How to Write Your First Song Lyrics

A step-by-step guide to turning your thoughts and feelings into your very first song lyrics. HowTo: Family Edition: family how-tos that actually help.

1. Pick your topic. Choose one thing you want to sing about. It could be something you love, like pizza, or how you feel on a rainy day. Write down five words that describe that topic.
2. Brainstorm your lines. Write down sentences about your topic. Don't worry about rhyming yet! Just focus on what you want to say. Try to write at least four sentences.
3. Find your rhythm. Read your lines out loud and tap your hand on the table to a steady beat. If some lines feel too long or too short, add or remove a few words until they fit the beat.
4. Add some rhymes. Look at the last word of your lines. Try to change one or two of them so they rhyme with another line. If you get stuck, ask a grown-up or a sibling to help you brainstorm rhyming pairs.