This is probably the most common song subject, and is the easiest for most of us to write. The problem is that the subject has been covered so many times in so many ways, that it is a real challenge to write a love song that doesn’t sound the same as all the others. On the one hand, there are the lines everyone likes to hear from someone, and, on the other, there is the truly original way to express your feelings that doesn’t come across as a tired and trite verbal offering. Musically, many love songs are ballads, but many of us would welcome the idea of our loved one yelling his or her feelings at the top of that person’s lungs, too. Here are a few ideas on how to approach this subject without the idea being tossed into the circular file by a rep at your next song pitch.
HOW DO YOU FEEL?
Sometimes it’s best to stay in familiar territory—think of how you feel when you are in love. Try to come up with a way to explain your reactions to the situation, physically and emotionally, not just use the cliché lines you hear so often. Does your stomach feel funny? Tell us how it feels funny, and what you plan to do about that. Are you completely confused about how you feel? Think of something else that makes you as confused, and do the compare and contrast thing so many of us had to do in school essays. Do you feel like screaming at the top of your lungs? Several rockers have placed heartfelt yells into their songs with great effect—if it feels natural for you to do that, do so—your sincerity will come out in your writing, and, trust me, many of us will be able to relate with what you are going through, no matter how silly it may seem to you. Are you angry about the situation you find yourself in for some reason? Bang out those notes and words like you are upset, and show, not tell us why you are so frazzled. Do you feel dreamy? Perhaps a sweet, melodic approach is better, here, but put it in your personal idiom, don’t try to mimic someone else’s style, here. Are you longing to hear your special someone put his or her feelings into words or actions for you? Describe what you’d like, and have fun putting it as poetically or musically as possible—graphic words or sound effects may have a titillating value to you, but will be hard to get past the censors—much more fun to do it in a way that still puts the idea across and is still prime-time enough to get you the maximum airplay. Are you a very witty and punnish person? Have a blast coming up with the worst groaner puns you can for how you feel, and you may have a novelty hit on your hands. The important thing here is to put yourself into your music, here, and express yourself as personally as possible—trust me, we’ve all been there, so there is little you could say that would shock anyone—you are far more likely to get cheers of approval, instead.
