How to Write a Song: A Fun Guide for Kids, Teens, and Parents
Writing a song is like creating your own little piece of magic! Whether you’re an aspiring pop star or just want to have fun with music, the process of writing a song can be exciting and super rewarding.
Don’t worry—this guide will help you break it down into simple steps, so you’ll be able to write songs in no time. Let’s get started!
1. Start with an Idea
Before you write a song, it’s helpful to know what you want the song to be about. This is called the theme or topic. Your song can be about anything: love, friendship, fun, challenges, or even something silly like your favourite food!
- Brainstorm ideas: Write down a list of things that inspire you. Maybe you love the ocean, your pet, or a recent holiday you took. Anything can be the spark for a song.
- Pick your theme: Choose one idea from your list that excites you the most. This will give your song direction and make writing easier.
2. Write Lyrics
Once you’ve picked your theme, it’s time to write the words—also known as the lyrics.
- Start with a hook: The hook is the catchy part of the song that people will remember. Think of it like the chorus of a song. You want something that sticks in your head, like “I just wanna dance!” or “You’re my sunshine!”
- Structure your song: Most songs have a structure that repeats in a specific order:
- Verse: The verses tell the story or set the scene. They have different lyrics each time but keep the same melody.
- Chorus: This is the part of the song that repeats. It often has the most powerful lyrics and melody.
- Bridge: This part comes after the second chorus and adds something different. It might have new lyrics or a change in melody to keep the song exciting.
- Rhyme: Rhyming isn’t necessary, but it often makes your song sound catchier. If you want to rhyme, pick words matching your theme. For example, if your song is about summer, you might rhyme “sun” with “fun.”
Important tip: Don’t worry about getting the perfect lyrics right away. Just start writing whatever comes to your mind and then develop and refine it!
Let’s use a popular and simple example: “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift to illustrate what we mean (we see you Swifties). Here’s how the song breaks down into its key components:
Example Breakdown of “Shake It Off”
Verse 1:
This part sets the scene and introduces the theme. In “Shake It Off,” the verse talks about the people who criticise and how Taylor feels about it.
🎶 I stay out too late
Got nothing in my brain
That’s what people say, mm-mm
That’s what people say, mm-mm
- Purpose of the verse: Introduces the situation or story. It’s where the details come in.
Pre-Chorus (Optional):
A short section of your song that builds tension and leads into the chorus. It’s often more melodic and emotional.
🎶 But I keep cruisin’, can’t stop, won’t stop movin’
- Purpose of the pre-chorus: Builds anticipation for the chorus.
Chorus:
The catchiest and most repetitive part of the song—the big moment. It often contains the hook and the main idea of the song.
🎶 Cause the players gonna play, play, play, play, play
And the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate
Baby, I’m just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake
I shake it off, I shake it off
- Purpose of the chorus: This is the part people remember. It delivers the song’s main message and emotion.
Verse 2:
The second verse builds on the first. It adds new details to the story but keeps the same melody.
🎶 I never miss a beat
I’m lightning on my feet
And that’s what they don’t see, mm-mm
That’s what they don’t see, mm-mm
- Purpose of the second verse: Keeps the story interesting and gives the song depth.
Bridge:
A completely different section, musically and lyrically. It often provides contrast or a new perspective.
🎶 Hey, hey, hey
Just think while you’ve been gettin’ down and out about the liars
And the dirty, dirty cheats of the world
You could’ve been gettin’ down to this sick beat
- Purpose of the bridge: Adds variety and gives the listener a break from the repeating song structure.
Hook:
The most memorable line or phrase. In this song, the hook is right in the chorus:
🎶 Shake it off, shake it off
- Purpose of the hook: Grabs attention and sticks in your head.
Outro (Optional):
The closing lines that wrap up the song. Sometimes it’s a repetition of the chorus or a slower, faded ending.
🎶 Shake it off, I, I, I shake it off, I shake it off
Shake it off, I, I, I shake it off, I shake it off
- Purpose of the outro: Leaves the listener with a final impression.
3. Create a Melody
The melody is the tune that your lyrics follow. It’s the part you’ll sing or hum, and it’s often what makes a song stick in your head.
- Pick a rhythm: The rhythm is the speed or pace of the song. Do you want it to be slow and emotional, or fast and upbeat? This will help you decide what kind of melody to create.
- Sing your lyrics: Start by singing your lyrics out loud. You’ll probably start to hear a melody forming. If not, don’t worry—just keep playing around with the words and the rhythm until something clicks.
- Use instruments: If you play an instrument, like the guitar or piano, use it to help find your melody. You can experiment by playing different chords while singing your lyrics. If you don’t play an instrument, try clapping your hands or tapping your feet to find a beat that feels good.
Important tip: Don’t stress if your first melody isn’t perfect. The beauty of songwriting is that you can always tweak it until it feels right!
4. Add Chords and Harmony
Now that you’ve got a melody, it’s time to add some chords and harmony to support your song. Chords are the group of notes that you play together, and they give the song a fuller sound.
- Start with basic chords: Chords are groups of three or more notes played at the same time. If you’re learning an instrument, start with simple chords like C, G, and D. These are used in many pop songs and can make your song sound amazing.
- Experiment with harmony: Harmony is when you add more notes or voices to the melody to create a richer sound. You don’t need to add too much at first; just a few extra notes can make a big difference!
A chord progression is a sequence of chords played in a particular order within a song. Chords are combinations of notes played together, and when arranged in a specific progression, they create the musical foundation or “backbone” of a song. A chord progression sets the mood, emotion, and flow of the music.
Examples of Common Chord Progressions
Here are some popular progressions in Western music:
- I–V–vi–IV (1–5–6–4)
- Found in many pop songs.
- Example: “Someone Like You” by Adele or “Let It Be” by The Beatles.
- In C major: C → G → Am → F.
- I–IV–V (1–4–5)
- A classic rock and blues progression.
- Example: “Twist and Shout” by The Beatles.
- In C major: C → F → G.
- vi–IV–I–V (6–4–1–5)
- A common pattern for emotional or inspirational music.
- Example: “With or Without You” by U2.
- In C major: Am → F → C → G.
Important tip: If you’re unsure how to play chords, there are tons of apps and websites that can teach you. Or, you can ask a teacher or someone who plays an instrument for help.
5. Refining Your Song
Once you’ve got your lyrics, melody, and chords in place, it’s time to refine your song.
- Edit the lyrics: Look at your lyrics again and see if there’s anything you can improve. Are there words that don’t fit? Could you make the lines catchier? Try singing your song a few times and see if it flows smoothly.
- Experiment with the structure: If your song feels too short or too long, you can adjust the structure. Maybe you need a longer chorus or a bridge to make it more exciting.
- Add details: Think about the mood of your song. Do you want it to sound happy, sad, or dramatic? Add details that match the mood, like a change in rhythm or using a different instrument.
Important tip: Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback – especially if you’re a beginner! Sometimes, a fresh pair of ears can help you find new ideas or improve your song. Not sure who to get feedback from? Submit your song to our feedback service and our expert songwriters will get back to you.
6. Record Your Song
Once you’ve perfected the writing of your song, it’s time to record it!
- Use a phone or computer: You don’t need fancy equipment to record your song. You can use your phone or computer to record a simple version. There are also free recording apps that let you layer sounds and make your recording sound amazing!
- Make it fun: If you’ve got a friend or family member who’s willing to help, invite them to sing or play an instrument with you. Recording with others can be a blast!
Important tip: Remember, recording doesn’t have to be perfect. The more you practice, the better your recording will sound.
7. Songwriting Tips and Tricks
- Keep it simple: Sometimes, the best songs are the simplest. Don’t overcomplicate things—focus on your message and melody.
- Write about what you know: Personal experiences can make your song feel more genuine. Write about things you’ve felt, seen, or imagined.
- Stay true to yourself: It’s easy to get caught up in trying to write a song that sounds like your favourite artist. But remember, the best songs come from your own heart and ideas.
8. Where to Go From Here
Now that you’ve written your first song, you might be wondering, “What’s next?” The answer is simple—keep writing!
- Join a songwriting club: If you want to take your songwriting to the next level, join a songwriting group or workshop. We offer fun workshops where you can get feedback on your songs and connect with other young songwriters.
- Enter a competition: Why not enter a songwriting competition? Our Young Songwriter competition is a great way to showcase your talent and listen to the songs of other like-minded peers! The Young Songwriter 2025 competition is open for entries from the 1st February to 31st March 2025.
Conclusion
Writing a song is all about having fun, experimenting, and expressing yourself! Whether you’re writing a song for a special occasion, like Christmas, or just to share your thoughts and feelings, the process can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Remember to keep things simple, stay true to your unique voice, and keep practising – you can’t expect to be a lyrical genius from the get-go.
Now that you have all the tools you need, it’s time to get started on your own song! And if you ever need help or feedback, don’t forget that Song Academy is here to support you every step of the way. So grab your pen, your guitar, or your keyboard, and start writing—your next hit song is waiting to be created!
