I wrote a lot of songs before I became aware of this thing called "Counting Syllables". I think it's good to know that it exist and that it can be important and helpful, as long as you allow yourself to break the rules. (You explained this wonderfully!) I personally like the limits of the songwriting craft and then become creative within a self-imposed framework. Once you understand the rules (or guidelines), you can purposefully decide to break them. Just be able to always explain to yourself WHY you are doing something. I think counting syllable is a useful technique for beginners who tend to force two-syllable-words on one note/beat, which often sounds very fumbled and amateurish.
I never thought of this until I was working with my partner in rhyme, and I seen him going over his lyrics in his head, while counting on his fingers. And I'm like, whatya doing? He said, counting my syllables like it was something everyone knew you had to do. I'm like, well who cares if it sounds good? If it rides the beat and melody well, that's all that matters to me.
What a great way to describe when a bridge is necessary: "When you've got a river to cross". I usually write bridges, but you guys are spot on. They aren't needed for every song. One of the best songs ever written, "Me and Bobby McGee". Technically, it has a bridge, but that bridge is just "Lah da dah-- da dah dah--- Lah di dah da dah-- Lah di dah da dah da Bobby McGee, yeah..." Etc etc. It can be an instrumental. It can be a bunch of nonsense vocalizations. It can be a bridge to cross a seemingly insurmountable chasm. It can be nothing at all. Like people, every song is different and has its own path to travel. Another example: "Fast Car". It breaks a lot of "rules". Verse, Verse, Verse, Pre-chorus, Chorus, Verse, Chorus, Verse, Chorus, Pre-chorus. End of song. One of the greatest pieces of storytelling ever written. It doesn't need a separate bridge. Conceptually, the entire song is a bridge, leading right back where she started. A requiem for a dream.
@@SongTownUSA Yes, I’m forcing myself to use no more than 6 chords. And considering carefully whether a bridge is really better than an instrumental solo or something like that.
I have had people tell me that artists and managers are only looking for a certain bpm for country radio... shouldn't that be irrelevant?? A good song is a good song.
Tempos are always a part of what drives a format. But there are always exceptions. Up tempo get more cuts but ballads are often song of the years. So write them all! :) Clay
“Every song doesn’t have to have anything” 💯
Write on! ~CM
Love this channel, currently working on my second album, and these videos are exactly what I need to get back into songwriting ❤
Good luck with the project. We love helping. Write on!
I have struggled to find a songwriting partner at the same interest and availability level as myself, but I love to work together when it clicks.
We have lots of folks serious about cowriting at a high level in our SongTown community. www.songtown.com
I wrote a lot of songs before I became aware of this thing called "Counting Syllables". I think it's good to know that it exist and that it can be important and helpful, as long as you allow yourself to break the rules. (You explained this wonderfully!) I personally like the limits of the songwriting craft and then become creative within a self-imposed framework. Once you understand the rules (or guidelines), you can purposefully decide to break them. Just be able to always explain to yourself WHY you are doing something. I think counting syllable is a useful technique for beginners who tend to force two-syllable-words on one note/beat, which often sounds very fumbled and amateurish.
Write on! Well said. -CM
Well said
I never thought of this until I was working with my partner in rhyme, and I seen him going over his lyrics in his head, while counting on his fingers. And I'm like, whatya doing? He said, counting my syllables like it was something everyone knew you had to do. I'm like, well who cares if it sounds good? If it rides the beat and melody well, that's all that matters to me.
@@offlynice Write on! ~CM
What a great way to describe when a bridge is necessary: "When you've got a river to cross".
I usually write bridges, but you guys are spot on. They aren't needed for every song. One of the best songs ever written, "Me and Bobby McGee". Technically, it has a bridge, but that bridge is just "Lah da dah-- da dah dah--- Lah di dah da dah-- Lah di dah da dah da Bobby McGee, yeah..." Etc etc.
It can be an instrumental. It can be a bunch of nonsense vocalizations. It can be a bridge to cross a seemingly insurmountable chasm. It can be nothing at all.
Like people, every song is different and has its own path to travel.
Another example: "Fast Car". It breaks a lot of "rules". Verse, Verse, Verse, Pre-chorus, Chorus, Verse, Chorus, Verse, Chorus, Pre-chorus. End of song. One of the greatest pieces of storytelling ever written. It doesn't need a separate bridge. Conceptually, the entire song is a bridge, leading right back where she started. A requiem for a dream.
Great insights. Write on! CM
I like and agree with the conversation about every path is different..Nice job guys thank you
Thanks for jumping in on the conversation. Write on! CM
Bridges…yeah, I’ve been compulsively putting them in every song. Last song had like 24 chords hh
Chord FOMO is real. Afraid to leave one out? 😂. Write on! CM
@@SongTownUSA Yes, I’m forcing myself to use no more than 6 chords. And considering carefully whether a bridge is really better than an instrumental solo or something like that.
Another great session guys. Some good advice.
awww thanks! Glad to help. Write on! CM
Love it thank you…
HEy buddy, appreciate it! ~CM
We Critiqued 2,000 People's Songs (Here's What We Learned) ua-cam.com/video/NKZUvSyxGKA/v-deo.html
Groovy advice guys!!!
Write on! ~CM
I have had people tell me that artists and managers are only looking for a certain bpm for country radio... shouldn't that be irrelevant?? A good song is a good song.
Tempos are always a part of what drives a format. But there are always exceptions. Up tempo get more cuts but ballads are often song of the years. So write them all! :) Clay