---
title: "Tips for Lyrics Writing, Writers' Block and Not Giving Up"

description: "After that super fun convo with Slow Leaves, I wanted to talk a bit about how I tackle songwriting, with a specific focus on lyrics and problem solving. I hope these techniques and perspectives help those that write to write more and those that just enjoy music to have a bit more insight into the process."

status: complete

date: 2022-03-21

kind: solo

guestSlugs: []

listenUrl: "https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lovemusicmore/episodes/Tips-for-Lyrics-Writing--Writers-Block-and-Not-Giving-Up-e1fm52o"
appleUrl: "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tips-for-lyrics-writing-writers-block-and-not-giving-up/id1567355195?i=1000554719894&uo=4"
spotifyUrl: "https://open.spotify.com/episode/6M16a4FUPg1uFIGZfPbFtz"

topicsDiscussed:
  - "Creativity"
  - "Songwriting"
  - "Lyric Writing Strategies"
  - "Overcoming Writer's Block"
  - "Song Structure"
  - "Storytelling in Lyrics"
  - "Using Sensory Imagery"
  - "Finding Your Voice"
  - "Writing Techniques"
  - "Internal vs. External Lyrics"
  - "Not Giving Up on Songs"

hostNote: |
  In this solo episode, I delve into the intricate process of **lyric writing** and share my personal strategies for overcoming obstacles like **writer's block**. Drawing on my experiences and insights, I aim to help songwriters navigate the sometimes daunting task of crafting meaningful lyrics.

selectedMoments:
  - label: "On Songwriting Reflection"
    startSec: 19
    note: "I reflect on my conversation with Slow Leaves and how it prompted me to consider my own songwriting journey."
  - label: "Masterclass Insight"
    startSec: 69
    note: "I share a memorable critique from **Randy Newman** on my lyrics and how it influenced my writing process."
  - label: "The Challenge of Lyric Writing"
    startSec: 151
    note: "I discuss the difficulty many musicians, including myself, face when it comes to capturing the essence of a song in lyrics."
  - label: "Two Steps Removed Method"
    startSec: 185
    note: "I explain a lyric writing technique I call 'two steps removed' to help generate creative ideas."
  - label: "The Importance of Stepping Away"
    startSec: 272
    note: "I emphasize the value of taking breaks to refresh one's perspective before tackling lyrics."
  - label: "Brainstorming Techniques"
    startSec: 361
    note: "I discuss the effectiveness of brainstorming using sensory words to inspire creativity."
  - label: "Embracing Imperfection"
    startSec: 639
    note: "I talk about why I prefer to finish songs rather than abandon them and how this approach enhances creativity."
  - label: "Seeing Ideas Through"
    startSec: 819
    note: "I share the experience of transforming an originally discarded song into a successful new piece."

excerptQuotes:
  - text: "I wanted to talk about songwriting and specifically lyric writing... when to move on and say that song is either dead or, you know, suspended animation."
    startSec: 51
    reviewed: true
  - text: "Randy Newman told me that my lyrics were lazy... I'm simultaneously trying to prove them both right and wrong with this project."
    startSec: 93
    reviewed: true
  - text: "Talking about a simple subject so for example, 'Can't Imagine Feeling Better'... the chorus says it all. I'm feeling good, okay, what do I do for verses?"
    startSec: 139
    reviewed: true
  - text: "I kind of gravitated towards this method that I call two steps removed... you just write it down bluntly."
    startSec: 182
    reviewed: true
  - text: "There's value in stepping away from lyric writing... getting down all the ideas you can possibly think of and then maybe coming back tomorrow."
    startSec: 275
    reviewed: true
  - text: "There's a lot of options for brainstorming... like a bunch of sensory words based around a singular topic, time or place."
    startSec: 363
    reviewed: true
  - text: "I like how it forces us sometimes to jump between the narrator's thoughts, feelings, experiences, and environment."
    startSec: 541
    reviewed: true
  - text: "I like finishing stuff and then deciding whether or not to release it rather than letting something die before you really dig into it."
    startSec: 631
    reviewed: true

faq:
  - question: "What are some tips for overcoming writer's block?"
    answer: "In this episode, I discuss stepping away from the writing process and revisiting it later to gain new perspectives and ideas."
  - question: "How can I improve my lyric writing?"
    answer: "I share various techniques, including the 'two steps removed' method and brainstorming sensory words, to enhance your lyric crafting."
  - question: "What should I do if I feel like my lyrics are lazy?"
    answer: "I recount my experience with Randy Newman, who challenged my lyrics, and how it's essential to push yourself and explore beyond initial ideas."

transcriptPublished: false

draft: false
---