Here are four easy steps to help you connect the verses in your song – or song scenes!
Following them will help make your song more cohesive, flow better if you’ve got a story song plot, and give you a sense of place when you’re writing direct address songs.
You’ve written your verses (song scenes) – now what?
How do you make sure they’re tied together well?
Based on your song idea, who needs to show up first (Verse 1)?
Who needs to be in the scene for the song to progress (Verse 2)?
TIP: In the bridge, imagine the scene. What’s the speaker saying? Is it a revelation or a summary?
If you imagine the scene, it can help you keep the bridge to two lines and get a few surprising or unique lines.
Has the setting changed as your scenes change from Verse 1 to Verse 2 or Verse 2 to Verse 3?
If so, was there a reason, and was it fulfilled by the change?
Is the story or sentiment (if attitudinal or situational plot) still easy to follow?
What if you remove a scene? How does the story change – does it?
Does it lead you somewhere else or to another option that might be a more interesting outcome?
Final test – “Roll It!”
If you’ve written a story song plot, then everything should flow in a logical way (doesn’t have to be chronological).
People should be entering and exiting the song in a way that’s easily followed.
Have you hinted at a setting in an attitudinal or situational plot song? If so, is it consistent with the conversation?
While you’re less likely to have a scene unfold, if you’ve established a setting, make sure it’s consistent throughout since you’re not telling a story that allows for a change in venue!
