1. Be Heard

2.  What social issues do concern or anger you?  What steps can people take to make a difference? Social issueMajor Aspects of the problemSteps people can do to make a difference

3.  How can songs help connect listeners to the problem?  What songs do you know that address a social issue and ask listeners to take action or be aware?  How can use your song to “be heard”?

4.  The title of the song is very important; think of yourself as a salesperson who needs to pitch a product and the title as the name of that product.  You would want your title to be memorable and fitting to the theme of the song.  You should also highlight your title by placing it within the lyrics of the song.  Most writers' song ideas start with a title. Here are some ideas with examples:  Use a color: "Blue Moon", "A Whiter Shade Of Pale"  Use a name: "Lucille", "Mr. Bojangles"  Use opposites: "One Step Forward and Two Steps Back". (This is one of my favorite writing techniques.)  Take a popular phrase or cliché and twist it. Give it a new meaning: "The Greatest Man I Never Knew" sung by Reba.

5.  What title can you use to help personify the meaning you want to convey? Title Ideas Idea

6.  The Verse contains the main story line of the song.  It is usually four or eight lines in length.  IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOUR SONG HAS THE SAME NUMBER OF LINES IN EACH VERSE. Otherwise, your song will not sound smooth.  Your verses move the story forward and add information/details.  Most songs have two or three verses.  Example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISvMS6s41vY

7.  Here are some opening line techniques:  Start with a time: "Wednesday morning at five 0’clock…" (The Beatles, "She’s Leaving Home")  Start with a place: "In a bar in Toledo, across from the depot" ("Lucille", sung by Kenny Rogers.)

8. Four Lines Into Story Image Four Lines Further Story Plot Image Four Lines Conclude/Call to Action Image

9.  The Chorus states the meaning of the song  IT CONTAINS THE TITLE IN THE FIRST AND/OR LAST LINE.  The chorus is repeated at least once, and is usually the most memorable/catchy part of a song.  differs from the verse musically, and it may be of shorter or longer length than that of the verse.

10.  What is the main message you want your audience to walk away knowing/thinking about?  What key words do you think will help convey this message? Line One:Line Two:

11.  A section called the Bridge is found in some, but not all songs.  It has a different melody from either the Verse or the Chorus.  It is often used instead of a third verse to break the monotony of simply repeating another verse.

12.  Most songs contain two or three Verses and a repeating Chorus. Two common song forms are: 1. Verse/Chorus/Verse/Chorus/Verse/Chorus 2. Verse/Chorus/Verse/Chorus/Bridge/Chorus It is important that your song is not too long. It is rare for a song with more than three Verses and a repeating Chorus to become a hit.

13.  You have been working to master the masters of poetry…  Now use the techniques you hear and see in their work as a way of extending and emphasis zing the meaning in your song  Remember, techniques like rhythm, rhyme, simile, metaphor, hyperbole, alliteration, assonance, etc. are all tools to help your reader connect with your ideas.  Replace words you have already written with literary techniques