I think the best way to write a song is to have a feeling in mind, and then write concrete things that you think about relating to that that feeling.

Some of my approaches to writing:

Take a long walk on your own in the early hours and let random thoughts fizz around your head.
Get stoned and have conversations with interesting people.
Listen to your favourite music.
Write down everything, whatever comes into your head.

Another thing, don't write about what you know, you should use your writing to explore as many different things as possible. It's foolish and ignorant to limit yourself to writing only about the things you know. You may need to research certain things but it is all part of the process.

Buy a notepad and have it with you as much as possible; the amount of songs and ideas I have lost due to a bad memory and no writing materials is ridiculous!

bah

good songwriting is not something that can be taught/defined/strategized.... that's why it's so powerful when it happens

MY friend went to a rock camp and they had song-writing classes and now he thinks he's a reuglar genius at it. But it's all common cliches and what I call "generic rock"

I'm glad someone started this thread because I've found myself recently trying to start a band! I desperately need some tips about trying to write some songs. Maybe its a talent you have to be born with ... I dunno. Any help you guys could throw my way will be greatly appreciated.

I found my first lyrics were much worse than my newer ones. This may have been because I started listening to Radiohead, Bowie and Floyd alot too. Influence is unavoidable so listen to those that you think write lyrics in a style you may like to try.

I dont think it matters about lyrics too much. Some people try to put too much depth into lyrics and it makes me cringe. Look at a song like Yesterday.. Its such a simple song but it works so well.

P.S. Whats your band called Sammo? What type of Music?

When I want to write good lyrics,I go to a cafe and sit at a table quietly.I listen to the people sitting next to me and usually they are talking about politics or their personal lives.But it's your music write it any way you want.I also carry a small notebook with me at all times to write down ideas.

awesome, sammo. hope you get the band together soon and start practicing.

don't get too ambitious, didn't I tell you this before? anyway, practice some songs from other bands that your band members also like. and once you feel comfortable playing with your band members, you can start working on something on your own.

I think it has a lot to do with how to use your imagination and your ability to avoid cliches.

if you are writing a love song, don't use anything like roses, red petals fall, shit like that. that's old and done too many times, it is as boring as any songs from michael bolton.

let me give you an example, if you want to write a song about love, you can use free associations. like compare your love for this girl to palestinians' suicide bombing. yes, it is drastic, and they are completely different but your love is so desperate and dangerous that you may just wind up killing yourself, like a suicide bombing. it is the justaposition of different things that creats new meaning from your words.

I can give you another example, let say you want to describe the meaningless sex with your heartless ex girlfriend, you can compare that with fuc king a creamy feta cheese sandwich from a persian cafe down the street. you see, by doing that, you are saying having sex with her is cheap, creamy, fast and easy.

another member pointed out that experimentation is good. I totally agree. another thing may be good is mixing different genres together. that could be cool too.

I wish you good luck sammo.