Lyric Lab Worksheet

Section 1: Deconstructing a Song

Listen to the example song and answer the following questions.

1. What is the main theme or message of this song?
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. List at least three examples of imagery used in the lyrics. What senses do they appeal to?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   • Example 1:
     
     
   • Example 2:
     
     
   • Example 3:
     
     
3. Does the song tell a story? If so, what is the story or emotional journey?
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. Are there any similes or metaphors used? If yes, write them down and explain their meaning.
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. How do the lyrics make you feel? What lines contribute most to that feeling?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Section 2: Brainstorm Your Song Idea

It's your turn to start thinking about your own lyrics! Answer these questions to get your ideas flowing.

1. What is a personal experience, emotion, or idea you want to write a song about? (This will be your theme.)
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Think of specific images related to your theme. What do you see, hear, smell, taste, or feel when you think about it?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. What kind of story (even a small moment or feeling) do you want to convey?
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. List some key words or phrases related to your theme that you might want to use in your lyrics.
   
   
   
   
   
   

Rhyme Scheme Reference Sheet

Rhyme can add musicality and structure to your lyrics, but it's important to remember that not every line needs to rhyme, and sometimes near rhymes are even more effective! Here are some common rhyme schemes:

1. End Rhyme

This is the most common type, where words at the end of lines rhyme.

AABB (Couplet)

Two consecutive lines rhyme. This often creates a simple, song-like feel.

• The cat sat on the mat (A)
• And then took a nap, just like that (A)
• The sun shone bright and clear (B)
• Chasing away all our fear (B)

ABAB (Alternate Rhyme)

Every other line rhymes. This is a classic and pleasing pattern.

• The wind whispers secrets through the trees (A)
• A gentle hum, a calming sound (B)
• Bringing sweet comfort on the summer breeze (A)
• As nature's beauty all around is found (B)

ABCB (Ballad Stanza)

The second and fourth lines rhyme, while the first and third do not.

• There once was a ship that sailed the sea (A)
• With sails of white, so grand and tall (B)
• Searching for adventures wild and free (C)
• Answering the ocean's silent call (B)

2. Internal Rhyme

Words within the same line, or within adjacent lines, rhyme.

• "I wore a robe that flowed on the road."
• "The stars in the dark lit up the park."

3. Near Rhyme (Slant Rhyme or Half Rhyme)

Words that sound similar but do not perfectly rhyme. This can create a more subtle or sophisticated effect.

• Love and prove
• Soul and all
• Room and storm

Tips for Using Rhyme in Songwriting:

• Don't force it: If a perfect rhyme doesn't fit the meaning, use a near rhyme or no rhyme at all.
• Vary your rhymes: Don't stick to just one rhyme scheme throughout an entire song.
• Read aloud: Say your lyrics out loud to hear how the rhymes and rhythm sound.
• Focus on the story: Rhyme should enhance your message, not distract from it.

My Songwriting Journal

This journal is your space to explore ideas, draft lyrics, and reflect on your songwriting journey. There are no right or wrong answers here – just your authentic voice!

Brainstorming & Idea Generation

• What emotions are you feeling today that you could turn into a song?
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Think of a specific memory or event that had a strong impact on you. How could you describe it in detail (sights, sounds, feelings)?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• If you could send a message to someone (or everyone) through a song, what would it be?
  
  
  
  
  
  

Lyric Drafts

Use this space to start drafting your song lyrics. Don't worry about perfection, just get your ideas down! Try to focus on your theme, vivid imagery, and the story you want to tell.

Draft 1:

Draft 2 (Revisions or a New Idea):

Reflection

• What challenges did you face while writing your lyrics today?
  
  
  
  
  
  
• What part of the songwriting process did you enjoy the most?
  
  
  
  
  
  
• What did you learn about your own creative process?