Are you trying to write soundtrack lyrics but can’t get started? You are not alone, thousands of people are also fighting. Whether you’re just trying to compose lyrics for a school project or community theater film, or want to make a serious career writing soundtrack lyrics, these tips from the pros will come in handy.
Invest in educational tools for writing letters. Get as much as you can from songwriting books, magazines, and articles. You’ll be amazed at how much information, advice, and even inspiration you’ll get from these. If you want to pursue soundtrack writing as a career, sign up for lyric writing programs and courses, or at least buy software that can educate you from home.
Listen to the clichés and then break them. You know a cliché when you hear it. Don’t fall into the same trap of being unoriginal. The reason so many lyricists fail is because they don’t offer anything new. It is true that the themes of the movies are almost always the same, but with enough creativity, you can find ways to express them in different, unique and unexpected ways. An example of a good lyrical ‘twist’ that worked very well was Dianne Warren’s famous line, “Unbreak my heart”. The boring “break my heart” formula was modified by using a very simple (and even grammatically incorrect) “un” prefix, adding character and reminiscence to the song. This is the power of lyric writing: it can turn an ordinary song into a hit.
Lastly, get motivated. Find new places to work, perhaps in the park or in a quiet cafe, to get your creativity flowing again. There are thousands of inexpensive ways to find inspiration and motivation. Don’t dwell on writer’s block by forcing yourself to write; it will not work. Instead, relax and go back to basics. Remember why you’re writing lyrics in the first place: to creatively express yourself and touch people’s lives.
