What do you need to know in order to write a song? Many people, including professional musicians and singers, feel that there are a number of important things they absolutely must know even before they can begin. The problem is, they have no idea what these things are or where they can be learned. But in reality, the only crucial element you absolutely must know before you can write your first song is, simply, that you can do it.

So the good news is, you don't need any special knowledge to write a song. You can go and write one now. But it doesn't mean it's going to be a great song. With a few extremely rare exceptions, songwriters usually spend several years learning how to make a good song great.

The First Rule of Songwriting

The one unchangeable rule of songwriting is this: All rules are subject to change. If you walk into a publisher's office with a song that's a surefire hit for 1987, you will probably walk out with a disappointed look on your face three and a half minutes later. But that could change next year: Eighties revival music could be the next big thing. Of course, it could be Bolivian folk music or polka — you just never know. A few years ago, salsa and Christian contemporary formats weren't even listed on major music charts. These days, you can make serious money writing for these genres.

Most rules of songwriting have changed at one time or another. Think lyrics are a must for a pop hit? Look up Floyd Cramer's “Last Date” or Vangelis's “Chariots of Fire” — the melody may be the most crucial element. On the other hand, most rap songs replace melodies (as they are recognizable to people brought up listening to the twelve-note scale, used in most popular music) with music samples. The point is this: Pay attention to what's going on right now and try to figure out what will happen next. Trends in popular music can change quickly and dramatically. It's not unheard of for a publisher to fire half of the songwriting staff after a market change. The rules change from time to time. If you know them, you'll be prepared for the changes and able to deal with them.

It's Up to You

You need to pay attention to the trends if your goal is to make money and earn artistic kudos with songwriting. Otherwise, you can write songs any way you please and no one can stop you. There are, however, guidelines that can help make your songs enjoyable to more people, yourself included.