💭 Learning to Learn

Every songwriter starts with mistakes — even the best ones. That’s not failure; that’s growth.
What matters is understanding why something doesn’t work and learning how to fix it. In this lesson, we’ll explore a few common beginner mistakes — and how to avoid them — so your lyrics sound smoother, more emotional, and truly professional.

🧱 1. Using Overly Complex Words

Many new writers believe that “deep” lyrics need big or difficult words. But great songwriting isn’t about showing vocabulary — it’s about sharing feelings.

🪶 Example: “My heart’s existential turbulence devours serenity.” Sounds complicated — but does it make you feel something? Not really.

Now read this:“My heart won’t rest until I see you again.” Simple. Honest. Real.

💡 Remember: If a 10-year-old can understand your song but still feel its emotion — that’s real art.  Simplicity makes songs universal.

🎶 2. No Structure or Uneven Rhythm

A song is a journey, not a collection of random lines. When there’s no clear structure (Verse, Chorus, Bridge) or when rhythm changes suddenly, the listener gets lost. Think of rhythm as the heartbeat of your song. If that heartbeat skips, the emotion falls apart.

🪶 Example: Verse line: 8 syllables Next line: 15 syllables Then: 6 syllables  It feels uneven, right? That’s what happens when you don’t balance your rhythm.

✅ Fix:Try reading your lyrics aloud. If a line feels too long, shorten it. If a line feels rushed, stretch it a little. Songs sound best when your words flow like a melody.

🎨 3. Mixing Unrelated Ideas in One Song

Sometimes writers try to say too much in one track — love, heartbreak, dreams, childhood, friendship — all at once! It’s like trying to tell five stories in one movie. The audience can’t feel the emotion because the focus keeps changing.

🪶 Example:

Verse 1: “I miss your love.”

Verse 2: “I want to chase my dream.” Bridge: “Life is like the ocean waves.”

Each idea is beautiful — but they don’t belong in the same song.

✅ Fix:

Pick one clear message for each song. Ask yourself: “If someone remembers one line from this song, what do I want it to be?”  Everything else should support that message.

🌟 Bonus Tip: The 3 Golden Rules
Feel first, then write.
Emotion leads — not grammar.

One song = one story.
Don’t mix too many ideas.

Simplicity connects hearts.
Easy words + clear rhythm = timeless song.

🧭 Practice Exercise

Take one of your old lyrics. Read it aloud slowly and check for:

Lines that sound too long or too short

Words that feel unnecessary or hard to sing

Ideas that don’t fit the main emotion

Rewrite just 2 or 3 lines to make them smoother. You’ll be amazed how much more powerful the song feels.

🎓 Next Lesson → “Storytelling Through Lyrics”

You’ll learn how to turn your emotions into vivid pictures — writing lyrics that don’t just tell, but show the story.