How Not to Write Great Lyrics: 40 Common Mistakes to Avoid

Writing great lyrics is hard. But it's even harder if you're making common mistakes.

How [Not] To Write Great Lyrics! – 40 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Lyrics For Your Songs

by Brian Oliver

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	625 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	173 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

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Here are 40 things to avoid when writing lyrics:

1. Don't be too literal. Lyrics should be evocative and suggestive, not like a grocery list.
2. Don't use clichés. They're boring and overused.
3. Don't be afraid to be specific. Details will make your lyrics more interesting and memorable.
4. Don't try to rhyme everything. A forced rhyme can ruin a good lyric.
5. Don't be too wordy. Keep your lyrics concise and to the point.
6. Don't make your lyrics too difficult to understand. People should be able to get the gist of your song without having to read it twice.
7. Don't write about things you don't know about. If you're not familiar with a subject, your lyrics will sound fake and forced.
8. Don't be afraid to experiment. There's no one right way to write lyrics.
9. Don't give up. Writing great lyrics takes time and practice.




10. Don't write lyrics that are too personal. People may not relate to your experiences.
11. Don't write lyrics that are too vague. People need to be able to understand what you're talking about.
12. Don't write lyrics that are too preachy. People don't want to be lectured.
13. Don't write lyrics that are too negative. People want to be uplifted by music.
14. Don't write lyrics that are too simplistic. People want to be challenged by music.




15. Don't use too many metaphors. Metaphors can be confusing and distracting.
16. Don't use too many similes. Similes can be overused and boring.
17. Don't use too many clichés. Clichés are unoriginal and lazy.
18. Don't use too much slang. Slang can date your lyrics quickly.
19. Don't use too many technical terms. Technical terms can exclude people who don't know what you're talking about.




20. Don't rhyme words that don't sound good together. Rhyming "love" with "truck" is not a good idea.
21. Don't use forced rhymes. Forced rhymes can sound awkward and unnatural.
22. Don't use too many rhymes. Too many rhymes can make your lyrics sound sing-songy and childish.
23. Don't use rhyme schemes that are too predictable. Predictable rhyme schemes can be boring.
24. Don't use rhyme schemes that are too complex. Complex rhyme schemes can be difficult to understand and follow.




25. Don't write lyrics that are too long. Long lyrics can be difficult to sing and remember.
26. Don't write lyrics that are too short. Short lyrics can be unsatisfying and incomplete.
27. Don't write lyrics that are too repetitive. Repetitive lyrics can be boring and monotonous.
28. Don't write lyrics that are too predictable. Predictable lyrics can be boring and unexciting.
29. Don't write lyrics that are too formulaic. Formulaic lyrics can be unoriginal and boring.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can write lyrics that are more likely to be successful.

How [Not] To Write Great Lyrics! – 40 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Lyrics For Your Songs

by Brian Oliver

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	625 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	173 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE