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Hello everybody!
Recently I've been releasing a few tracks and one of them was pitched to a listing. My song's been returned and one of the reasons was the lyrics.
I know that avoiding specific names, geographical places, etc, is part of the thing. Known this, I've made a new song, trying to be as much universal as possible but then I found that I became a little vague and difficult to comprehend.
I thought that maybe that's produced because the listener has no context for the song and the lyrics.
I'd like to know if there's anybody here who can enlight the approach to writing universal lyrics without falling in something incompressible and decontextualized.
You know, tips and tricks maybe?

If you need to read the lyrics I've made to point out any examples or lessons don't hesitate to ask me for and I'll share them.

Have a good day!

It might be a good idea to have a look at Robin Frederick's appearances on TAXI TV especially the ones that talk about universal lyrics for film/tv.

You still need to tell a story that makes sense, and it's ok to use clear language, but you have to be careful not to use specific details that might preclude the use of the track in a scene. You can still talk about sunset, and being with you... but leave out the black cat on the doorstep or the Ford truck in the driveway.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jRWfZ_VC6A
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRWi14rxPOk

HTH

Yeah, think about the contrast is local. If it can only happen in a specific time/place for specific persons, it is local, not universal. But if it could happen to anyone, no matter where or when, it is likely to be universal.

hummingbird wrote: ↑

Sat Aug 01, 2020 11:41 pm

It might be a good idea to have a look at Robin Frederick's appearances on TAXI TV especially the ones that talk about universal lyrics for film/tv.

You still need to tell a story that makes sense, and it's ok to use clear language, but you have to be careful not to use specific details that might preclude the use of the track in a scene. You can still talk about sunset, and being with you... but leave out the black cat on the doorstep or the Ford truck in the driveway.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jRWfZ_VC6A
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRWi14rxPOk

HTH

HI!
Thank you for your help! I've been watching and I think it's clearer now what universal lyrics writing is about.
I'd resume the concept to "is not about describing the context but describing the experience at any given context".
You know, "experience" is the whole process of living, which involves sense and feelings, sensations, emotions, etc.
It's also to become abstract, which is not the same as being vague. Is it correct?

Thank you once again!
Regards!

Kolstad wrote: ↑

Sun Aug 02, 2020 3:32 am

Yeah, think about the contrast is local. If it can only happen in a specific time/place for specific persons, it is local, not universal. But if it could happen to anyone, no matter where or when, it is likely to be universal.

Hello: Thank you for your comment.
I've found that is easier for me to understand what universal lyrics writing is about if I think that it's more about what people experience in a context, instead of describing the context. So if the context is a relationship breakup, the point to write about is the experience and feelings of passing through a breakup, and not to describe what caused the rupture or fight, or whatever.

Thanks again!
Regards!