THE WRITING PROCESS
Where Songs Begin
Every memorable lyric starts long before the first word is written.
For me, writing lyrics has never been about finding clever rhymes.
It begins with understanding the story, discovering the characters and listening carefully to the emotion hidden beneath the melody.
Only then do the words begin to arrive.
1. Listen
Before writing anything, I simply listen. Not only to the melody, but to what the music is trying to say emotionally.
2. Research
Whether the inspiration comes from history, a personal experience or fiction, understanding the subject gives every lyric authenticity.
3. Character
Every song has a voice. Before writing, I ask one simple question: who is singing, and why?
4. Write
The first draft rarely survives unchanged. Lyrics evolve through countless small refinements as rhythm, meaning and emotion slowly find balance.
5. Sing
Every line is sung aloud. If it feels awkward to sing, it probably needs rewriting. Music quickly exposes weak writing.
6. Refine
Sometimes changing a single word transforms an entire song. Patience is one of the lyricist’s most valuable tools.
Serving The Song
One lesson became very clear during my work on Guy Fawkes The Musical.
A lyric is never the hero.
The story is.
Good lyrics don’t compete with the music.
They support it.
Every word should help reveal character, move the story forward or deepen the emotional connection between performer and audience.
The Last Test
Before considering a lyric complete, I ask myself one final question.
Would someone believe these words if they were spoken instead of sung?
If the answer is yes, the lyric usually finds its place naturally inside the music.
Simple words, honestly written, almost always outlast clever ones.
Great Lyrics Are Never Accidental
They grow through curiosity, careful listening, thoughtful revision and a genuine desire to serve the story.
Explore Story Behind the Song