Five Things Your Song is Missing

As songwriting educators with years of experience at both high school and collegiate levels, we've seen common patterns in what can make—or break—a song. Whether you're a seasoned songwriter or guiding students through their first compositions, these five elements can elevate a song from good to truly memorable.

1. Consistent Story

One of the biggest pitfalls we see in songwriting is an inconsistent story. A strong song has a clear, unified story or emotional arc. This goes beyond just lyrics—it’s about the overall mood and message the song conveys. Sometimes, new songwriters include too many unrelated ideas, creating a piece that feels like a patchwork rather than a cohesive narrative.

To refine your story, ask yourself:
- What’s the main message or feeling you want to convey?
- Do each section and each lyric contribute to that goal?

If you’re teaching, help your students narrow down their ideas to create a clear storyline or emotional theme. This will make the song more engaging and relatable.

2. Interesting Rhymes

Rhyming can be a double-edged sword. While rhymes add rhythm and structure, relying on overly simple or clichéd rhymes can make a song sound unoriginal. Many beginner songwriters default to predictable rhymes, like pairing “heart” with “start.”

To bring originality to your rhymes:
- Try experimenting with non-end rhymes or slant rhymes.
- Play with rhyme schemes in different sections; for instance, if your verse is AABB, consider ABAB or AABC for the chorus.
- Place rhyming words in unexpected spots within your lines rather than always at the end.

By diversifying rhyme schemes, your song can feel fresh and dynamic—qualities that captivate listeners.

3. Melodic Shifts

The melody is where songs breathe, and each section should offer something unique melodically. We often see songs with melodies that don’t shift much between sections, resulting in a lack of contrast and excitement.

When building a melody, think about:
- Using different directional flows, like an ascending verse and a descending chorus.
- Adding rhythmic shifts to break the repetition, like Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off,” where the melody and rhythmic choices keep each section distinct and engaging.

Teaching students to incorporate melodic variety can make each section stand out and deliver that satisfying contrast listeners crave.

4. Connective Tissue

Songs are more than just a collection of verses and choruses; they need connective elements to make them cohesive. These can include pre-choruses, post-choruses, or bridges that lead smoothly into the next section, creating a seamless flow.

To find your song’s connective tissue:
- If your verse doesn’t quite flow into the chorus, a short pre-chorus might help.
- Consider a bridge for fresh material or a musical “reset” before the final chorus.
- Use transitional phrases or instrumental breaks to avoid abrupt shifts.

For educators, guiding students to find these linking sections helps them build smoother transitions and enhances the song’s overall cohesion.

5. Space

Sometimes, the most powerful element in a song is what you *don’t* include. Space allows the listener to absorb what they’ve just heard, creating room for the song to breathe. Overcrowding a song with sounds or words can drown out its core message.

To effectively incorporate space:
- Consider whether every instrument needs to play at every moment.
- Look for moments where silence or pauses can make the lyrics or melody stand out.
- Use vocal or instrumental breaks strategically.

Encourage students to experiment with silence or fewer instruments, creating a balance that lets key moments shine through.

Conclusion

Songwriting is an intricate balance of story, rhythm, melody, and space. By focusing on these five elements, you can elevate your songs to new levels of impact. Whether you’re a songwriter or an educator, these techniques can add depth, flow, and emotional resonance to any piece.

For those who want to go further, check out our new YouTube video on this topic!