Universal Songwriting

Tuesday, September 22, 2015 by Carmen (Shea) Hillary | Technique & Education

When writing lyrics, it's important to try and make your songs relatable and universal.  You can be specific and clear and yet still leave the message open enough that the listener can intrepret the song how they want to. People are drawn to songs that express emotions they themselves are feeling.  Avoid really specific statements that only you personally could understand.  This song below, Arizona, seems to clearly be about a relationship gone wrong.  But, Adrienne never comes right out and says that.  She uses metaphors and imagery to paint a picture that leaves the song open to interpretation.  In doing this she allows the listener to relate to the song in whatever way they want.  Maybe it's about a break up, maybe it's a relationship between a brother and sister or between a father and daughter.  You decide: