My 2nd verse curse...

[devin]

I have a good 1/2 dozen songs now that I really like, that have the same problem.I like the first verse, the chorus, the hook...and sometimes a bridge, and I'm satisfied with all these pieces.But my second verse is driving me crazy!!! This only happens on my serious songs (uptempo or ballad). Any songs done for fun (even the stuff approach Weird Al, or stuff done for others on a dare or as a joke) come out no problem. Second and third verses even get stronger on the songs that don't matter.Anyone else experience this? It's like my muse takes a vacation once the song is 2/3 done. I have songs over three years old in this category, that are still kept in the vault because the second verse is so out of place and/or weak.Anyone have any magic rituals to get past this?

[jchitty]

Hey, Devin....good thread you started. The second verse is always the hardest to write, imo. And especially if you feel you've written a great song, one that matters to you as you say. I always want my second verse to live up to my first verse. When the words won't come to me, I put the song aside and file it away for safe keeping. Sometimes, if you let the song 'simmer" that second verse will come eventually. I believe songwriting is a subconcious process...the song writes itself, and you might need to get away from it and let your subconcious mind work.If you feel a song is really fantastic, you can get anxious not writing that second verse right away, but if you develop a system where you put the song aside and revisit it later, it might work for you.In the meantime, while you're waiting to write that second verse, try to do some brainstorming of course. Really think about your message in the second verse, how it will tie together with your first verse...throw out some lines even if they don't suit the second verse...just play around and tinker for a while. Think of all kinds of possible lines...tell yourself, 'I don't have to write the second verse yet, I'm just tossing around ideas.'If I sit on the song for a while (give myself permission) I start to have 'Eureka' moments, and I end up finishing it.Hope this makes sense...maybe it will help.

[linziellen]

Hi Devin, I struggle with second verses too. Like Chits I think it's important to take time out. I used to get so excited about lyrics that I would battle them out to the end, but the song would quickly turn into more of a chore. Everyone has their own way of writing, here are a couple of things I try when I'm stuck - I write everything on the computer now, it's just become practical. If you do this, try taking your 1st verse and shifting it down, give yourself some blank and try writing another 1st verse, thus making the original your 2nd. You can always make it flow better afterward by shifting/changing words around. I even swap the verses back again sometimes. Or try relying on your 1st verse more, by using each line as a back up for your 2nd. Look at what I did with my "Spider" lyric, I'm basically copying the first verse, just saying it differently! You might even want to repeat a line or two, if it fits with the rest of the song. You might end up scrapping the best part of what you have but it could help to keep the juices flowing.Sometimes I think about the most likely thing that will happen next and put it into words, I imagine it as a movie. So if you start out by saying you woke up late, burnt your breakfast, spilled your cup of tea and rushed out for work, the next part of the 'film' would most likely be you missing the bus or train and arriving late to work...and so on.I also listen to lots of music that fits the mood of the song I'm trying to write. If nothing seems to fit, I try and move on, concentrate on another lyric for a while and every now and then jump on it, take it by surprise screaming "I GOT YOU THIS TIME" Phew, hope that helps a little bit Devin,Linzi

[jchitty]

Hey, good advice on y'all's part too, Cameron and Lindz. I find I can be more objective too if I wait....but you're right, if you sit too long, the song might lose its luster.

[squids]

I think it's anxiety. I get it too and have to back off (like I'm skeert it's gonna jump the fence on me! hahahahah) but it's fo a reason; if I don't stand back and get some clarity, I could waste jes a ton of time noodlin' with lyrics and then get lost in it, become despairing and wanna off myself by chocolate.

[suzdoyle]

I find I always write the beginning and end of a project first (be it music, fiction, etc.). For some reason, the middle usually is written last and comes more from a place of editing and pragmatism than unfettered creative flow.Not sure why. Perhaps it is -- gasp -- the curse of the second verse syndrome!!!I like Linzi's idea of shifting verse 1 down and writing a new verse 1. How cool is that? !! Suz

[squids]

Oct 29, 2008, 8:53pm, suzdoyle wrote:I like Linzi's idea of shifting verse 1 down and writing a new verse 1. How cool is that? !! Suz I especially love how she jumps out and ambushes it on her way by. Heh!! Talk about takin' it back girlfriend! WhooHOO!(grin)

[jchitty]

Oct 29, 2008, 7:44pm, squids wrote:I think it's anxiety. I get it too and have to back off (like I'm skeert it's gonna jump the fence on me! hahahahah) but it's fo a reason; if I don't stand back and get some clarity, I could waste jes a ton of time noodlin' with lyrics and then get lost in it, become despairing and wanna off myself by chocolate. LOL, if you're gonna die, excess chocolate consumption is the way to go.

[jchitty]

Oct 29, 2008, 8:53pm, suzdoyle wrote:I find I always write the beginning and end of a project first (be it music, fiction, etc.). For some reason, the middle usually is written last and comes more from a place of editing and pragmatism than unfettered creative flow.Not sure why. Perhaps it is -- gasp -- the curse of the second verse syndrome!!!I like Linzi's idea of shifting verse 1 down and writing a new verse 1. How cool is that? !! SuzI liked Lindz's idea too, Suz. The next time I write a song, it's worth a try!

[devin]

I...um...(*dang! Still can't get this second post working...*) These are ALL great points everyone, just great!I'm going to try the "Linzi-swap" this weekend.