6 answers
Addilyn
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
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What are the main things that make a song good?
I want to write a song
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6 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Addilyn,
Writing a good song is really about connecting with people and making them feel something. It doesn't have to be perfect — it just has to be real.
Start with what you're feeling or what story you want to tell. Honest lyrics always hit harder than trying to sound deep or fancy. Even the simplest words can have a huge impact if they come from the heart.
Next is the melody — that's the part people remember. You don't need crazy musical skills to come up with one. Just hum a little tune or mess around with a keyboard or guitar until something clicks.
Most songs follow a pattern like verse, chorus, verse, chorus, bridge, chorus, but there's no rulebook. If something feels good, go with it. The chorus is usually the catchiest part, so that's where you want to pour in your best energy.
If you're just starting out, apps like BandLab, GarageBand, or even your phone's voice memos can help you build your first track. You don't need fancy equipment — just your voice and ideas.
Most importantly, have fun with it. The best songs come out when you're not trying too hard. What kind of songs are you hoping to write — personal stories, upbeat jams, or something totally different?
Ah, well here is a little something i hope helps too. Basically, if you want to write a song right now, grab your phone or a notebook and write down one feeling you're having or one random thought on your mind — happy, sad, bored, anything.🤔
Then write down three lines about that feeling without worrying if they rhyme or sound perfect.
For example:
I'm staring at my ceiling again
Trying to find words I can't explain
Wish I could press rewind
Boom, you've already started your first verse. And you will be doing great I know!
Now hum a little melody while reading those lines out loud. Whatever melody feels natural is probably the right one.
Music starts messy, so don't wait to feel ready — just start with whatever's in your head right now. What feeling would your song be about?
Alright, here's your second move — pick a song you love and listen to it like a detective. Focus on how it's built: How many lines are in the verse? When does the chorus hit? What kind of vibe does the melody give off — happy, sad, chill? What words or phrases stick in your head? Then write your own version of that song's structure with your own words and feelings. You're not copying — you're learning how songs are built from the inside out. If you're feeling brave, freestyle some lines into your phone's voice recorder. Your voice doesn't have to be perfect — you're just catching ideas.
Okay, here's your third move — build a tiny beat with just your voice. Tap out a rhythm on your desk or snap your fingers. Then hum a melody or make random sounds over it. Don't worry if it sounds silly — that's how half the best songs start. Once you've got a little groove going, try freestyling random words or lines over it. Even if it's just nonsense, you're training your brain to turn thoughts into music. Record the whole thing on your phone. It doesn't have to sound like a finished song — you're just catching sparks. If you're vibing with it, that could be the start of your first demo.
Alright, you can also flip your process and start with a title before anything else. Think of one simple phrase that feels like a song name. It could be something you're feeling right now or just a random cool idea like: "Lost in My Own Head" "Midnight Conversations" "Wish You Knew" Once you have a title, let your mind wander — what story would that song tell? Is it about someone? Is it about you? Write down anything that comes to mind without worrying if it rhymes or makes sense. Let the title guide the whole song. What would your title be right now? Just start with that.
Here's another one — write without music first. Forget melodies, beats, or rhymes for a second. Just grab your phone or a notebook and write down a letter to yourself or to someone you'd never actually send. It could be something you're proud of, something you're scared to say out loud, or even something totally made up. The more personal, the better. Once you have a few sentences down, read them back and circle the lines that hit hardest. Those could be your lyrics without even trying. Music always starts with feelings before sound.
Yo, okay — let's make this easy. Open your notes app or grab a piece of paper. Now think of the weirdest, randomest thing you're feeling right now. Like... "I'm kinda tired but don't wanna sleep" "Missing someone I haven't even met" "Staring at my cold coffee like it's gonna text me back" Write down that one line like you're texting your best friend. Boom — that's your first lyric. Now write two more lines that explain the mood a little more, like you're just venting. No pressure, no rhymes, no rules. You're not trying to write a hit — you're just catching whatever's bouncing around in your brain. That's how half the best songs start without anyone even realizing. This is a really good start! 😉
Writing a good song is really about connecting with people and making them feel something. It doesn't have to be perfect — it just has to be real.
Start with what you're feeling or what story you want to tell. Honest lyrics always hit harder than trying to sound deep or fancy. Even the simplest words can have a huge impact if they come from the heart.
Next is the melody — that's the part people remember. You don't need crazy musical skills to come up with one. Just hum a little tune or mess around with a keyboard or guitar until something clicks.
Most songs follow a pattern like verse, chorus, verse, chorus, bridge, chorus, but there's no rulebook. If something feels good, go with it. The chorus is usually the catchiest part, so that's where you want to pour in your best energy.
If you're just starting out, apps like BandLab, GarageBand, or even your phone's voice memos can help you build your first track. You don't need fancy equipment — just your voice and ideas.
Most importantly, have fun with it. The best songs come out when you're not trying too hard. What kind of songs are you hoping to write — personal stories, upbeat jams, or something totally different?
Ah, well here is a little something i hope helps too. Basically, if you want to write a song right now, grab your phone or a notebook and write down one feeling you're having or one random thought on your mind — happy, sad, bored, anything.🤔
Then write down three lines about that feeling without worrying if they rhyme or sound perfect.
For example:
I'm staring at my ceiling again
Trying to find words I can't explain
Wish I could press rewind
Boom, you've already started your first verse. And you will be doing great I know!
Now hum a little melody while reading those lines out loud. Whatever melody feels natural is probably the right one.
Music starts messy, so don't wait to feel ready — just start with whatever's in your head right now. What feeling would your song be about?
Dr recommends the following next steps:
Thank you Dr H, You made it feel less scary and more like playing around. If you had to write a whole song using only one random word like... 'marshmallow' 🍡, how would you start? I mean if you can just guide it through.
Sama
Hey Sama!
Aww, your comment made my lil' marshmallow heart happy. I'm really glad I could help a tiny bit! Honestly, songwriting is just messing around until something accidentally feels kinda... right — like turning random midnight thoughts into magic without even trying.
Marshmallows!! Well, I ain't a songwriter but challenge on — if I had to whip up a whole song using only 'marshmallow'... 🤔🤔🤧
(You made me do this 😏)
Marshmallow queen, left out of the scene
Too soft for the world, but still living the dream
Got dropped on the floor, now I'm part of the routine
(bowing!! Thank you) 😅hope that counts.
Dr H
Now if you're up for the challenge, try throwing out three lines about your own marshmallow mood — . I have this feeling your lyrics might hit harder than you think...
Don't give up and stay awesome. 🤗
Dr H
Paul Rashley
2
Answers
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Addilyn,
Your song should have meaning and direction, and this can change a lot depending on the genre and format you choose, like radio, opera, live shows, TV scoring, or dance. Remember, you have the freedom to write whatever you feel inspired by. Focus on what you do best and what style you truly enjoy. Are you more of a lyricist, performer/artist, or composer? Exploring these roles will help you find your unique "voice" and style. Check out resources on YouTube and try downloading a free digital audio workstation (DAW) to start creating—it's going to be exciting! Make sure to listen carefully to songs and understand their structure. Music has patterns, a bit like math. Here's a handy tip: if writing lyrics isn't your thing, you can use AI tools like Chat GPT to help. Your DAW has all the instruments you need, and you can always upgrade from there. Keep going, you're on the right path!
Your song should have meaning and direction, and this can change a lot depending on the genre and format you choose, like radio, opera, live shows, TV scoring, or dance. Remember, you have the freedom to write whatever you feel inspired by. Focus on what you do best and what style you truly enjoy. Are you more of a lyricist, performer/artist, or composer? Exploring these roles will help you find your unique "voice" and style. Check out resources on YouTube and try downloading a free digital audio workstation (DAW) to start creating—it's going to be exciting! Make sure to listen carefully to songs and understand their structure. Music has patterns, a bit like math. Here's a handy tip: if writing lyrics isn't your thing, you can use AI tools like Chat GPT to help. Your DAW has all the instruments you need, and you can always upgrade from there. Keep going, you're on the right path!
Thomas O'Shea
Music Producer, Composer, Live Sound Engineer, Musician
146
Answers
Madison, Wisconsin
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
A good song is subjective. Take any artist on the radio on the "hot 100" charts today. Some you probably like, and some you probably don't like. All music has these fundamental things: melody, harmony, rhythm, and a meaning. The best way to figure out how to do these things for yourself is just doing it. You need to start, and practice every day. Whether you take lessons for music or not is up to you, but the discipline is NOT up to you if you truly want to be a musician (especially a musician who makes a living with music). Choose an instrument and start practicing- I would start with only one instrument or else you'll get overwhelmed pretty fast. Piano or guitar are probably the easiest to start with if you want to write songs like Taylor Swift. There's thousands of videos on how to do basic chords and learn basic music theory on YouTube. Just start watching, and putting what you learn into practice. Learn other people's songs first- and pay attention to what you like about them. I started playing piano at 6 but didn't even write my own music until freshman year of high school- so this will take time. Be patient and kind to yourself. I can say from experience that your first songs will be really really bad. My first songs are god awful but that didn't detour me from doing what I wanted to do. The best thing to do if you want to start writing good songs (besides practicing ofc) is listening to as much music as possible. Listen to music all the time and pay attention to the little details- like the extra percussion sounds in the background or how the harmony background vocals interact with the main vocal.
Best of luck
Best of luck
Ashunti Blackwell
Group Lead
1
Answer
Normal, Illinois
Updated
Ashunti’s Answer
A good song can be as simple as the answer. It all starts with you the writer. The emotion that comes behind it. What are you trying to portray? What picture are you trying to get your audience to capture? What do you want them to feel? What is the song for? The song is good for what its meant for and how you execute it! Thats just my opinion. Can it be more complicated? Of course.
Saint P
SongWriter and Creative writer
75
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Saint’s Answer
Hey Addilyn!
So, if you’re thinking about writing a song, there are a few things that can really make it stand out:
1. Catchy Melody – You want a melody that sticks with people. Something they can hum or sing along to, you know? It doesn’t have to be super complicated, but it should be memorable.
2. Relatable Lyrics – Lyrics that make people feel something are key. Whether you're talking about love, heartbreak, or just life in general, try to write something people can connect with. The more real and honest, the better.
3. Good Chords – The chords are like the backbone of the song. Don’t stress over fancy progressions—simple works, too. Play around with them and see what vibe you’re feeling.
4. The Rhythm – The beat and groove of the song really help set the mood. Whether it’s fast or slow, it’s got to match the vibe you’re going for. A good rhythm makes people want to move or just get into the song.
5. Structure – Most songs follow a pretty basic structure like verse-chorus-verse. Don’t be afraid to play with it a little, but keeping it simple usually works best.
6. Emotion – Don’t forget the feeling behind the song. You can have all the right words, but if you don’t put emotion into how you sing or play it, it won’t hit the same.
7. Something Unique – Every great song has something that makes it stand out. Maybe it’s the way you use instruments, or a cool twist in the melody. Find something that’s your thing.
Honestly, just start writing and see where it takes you.
Don’t overthink it! Would love to know what kind of song you’re trying to write.
Good luck!
Saint
So, if you’re thinking about writing a song, there are a few things that can really make it stand out:
1. Catchy Melody – You want a melody that sticks with people. Something they can hum or sing along to, you know? It doesn’t have to be super complicated, but it should be memorable.
2. Relatable Lyrics – Lyrics that make people feel something are key. Whether you're talking about love, heartbreak, or just life in general, try to write something people can connect with. The more real and honest, the better.
3. Good Chords – The chords are like the backbone of the song. Don’t stress over fancy progressions—simple works, too. Play around with them and see what vibe you’re feeling.
4. The Rhythm – The beat and groove of the song really help set the mood. Whether it’s fast or slow, it’s got to match the vibe you’re going for. A good rhythm makes people want to move or just get into the song.
5. Structure – Most songs follow a pretty basic structure like verse-chorus-verse. Don’t be afraid to play with it a little, but keeping it simple usually works best.
6. Emotion – Don’t forget the feeling behind the song. You can have all the right words, but if you don’t put emotion into how you sing or play it, it won’t hit the same.
7. Something Unique – Every great song has something that makes it stand out. Maybe it’s the way you use instruments, or a cool twist in the melody. Find something that’s your thing.
Honestly, just start writing and see where it takes you.
Don’t overthink it! Would love to know what kind of song you’re trying to write.
Good luck!
Saint
Thank you for sharing your perspective.
Sama
Arsen Escobedo
Student, currently working for volunteer hours.
30
Answers
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Updated
Arsen’s Answer
In my view, a great song combines cheerful lyrics and a lively melody with a deeper, more serious meaning. A good example of this is the Japanese song Girl A.