How do *you* write lyrics?

[REJ2ESQ]

I've never written lyrics before, yet I am going to attempt to and don't know where to start, so...

How does the creative process of writing lyrics and vocal melody go for you? Are there any tips you'd give to someone just starting?

[FrY]

With a 1 and a 2 and a 1 2 3

[arleybob]

I feel it either comes naturally or it doesn't.

Forcing it out gives it that forced feel. Nobody likes that. And you could hurt yourself.

Seriously though, maybe start broad and whittle it down. Jot down ideas, images, phrases, anything that comes to mind within the same general topic. Maybe figure out words that rhyme, and then work on structure and syllables. I always leave the melody to the end, but I'm not a famed lyricist either so wtf do i know.

[FrY]

Have an idea of what you are trying to convay and apply words with correct number of syllables to go to the beat of your song.

[Satyr]

I make the song, think of a melody and mostly the text comes from the spur of the moment. I write down whatever comes into mind and just start to work on that. Sometimes, it'z guuuuuud. Sometimes it sucks. So I don't really have a strategy.

[Σnigma]

I make the song, think of a melody and mostly the text comes from the spur of the moment. I write down whatever comes into mind and just start to work on that. Sometimes, it'z guuuuuud. Sometimes it sucks. So I don't really have a strategy.

This.

What I like to do is listen a song I like, and think of words that could go along with that beat. They don't have to be the same subject as the song's lyrics, but it gives you a foundation. Plus, once you've got a verse or two you can figure out another beat that'll go with it.

[The Creator of Life]

God fucking damn I love writing poetry, but I have a feeling I could never write a song.

They're very similar, give it a shot.

[Staples_AOK]

On the spot and from the heart, usually on the back of receipts or old trash that I end up losing

If it's not from the heart you can shove it up your ugly ass

[constantinople]

i write my lyrics on parking tickets and summons to the court. I scribbled this on an application for county support.

[TLV]

I write whatever comes to mind.

[Dodectabone]

Alcoholism.

[M. Samuel Chevalier]

http://www.laprogressive.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/marijuana-joint-205x300.jpg

[EssJay]

I usually just start with a line I've had going through my mind and I'll try and work that into the song at some point, but I will use the same amount of syllables for each line though.

[Marijuanasaurus]

I have moments when I feel inspired and I hear a line inside my head, then I write it down. I can never force myself to sit down and write lyrics.

[trickster]

What usually happens to me is a single line drifts into my mind and I build off of that. This happens most often when I'm driving, I guess because I mentally mix the sounds around me into music and then begin to organize my thoughts in measures and beats, most of which I promptly forget when I go to write it down.

[xxNxIxGxGxExRxxJxIxMxx]

its hard to describe really its like i just hear a badass beat or sometimes i just imagine one and then i will grab a pen and pad and write what comes to my mind it just flows out of me onto the paper and thats how i write lyrics

[a giant pterodactyl]

http://www.laprogressive.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/marijuana-joint-205x300.jpg

most musicians do this^^^ and continue until the voices tell them the lyrics. really

[password]

most of the time i just play and try to sing different ways saying different things and wait for myself to say something that sounds cool for the song and then get those ideas and build the rest of the song around that.

[A$AP Weed Smoker]

Like this:

Fuck it, you can hate it or love it
Twist the top off the 40 and chug it