SONGWRITING
SONGWRITING 101: WHAT MAKES A GREAT SONG? | Alexander MacDougall
The world of good songwriting is as expansive “House at Pooh Corner” when he was only 17! of drug abuse, racism, protesting, rioting,
as a West Texas sunset. It includes the pairing Hymnwriter Isaac Watts was a teenager when police brutality, and the ongoing effects of The
and grouping of many variables, disciplines, he began writing his massive contributions Vietnam War. Against this background, Gaye
giftings, timing, and people. for the church. The answer to all of the above penned his heartfelt observations despite
questions is yes, no, not necessarily, maybe his huge commercial Pop and R&B success
Some writers are inclined to write lyrics while and sometimes. There are many songs that (and Motown Records”). He spoke his mind,
others are gifted in melody composition. Such have stood the test of time that break all “radio and it resonated with a public that completely
was the case of the great Richard and Robert friendly” songwriting rules. identified with its content.
On occasion, songwriters may be enabled What does matter in songwriting is that the Larry Norman’s “Watch What You’re Doing”,
with both abilities. It’s not often that you find song is identifiable. It resonates with the listener is a superb example of social commentary in
songwriters that are superb at both skills, in some way. It is sing-able. It is memorable. song, something that the Church has sadly
as was the team of John Lennon and Paul It may convey an emotion such as happiness, forgotten in favor or radio airplay.
McCartney. Both were astonishingly talented in anger, romance, or hope. It may inspire us to both lyric and melody. laugh, dance, protest, march, or worship. It There is sometimes also a mystery in the
communicates a message. It gets a reaction discovery of a good song. Not all great songs
from you, the listener. It may tell a story. are well-known. The evidence of greatness may
Sherman (Walt Disney’s “Sherman Brothers”).
Although
there
are
many
variables
and
techniques, not all are required elements to
sometimes come after-the-fact, as in the case
craft a great song. So, what makes a song Listen to Bob Dylan’s, “Masters of War”, as of songs discovered much after the passing
great? Is it the structure? Must a good song performed by Ed Sheeran. What and how does of the songwriter. In another manner, the old
always have a verse, chorus, bridge and solo this make you feel? Do you recognize your adage, “imitation is the most-sincere form of
section? Does the key, time signature, rhythm, reactions to Dylan’s lyrics and music? flattery” may also apply. The covering of a song
tempo, subject matter, or song length really
by multiple recording artists sometimes helps
matter to accomplish your objective? Is there A good song also has background. It has to signal the brilliance of a well-written song.
an age requirement to writing a great song? substance and there’s a story behind it. Marvin McCartney’s “Yesterday”, has been covered
Gaye’s “What’s Going On” from 1971 came more than 2,200 times in its recording history!
Jackson Browne wrote “These Days”, at the at a pivotal time in US history. We were a
ripe old age of 16 and Kenny Loggins wrote nation weakened and scarred by the effects
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These Days // Jackson Browne What’s Going On // Marvin Gaye
House at Pooh Corner // Kenny Loggins Watch What You’re Doing // Larry Norman
January 2019
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