Are you struggling with writing memorable lyrics that have an emotional impact? Then you want to check out the power positions lyric writing technique. Once you learn this your lyrics will never be the same. So let’s get creative!
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Do you notice that your audience only remembers certain words from your songs? Do you know which part they remember? Now that you found some great lyric ideas and inspiration you want to take the next step. Create the greatest impact using Power Positions! This is what turns a piece of lyric into a power position:
- Beginning and endings of verses/choruses
- Shorter sentences
- Other irregularities in your lyrics
Video Tutorial: How to Create Unforgettable Lyrics with Power Positions
Everything you read in this article is also part of my video tutorial. So check it out if you prefer to watch and listen to the lyrics in action.
How To Write Memorable Lyrics
Have you ever noticed that people tend to forget the middle sections? Think of your favourite songs. Which parts do you remember? In general, the beginning and the end of smaller and larger sections catch our ear the most. They have more impact and are most memorable.
In his book ‘When you purchase through this link I may earn an affiliate commission while it doesn't cost you more.Writing Better Lyrics‘ by Pat Pattison he calls the beginning and ending of sections power positions. Also, any other sentences that stand out are power positions. For example, when you write a verse keep in mind that your first and last sentences need to deliver. They have the power of extra impact. They can boost your verses topic.
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Beginning and ending sections
For this lesson topic, I will use the lyrics that I wrote for the song Summertime as an example. Just like my video and article on writing verses that tell a real story.
Verse 1
The first word of the song which is part of the first sentence, carries the name of the song. The topic of this verse is realizing that summer love is going to end soon.
Summertime, love ends too soon.
Verse 1, Sentence 1, Summertime – Facing Mountains
The last sentence of the verse doubles down on this emotion.
For a while, the black clouds don’t loom.
Verse 1, Sentence 4, Summertime – Facing Mountains
Of course, the entire verse lyrics matter. And you should choose every sentence with care. But your first and last sentence should really bring it home.
Verse 2
The second verse is about separation and leaving. Here you want to paint a picture of separation. You want to make sure that your first and last sentences double down on this emotion. I chose to mention the words ‘Say goodbye’ in the beginning. The ending shows the sorrow of missing somebody when you’re already gone.
Say goodbye, numb and confused.
Verse 2, Sentence 1, Summertime – Facing Mountains
In the light, reflections of you.
Verse 2, Sentence 4, Summertime – Facing Mountains
Short & Long Phrases and Other Lyric Irregularities
Now the question is: what else grabs the attention? When a lyric line is very long or short. So this can be many words or maybe just a single one. The outro section is an example of this.
The first two lyric lines only have one word. The last lyric line starts with a pause. You only hear the music from the instruments. This resembles some kind of emptiness. This emptiness is answered with the words memories of you.
Summertime,
Summertime,
Memories of you.
Verse 4, Summertime – Facing Mountains
The construction and message of the first and last outro sentences create a great impact. They carry all the weight of the song.
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A beautiful example of how effective lyric writing can be used to shape your song can be found in Motion Sickness by Phoebe Bridgers. The lyrics are so important in this song that they even control other instruments.
Facing Mountains – Summertime
Here is the music video to my song Summertime. It’s a beautifully animated video. You can watch the video and read along with the lyrics. Enjoy!
