How to Study a Lyric's Form

Posted by Anonymous , 9/4/2007 Tags:LyricForm
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How to Study a Lyric's Form

Introduction

The structure in music is not always apparent to the average listener - even trained instrumentalists may be unaware of framework considerations. There are a couple of standard forms, though, that are used in songwriting.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Steps

1

Step One

Begin with the most common form in popular music, the "ternary song form." We think of this as A A B A. (Let's use Cole Porter's "Anything Goes" as an example.)
2

Step Two

Look at the initial musical statement, A. This is usually eight measures (bars) long. (This ends after the first "Anything goes.")
3

Step Three

Examine the second A. It's an exact, eight-measure repeat of the music in the first A, but the lyric continues to move along. (This brings us to 16 measures, to the end of the second "Anything goes.")
4

Step Four

Note that this second A is critical in two ways: the listener's ear perceives the melodic material better after hearing it twice, and the lyricist retains the rhythm of the first A so that the musical idea is not disturbed.
5

Step Five

Go on to B, the "bridge," an 8-measure departure from the musical material of the A section and its repeat. (We've now used up 24 bars, through "silly gigolos.") Listen to how the composer or lyricist departs from the rhythmic and melodic material used in the A sections to draw the listener's ear away from familiar ground and establish a fresh idea.
6

Step Six

Finish with A in the final eight-measure section. This is a return home to the familiarity of the beginning melody and rhythm - leaving the wilderness of the bridge. (This brings us past the third and final "Anything goes.")
7

Step Seven

Note how this A A B A form seems deceptively simple. In fact, it can be quite intriguing in the hands of a master composer-lyricist like Cole Porter.
8

Step Eight

Study another common, basic form - A B A C. Analyze "Gigi," with lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner and music by Frederick Loewe. "Gigi" is written in this form.
9

Step Nine

Make an intensive study of other lyricists and other styles. Although creating a song is a very personal endeavor, you will increase the colors on your own palette and foster the growth of your own versatility by doing so.

Overall Things You'll Need

  • Stereos
  • CDs
  • Lyric Books
  • Paper And Pencils
  • Headsets
  • Armchairs
  • CD Players
Tools: |