Introduction to Creative Songwriting by Matthew Hawk Eldridge

When we think of creative writing, we often think of novels, short stories, poetry, or even screenplays. But perhaps one of the most memorable forms of creative writing is often forgotten: songwriting.

The art of songwriting is not just a style of writing in itself, but is an eclectic mix of lyrical forms or ideas. From the sad, descriptive country songs of the balladeer, to the urban hip hop crooning comprised of rhythmic angry poetry, to the raw, unprocessed, rebellious rioting of the rock and roller, to the religious melodic praise and prose of the psalmist, all great, memorable songs revolve around one thing: a remarkable lyricist.

I mean, sure, a great song is not a song at all until there is a melody put to it. Perhaps that’s what makes songwriting one of the most incredible, elevated forms of creative writing. An unforgettable song that connects with people and survives the decades is either a collaborative effort by brilliant people, each gifted on his or her own instrument (including the pen), or it’s the genius brainchild of someone who speaks both the languages of music and lyrics, such as Lenny Kravitz and Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters—talented multi-instrumentalists who also write with passionate lyricism.

Like a great novel, a carefully crafted song is not only memorable, but will speak to multiple generations for years to come. Bands like Aerosmith, that were popular during my father’s generation, impressively maintained their popularity with chart-topping hits during my generation, followed by my children’s generation as well. They’re one of the few bands who have a fifty-year span of incredible music. Their well-written songs are catchy melodic stories with deeply flawed characters who are hard to forget.

But, what gives a song lasting appeal? There have been a number of prevalent songs over the decades that have topped the charts with little longevity—songs that I would call trivial and trendy. Trendy songs often fit the sounds of the current culture, but lack lyrical substance. So why are they so popular? Is it because of a catchy hook? A mesmerizing melody? While these traits may help songs hit the charts, powerful, creative, lyrical imagery is what makes a song truly unforgettable.

Some of the songs I most cherish were written in the 1990’s, because the nineties were all about raw emotion—writing words with zealous fervor and honest passion. One of the most underrated lyrical storytellers of the nineties has to be Adam Duritz from the band, Counting Crows. I remember listening to their first album, August and Everything After, and being blown away by the mystical allure of Duritz’ lyrics. The way he fused his feelings to the music made them an instant treasured classic.

 Step out the front door like a ghost into the fog where no one notices the contrast of white on white / In between the moon and you, angels get a better view of the crumbling difference between wrong and right / I walk in the air between the rain through myself and back again / Where? I don’t know / Maria says she’s dying / Through the door I hear her crying / Why? I don’t know… 

The words alone to his song, Round Here, are so poetic, the music isn’t even necessary to appreciate the imagery involved. Add the warm, escalating sounds of the strings and the off-plucking rhythm of the electric guitar and the song becomes a well-rounded gem loved by people for almost thirty years.

So what are you waiting for, my creative writing friend? Are you ready to pen your first song? Perhaps you are reading this and saying, ‘But I don’t know how to play an instrument.’ But the truth is, there are people who are musically gifted but can’t write lyrics. And there are lyricists who are gifted at writing words but can’t play music. Your pen is an invaluable instrument in the songwriting circle, as much as the guitar, the piano, or the drums. Most drummers can’t play guitar or piano, and vise versa. I often think of the movie, Music & Lyrics, starring Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore, where Grant plays a gifted has-been musician who can’t write lyrics. Barrymore, a poet, is drafted by Grant to help him write a song and they become a best-selling songwriting duo.

Find a friend gifted on the guitar and suggest a songwriting session. If you can’t sing, you can bring in a vocalist to join you as well. What a treat it is to hear someone else singing your words crafted on paper. So what are you waiting for, writer? Who knows, you may just have a gift for songwriting!

What aspect of songwriting would you like me to discuss?

Matthew Hawk Eldridge is a sleepless, coffee addicted, Renaissance man currently working in the film industry. His latest novel, The Pan: Experiencing Neverland, can be found on Amazon or at Barnes and Noble. Catch him playing guitar in the new film, Pitch Perfect 3.