Songwriting News: Finding the Angle to Your Chorus (2024)

Often the trickiest part of writing a song is finding what I call the ‘angle’ of the Verse. That is, how the Verse lyric relates to the Chorus/Title. You usually want the Verse to bring the Chorus, and especially the Title, into focus. Ideally in a way that’s special or interesting, or at least sincere […] The post Finding the Angle to Your Chorus appeared first on Tony Conniff.

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Jun 2, 2023 - 11:10

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Often the trickiest part of writing a song is finding what I call the ‘angle’ of the Verse. That is, how the Verse lyric relates to the Chorus/Title.

You usually want the Verse to bring the Chorus, and especially the Title, into focus. Ideally in a way that’s special or interesting, or at least sincere and believable.

Let’s start with a common Title. Say, ‘You’re The One’. Let’s assume you’ve got an exciting Chorus and this Title’s working for you. (Though at this point in time, with many ‘You’re The One’s’ out there, you’d need a pretty great Chorus!)

The challenge is then to find a Verse approach that enhances the Title. What’s the angle?

Is it simply a straightforward declaration of devotion? ‘You’re The One’.

Or – it’s a difficult relationship… but we’ll work it out; because… ‘You’re The One’.

Or does it compare the loved one to other lovers who are seen in a positive way? ‘She was great in this way… He was great in that way… But you… You’re The One.’

Is it a moment of realization? ‘I took you for granted… but now I realize… I know You’re The One’.

How about a list? ‘You’re (this)… you’re (that)… you’re (something else)… and (or but), most of all, You’re The One’.

Or… a series of lines about the singer’s life, having nothing to do with the relationship… AND (to top it off) ‘You’re The One’.

And on and on… until something clicks.

These ‘You’re The One’ options are mundane (to be kind), as is the Title, but I hope you get the idea, which is important. One way or the other you have to find an angle, and usually you need to stick with it for all the Verses. So it should be a good one, one that resonates for you.

Especially with a common Title like ‘You’re The One’, finding that angle is what can make the whole lyric come alive. And even with an uncommon Title, finding the angle is a big part of making a song work.

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The post Finding the Angle to Your Chorus appeared first on Tony Conniff.