How to Write Lyrics

Lyrics sheds light on all aspects of lyric writing for music and will make songwriters feel more confident and creative when they tackle lyrics. It's perfect for all songwriters: those who don't like their own lyrics and find them difficult to write, experienced writers looking for a creative edge, and those offering lyrics to set to music in a partnership. Topics include channeling personal experiences into lyrics, overcoming writer's block, the right lyrics for a bridge, the separation between lyrics and poetry, exploring imagery and metaphor, avoiding clichés, and more. The book also offers tips on the various styles of lyrics, from protests, spirituals, and confessionals to narratives and comic songs.

Rikky Rooksby is a guitar teacher, songwriter, and music journalist. Author of Chord Master, The Songwriting Sourcebook, Inside Classic Rock Tracks, Riffs, The Complete Guide to the Music of Fleetwood Mac and The Complete Guide to the Music of Madonna, he has also written 14 Fastforward guitar tutor books. Rooksby has transcribed and arranged two dozen chord songbooks on various leading artists, including The Complete Beatles.