by J Thomas Walden

Created on: May 19, 2008   Last Updated: September 22, 2008

If you're looking to write the next Beethoven's 5th, this is not the place to learn how. But if Western-style popular music is your thing (that's everything from Elvis Presley to Nirvana to Kanye West), getting started isn't as hard as you might think.

Some people like to start with a lyrical idea, some people a riff or melody, and some with just a simple chord progression or percussion part. In this case, the best way to find out which mold fits you best is to try each one. The order you complete the steps in is, in the grand scheme, irrelevant. By the time you've finished your song, you'll have at least touched on all three; however, I'll begin this article with the search for great lyrics.

If you find yourself drawn to lyrics, search the internet for the words to your favorite songs. Figure out what they're singing about. You'll notice that, more often than not, the meaning is not entirely concrete. Many great lyricists leave their work somewhat ambiguous, creating space for the listening to infuse their own meaning.

One of The Beatles' most simply arranged pieces, Paul McCartney's "Blackbird" is a great example of this. Because he juxtaposes simple ideas and symbols against one another, the result is a song that can mean anything to anyone. Take a look at the lyrics if you aren't already familiar with them, and think for a moment what McCartney may have been writing about. But don't stop at a single meaning, try to view it from every perspective you can think of (young love, war, growing up, heartbreak). See if you can apply it to something that's happened in your life. Then, search around for the meaning McCartney had in mind when he wrote it. You may be surprised.

Not all lyricists like to leave their meaning open, however. A few will come straight at the listener with nothing short of their opinion. Another Beatles song, John Lennon's "All You Need Is Love," barely beats around the bush. However, where "Blackbird" leaves room for interpretation within itself, Lennon uses the sheer simplicity of his message to his advantage. If "Blackbird" is an empty house for the listener to furnish with his own thoughts and experiences, Lennon's lyrics are intended as a tool for renovating the home and doing with it what you can. A similar exercise to the one listed above, familiarize yourself with the lyrics of "All You Need Is Love" and consider for a moment why Lennon's message is so universal. Is love all you need? What might he be missing, or can other great ideals

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