using funny situations in life

13. Relatable/Abstract Idea
Example
Verse 1:
“Looking back on when I
Was a little nappy- headed boy
Then my only worry
Was for Christmas what would be my toy”
- In this verse, Wonder describes a childhood moment and
the feeling he had during the moment

14. Storytelling
Using storytelling to write a song is a clear and fun
way to get your idea across.
Some songwriters use conversational speech, while
others may choose to be more poetic in their speech.
In your storytelling:
- Explain your feeling, idea, or concept
- Talk about your experience

15. Storytelling Example
Verse 1:
“Looking back on when I
Was a little nappy- headed boy
Then my only worry
Was for Christmas what would be my toy”
- In this verse, Wonder also vividly describes the childhood moment –
from the way he looked, the feeling he had, and the season in which the
memory took place

16. Figurative Language
Songwriting can be used as a musical form of poetry.
It often filled with elaborate descriptions of ordinary aspects of life -- songs
should be filled with these types of descriptions as well.
When using figurative language:
- Use adjectives
- Use metaphors and personification
- Think of other ways to describe ordinary things,
- Ex: “It started to rain” = “The sky began to shed tears”

17. Figurative Language
Example
Pre- Chorus:
“Trying your best to bring the
Water to your eyes
Thinking it my stop her
From whooping yo’ behind ”
- In the first two lines, Wonder uses a poetic way to convey a memory in which
he was about to cry.
- He does not simply say, he was about to cry; he phrases it in a way that adds a
vivid detail to the childhood memory.

18. Songwriting 1.1
We hope that with this lesson,
you were able to grasp the
basics of SONGWRITING!

19. The Write World
“A Place Where The Right Way is The Creative Way!”
We thank you for watching!
Please Tune In To The Next
Write World Video!

20. Attributions
Stevie Wonder’s “I Wish” :Slides 1, 6, 8, 10, 13,
15, 17, and 19) – Album, Songs In The Key of
Life Vol.1 – Motown Records
Stevie Wonder Photo (Slide 3) – Google Images