"I'm Just Ken" has won the Critics Choice Awards for Best Song. And Ryan Gosling couldn't believe it! In this video, you discover what made the song so good that it won. This is a masterclass in how to write song lyrics about a specific person while making it relatable, keeping the audience engaged, and delivering a meaningful takeaway. ► Want to WRITE songs that tell a story? Go here: https://www.lyricmastery.com ► Online Course on Storytelling in Songwriting. Go here: https://www.lyricmastery.com/start If you’re new to my channel, my name is Melanie Naumanni. I’m the creator of LyricMastery.com. It’s the place where you can master the craft of storytelling in songwriting and discover how to craft your lyric's content. I've been a story editor since 2015, and a Story Grid Certified Editor since 2019. Given this is a YT channel, and anyone can claim anything, here's the link to my Story Grid Editor Profile: https://storygrid.com/editors/melanie-naumann/ Leave your thoughts and questions in the comments below – I love hearing from you and I will read / reply to every comment. This video contains copyrighted material under the fair use doctrine for purposes such as criticism, commentary, and educational use. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:48 Part 1: Relatability 01:44 Powerful Problem 02:12 Funnel 03:15 The Pendulum 03:43 Part 2: The Interest Problem 05:01 The Story 07:06 Part 3: The Mantra

If I tell you, there are only six global topics of what your song can be about, would you like to see them? So no more wondering about what to write about, but getting a clear direction right from the start. 💡 What you'll learn: - the six global categories that promise universal appeal - see lots of song examples to get inspired - how to discover what topic/theme resonates the most with you If you’re new to my channel, my name is Melanie Naumanni. I’m the creator of LyricMastery.com. It’s the place where you can master the craft of storytelling in songwriting and discover how to craft your lyric's content. I've been a story editor since 2015, and a Story Grid Certified Editor since 2019. Leave your thoughts and questions in the comments below – I love hearing from you and I will read / reply to every comment. ⚡Grab your CHEATSHEET on Writing a Song's First Line using the Powerful Problem https://www.lyricmastery.com/first-line-powerful-problem ►Want to WRITE songs that tell a story? Go here: https://www.lyricmastery.com ►Online Course on Storytelling in Songwriting. Go here: https://www.lyricmastery.com/start ► Subscribe to listen to a new episode each week.

No idea how you can start your song's first line? Discover how you can write a captivating start that will instantly hook your audience! 💡 What you'll learn: - the best way to create an emotional connection - how to write your song's first line as an intriguing hook - see lots of examples and techniques of this one powerful opening line device If you’re new to my channel, my name is Melanie Naumanni. I’m the creator of LyricMastery.com. It’s the place where you can master the craft of storytelling in songwriting and discover how to craft your lyric's content. I've been a story editor since 2015, and a Story Grid Certified Editor since 2019. Leave your thoughts and questions in the comments below – I love hearing from you and I will read / reply to every comment. ⚡Grab your CHEATSHEET on Writing a Song's First Line using the Powerful Problem https://www.lyricmastery.com/first-line-powerful-problem ►Want to WRITE songs that tell a story? Go here: https://www.lyricmastery.com ►Online Course on Storytelling in Songwriting. Go here: https://www.lyricmastery.com/start ► Subscribe to listen to a new episode each week.

Have you ever been told the popular songwriting advice of "Your Song Has To Go Somewhere?", but you didn't know how to pull it off? Discover what it means and how you can apply it in this episode. 💡 What you'll learn: - Know where to start and where to end - Creating coherence in your lyrics - the two most important questions to ask yourself before you start writing - The two kinds of story (+song examples) If you’re new to my channel, my name is Melanie Naumanni. I’m the creator of LyricMastery.com. It’s the place where you can master the craft of storytelling in songwriting and discover how to craft your lyric's content. I've been a story editor since 2015, and a Story Grid Certified Editor since 2019. Leave your thoughts and questions in the comments below – I love hearing from you and I will read / reply to every comment. ⚡Grab your CHECKLIST on Storytelling in Songwriting https://www.lyricmastery.com/storytelling-checklist ►Want to WRITE songs that tell a story? Go here: https://www.lyricmastery.com ►Online Course on Storytelling in Songwriting. Go here: https://www.lyricmastery.com/start ► Subscribe to listen to a new episode each week.

Unlock the secrets to storytelling in songwriting by knowing the exact moments that go into every story. In this episode on "How To Tell A Story In Song Lyrics," I show you how you can write song lyrics that tell a story that works so that you can hook, engage, and impact your audience. I will explain the concept of Narrative Songwriting in a step-by-step strategy to help you tell a captivating story in your lyrics, which can transform your songwriting. 💡 What you'll learn: - The Two Kinds of Story - The Key Moments of a Working Story - How to Write A Song That Tells A Story - Lots of Popular Song Examples to See the Concept applied - WATCH IT on YouTUBE: https://youtu.be/97BXHDZ_dzE If you’re new to my channel, my name is Melanie Naumanni. I’m the creator of LyricMastery.com. It’s the place where you can master the craft of storytelling in songwriting and discover how to craft your lyric's content. I've been a story editor since 2015, and a Story Grid Certified Editor since 2019. Leave your thoughts and questions in the comments below – I love hearing from you. ⚡Grab your CHECKLIST on how to tell a story in a song: https://www.lyricmastery.com/story-moments-checklist ►Want to WRITE songs that tell a story? Go here: https://www.lyricmastery.com ►Online Course on Storytelling in Songwriting. Go here: https://www.lyricmastery.com/start

So, I recently watched Netflix's documentary about Lewis Capaldi, "Lewis Capaldi: How I'm Feeling Now," and let me tell you, it was a rollercoaster of emotions—inspiring and tear-jerking in equal measure.>>> Download a Songwriter's Roadmap to Narrative Songwriting >>> lyricmastery.com/21stepsIn this episode, we talk about Lewis Capaldi’s struggle and the pressure of writing an encore to his debut album, "Divinely Uninspired To A Hellish Extent." And how he could have overcome that terrible inner voice saying, “I’m shite at writing lyrics,” or the imposter syndrome that came with it. So if you’re curious to find out how writing lyrics can become easier without all the overwhelm, keep listening. [00:01:20] Lewis Capaldi - The Rise and Fall of a music artist[00:05:02] Lewis Capaldi - Origin Story[00:07:48] The Importance of Storytelling in Songwriting:[00:11:14]  The ART of writing lyrics[00:12:16]  What is Narrative Songwriting? Show Notes lyricmastery.com/21stepsLewis Capaldi on Netflix: “Lewis Capaldi - How I’m Feeling Now” Visit ⁠lyricmastery.com⁠ for everything on storytelling in songwriting.

How many of you have a message for the world, but you need help finding your voice or your audience? Close your eyes. Take a deep breath. I want you to imagine millions of people listening to your song. I want you to imagine thousands of people knocking your door down wanting to know when you come to their city to play them the song live because that song is so valuable to them. You can open your eyes. And I will tell you this. This doesn't have to be limited to your imagination.  This is what happens when you go viral. And I'm going to tell you exactly how you can achieve it. So pay close attention to this episode of the Lyric Mastery Podcast because it will help you find your voice and show you how to make your song go viral.Episode Overview: What does it mean to go viral?Writing A Viral SongFor whom are you writing this song? Storytelling in SongwritingMake it Exciting Distribution: How to get your song out there.Have a TastemakerNo Social Media Tastemaker? Don't worry. Links mentioned in this episode: FOREVER FREE PLAN: Email Newsletter and Marketing Platform: Systeme.ioWrite Attention-grabbing Opening Lines: A Song's First LineFlowers lyrics © Concord Music Publishing LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, IncI Will Survive lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Groupbad guy lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Universal Music Publishing Group Visit ⁠lyricmastery.com⁠ for everything on storytelling in songwriting.

Lets move away from all those love songs we’ve talked about in the past because I recently had the pleasure to listen to the song “The Comeback” by the London-based musician Drew Davies. As stated on metaltalk.net, this song by Davies “is a call to arms for society's malcontents and a tip of the hat to an era of alternative greats such as David Bowie, Sisters of Mercy and Nine Inch Nails.” And in this episode, we're gonna talk about the power of the lyrics of the song "The Comeback". Specifically, you will discover how you can tell an amazing redemption story in your lyrics.Drew has really written a masterpiece. So let's go through his lyrics and find out how he did it!Episode Overview: [00:01:19] The S.O.N.G. Framework[00:03:38] “The Comeback” by Drew Davies[00:07:02] Step 1: Summary[00:21:12] Step 2: Observer[00:28:34] Step 3: Narration[00:47:13] Step 4: Gist[00:53:44] Great Songs Take Time to Write.  Show Notes: Listen to “The Comeback” by Drew Davies  on Soundcloudon Youtubeon Spotify Find out more about Drew Davies here: https://www.drewdaviesmusic.com/ Go to lyricmastery.com

When you feel stuck in your songwriting or in life in general, I’d like to share the approach that helped me. So, if you feel stuck sometimes… maybe this helps. Visit lyricmastery.com for everything on storytelling in songwriting.

In today’s episode, we’re gonna explore what it looks when we write about facing a crisis. We’ve all been in a dilemma in our life, right? It’s when no matter what we choose, there’s always something to lose, but also something to gain. But it’s normal if we fear the loss more than having the potential to gain something. Being in a dilemma, there’s just so much uncertainty attached it. And we might fear making a choice at all. So when we write lyrics about a dilemma, we can actually provide guidance to our audience … whenever they face a similar crisis. And in this episode, you will find out how you can write lyrics about a person’s dilemma. What it takes to truly create a hard choice for your song’s main character and I’ll also show you all the options of where you can place that crossroad moment in your lyrics’ narrative. And as a lyric example, we’ll look at Gloria Gaynor’s song: “I Will Survive” because there’s so much to take away from the way those lyrics were written. Sound good? Awesome, then let’s get started! What's the episode about? [00:01:45] Overview: Waypoints Inciting Incident, Turning Point, Crisis[00:04:29] Crisis[00:06:41] Real Choice[00:07:42] Meaningful Stakes[00:08:59] Best Bad Choice[00:10:08] Irreconcilable goods   Show Notes: Online Course on Narrative Songwriting: lyricmastery.com/start“Lose Yourself” by Eminem If I Let You Go lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Universal Music Publishing GroupWarning lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, IncI’m a Believer lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group Visit ⁠⁠lyricmastery.com⁠⁠ for everything on storytelling in songwriting.

Today, I wanna answer a question that I got recently asked in my Facebook Group.It’s from Hudson. And he asked:How can I combine every part of the song so that it contributes to one central meaning of the lyrics?That’s an awesome question, and let’s talk about it right now. Visit ⁠⁠lyricmastery.com⁠⁠ for everything on storytelling in songwriting.

If you’re like me, you have something valuable to share.Something that matters.And that we know that can help someone who will listen to our song. And to get our message across in a way that bypasses a listener's critical mind, we have to wrap what we have to say into an experience.And we create that experience through the journey we send our song’s main character on.So that’s why we talk about the waypoints of that journey.So that we can create that experience that leads someone from their mess to a better place.And today, we will talk about the second waypoint on that journey.Today, we’ll make it even worse for our song’s main character.Because that’s life, right?It has to get worse first before it can get better.So let’s get right to it. [00:01:13] Overview[00:05:56] Progressive Complications[00:10:03] Creating Progressive Complications[00:11:32] Turning Point[00:12:41] Turning Point Categories Visit ⁠⁠lyricmastery.com⁠⁠ for everything on storytelling in songwriting.

Today, I wanna take the chance and introduce myself to you. Especially, I wanna tell you the story about the time in my life when I was completely lost, on my own, literally at the end of the world, and how one song gave me the strength to carry on… and what all of that taught me about what makes lyrics powerful.So it’s all about my journey, so to say, and why I’m so passionate about the power of lyrics. Because this is the most incredible thing ever. So here’s how everything started. Visit ⁠⁠lyricmastery.com⁠⁠ for everything on storytelling in songwriting.

You know, I always consider what happens in a powerful lyric like a journey. It’s basically about watching a character move from one point in their life to another. They are in a certain external or internal situation, and they wanna get from where they are to a better place. So there’s always this little journey that the song’s main character goes on. But before anyone moves in life and takes action, most of the time, though, something must happen beforehand. And that’s what today’s episode is all about. It’s about that incident that makes them see that they gotta pursue what they want so that they can get rid of an imbalance. It’s like they feel that something is off, and they’re pulled towards something better — externally or internally. So, if you want to find out how to write lyrics with a meaningful message, then this episode is the first part of five to doing just that. Here's what we'll cover: [00:01:37] 5 Commandments[00:03:54] Definition of the Inciting Incident[00:08:31] Creating Drive in the Audience[00:09:29] Causal and Coincidental Inciting Incidents[00:11:03] Placement of the Inciting Incident  Show Notes #37 - Attention Grabbing Opening Lines - Part 1: The Powerful ProblemHot Legs lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLCThat's Amore lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLCI Will Survive lyrics © Universal Music Publishing GroupThe Foundations of Decay lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLCStan lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, IncI'll Be There For You lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group Visit ⁠⁠lyricmastery.com⁠⁠ for everything on storytelling in songwriting.

In today’s episode, I want to talk with you about you, your purpose, and why we write lyrics.  For me, when it comes to writing – no matter if it’s novels or lyrics – I use my words as the means to communicate with my audience and deliver a meaningful message that has the power to make an impact on them.  And I guess, since you are here, you have the same desire. You want to be heard because you have something to say about life. And what you have to say matters. But communicating what we have to say in a way that matters to others isn’t easy. We can’t be preaching to the choir. We can’t take the role of a parent and say: Don’t do this because it leads to … We all know that no one listens if you preach it to them. On the other hand, if we are direct and say it bluntly, people might hear our words, but they will not care or take them seriously. We could also just write an academic paper and explain why our message is important … But who’s ever going to read that bulky volume? That’s why in today’s episode, we talk about a storytelling principle that helps you deliver your message in a way that affects lives, changes minds, touches hearts, and makes an impact.  Because what it all comes down to is that we, as songwriters, lyricists, and storytellers, have an amazing power to influence people’s lives and make a positive, even life-changing, contribution. But that only works if we rely on one of the most basic and most important storytelling principles.  What that is, well, you're about to find out.Podcast Overview: [00:02:25] Treat A Song Like An Experience[00:05:29] Why Stories Matter[00:11:12] The Five Commandments of Storytelling[00:15:16] Wrap up - 5 Commandments Visit ⁠⁠lyricmastery.com⁠⁠ for everything on storytelling in songwriting.

In today’s episode, we’ll go through the lyrics of  “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not” by Thompson Square. And I tell you, as I first listened to the song. I thought: Quite nice. But I didn’t give the lyrics much thought. But now, after I have studied the lyrics and their storytelling power, I must say, I’m super surprised by how well-crafted those lyrics are.  It’s like when you say: Yes, Game of Thrones by G.R.R. Martin is a nice fantasy series. When it truth, it’s an epic masterwork. And somehow, I feel like the lyrics to this song don’t get appreciated enough. They are so well-crafted that it is a delight to take them apart and just see how well they’ve been strung together. So if you aim to write a love song that smoothly flows through a narrative and gives your audience a fully-satisfied listening experience, I invite you to study the lyrics of “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not” by Thompson Square with me.Episode Overview: [00:01:45] The S.O.N.G. Framework [00:03:07] “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not” by Thompson Square  [00:05:22] Step 1: Summary - What is the song about? [00:15:13] Step 2: Observer - Who is the main character of the song? [00:23:51] Step 3: Narration - Analyzing the storytelling craft. [00:30:25] Analyzing the scene told in the song. [00:35:20] The Change [00:37:41] Writing Techniques [00:40:15] Step 4: Gist - What is the message of the song? [00:43:16] What we've learned from “You Shouldn't Kiss Me Like This” [00:45:43] Song Exercise - The First Kiss Visit ⁠⁠lyricmastery.com⁠⁠ for everything on storytelling in songwriting.

#043 - Welcome to part 3 of our mini-series of Attention-Grabbing Opening Lines.In episode 41 of the Stories in Songs Podcast, I’m gonna throw a lot of questions at you.Why?Listen to the show and find out. ;-)Episode Overview[00:00:53] The Intriguing Question [00:03:37] Different Types of Questions to ask [00:07:13] Song Examples that start with a question [00:09:49] The Intriguing Question – Wrapup Visit ⁠⁠lyricmastery.com⁠⁠ for everything on storytelling in songwriting.

#040 - Creating A One-Sentence Lyric Outline To Guide Your Writing Process.In today’s episode, we continue with steps Two and Three to Creating A One-Sentence Lyric Outline To Guide Your Writing Process. If you haven’t listened to episode 38 yet where we talked about the character’s literal action, please go back to that episode and listen to it. It’s vital if you want to move forward with me in this episode.  I’ll include a short recap, but listen to the full episode if you haven’t yet.Episode Overview: [00:01:15] Your Lyric Writing Compass Point[00:03:40] Literal Action - Recap[00:08:57] A Character’s Essential Tactic[00:13:26] The Purpose of Essential Tactics[00:17:52] Change and Valences[00:22:07] Direct Address, Conflict, and the Question of Who Wins?[00:27:10] The Lyric’s Guiding Message[00:31:41] Lyric Writing With Intention Show Notes Another Day In Paradise lyrics © Concord Music Publishing LLCWelcome To The Jungle lyrics © Universal Music Publishing GroupI Will Survive lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group Visit ⁠⁠lyricmastery.com⁠⁠ for everything on storytelling in songwriting.

#39 - Today, we continue with another technique of how you can create an attention-grabbing opening line for your lyrics beginning.And specifically, we talk about the Shocking Statement and different ways how you can pull it off to stun your audience and make them wanna hear more! Episode Overview: [00:01:08] The Shocking Statement[00:03:35] Different Ways to Create a Shocking Statement:[00:07:02] More examples of songs that start with a Shocking Statement[00:11:16] The Shocking Statement - Wrapup Show Notes Dead! lyrics © Blow The Doors Off The Jersey Shore Music Inc Visit ⁠⁠lyricmastery.com⁠⁠ for everything on storytelling in songwriting. Would you like to join our FREE 3-hour Masterclass on ...The #1 Secret of Writing Timeless Hit Song Lyrics, and How You Can Do It, too. Go to lyricmastery.com/getstarted

#038 - Let's address the question of why we should look at the craft of storytelling when we write our lyrics – apart from the impact the power of storytelling has on our audience.  Let's focus on our writing process. Because when we write our lyrics, it’s good to know where we are going. Otherwise, we’re just writing words that are all over the place.  And that’s going to feel messy to our listeners. So to write a good line or lyric section, we have to ensure that every part of the lyric does what it’s supposed to: Engage and connect.  And once we get a clear idea of what we are trying to accomplish, everything unlocks. So if you look for a compass point that helps you write your lyrics with clarity and intention, this episode is for you.Episode Overview: [00:02:21] Your Lyric Writing Compass Point[00:05:59] Your character’s literal action[00:12:20] The Size of The Cast in Your Lyric[00:16:58] Setting and Context[00:18:58] The Purpose of Literal Action [00:23:32] Recap: Literal Action Show Notes Another Day In Paradise lyrics © Concord Music Publishing LLCWelcome To The Jungle lyrics © Universal Music Publishing GroupYou Shouldn't Kiss Me Like This lyrics © Tokeco TunesI Will Survive lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group Visit ⁠⁠lyricmastery.com⁠⁠ for everything on storytelling in songwriting.