102. Breaking Down the Important Relationship Between Notes and Syllables

Podcast Show Notes:

Dear Songwriter,

Ever wondered why certain songs stick, while others simply fade into the background? It’s all about the interplay of melody and lyrics. In this episode, I'm delving into the nitty-gritty to uncover the secrets behind memorable songwriting.

We begin by breaking down melodies and lyrics to their basic components—notes and syllables. Recognizing the power of these elements, we explore their role in creating songs that feel natural and conversational. We go even further to examine different sections of a song, such as verses, and choruses, illustrating what role melody plays in each. Focusing on syllables, we explain their relation to rhythm and use hymns and popular songs as examples to visualize the process. As we progress through the episode, you'll get practical tips and guidelines, from identifying the more and less prominent notes and aligning words to the strength of your melody, to trimming unnecessary syllables for clearer, catchier verses and choruses.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

  • The breakdown of melodies and lyrics into their essential parts.

  • The role that prominent notes play in crafting melodies.

  • How to choose words that match the strength of your melody.

  • The importance of using syllables strategically to maintain the rhythm and enhance the impact of your melody.

  • Techniques for cutting out unnecessary words and syllables to write clearer, catchier lyrics.

  • Practical tips for infusing your lyrics and melody with a natural, conversational cadence.


Let's dive deep into the craft of songwriting and hep you create songs that truly resonate!

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