Are You Alliterate?

Lyrics in Songwriting Example: n/a
Songwriting Tools: Alliteration

Okay, so today I want to talk about an extremely effective tool for punching up lyrics...alliteration (definition below). Alliteration actually augments accentuation and can really pack a phrase with a powerful punch. Should I go on? Sorry, I didn't mean to be too cute, but I couldn't resist...

But seriously now... I have a good (or bad?) habit of torturing myself when it comes to writing lyrics and/or any 'copy' for that matter. I'm one of 'those' people that constantly writes and re-writes, continually re-fining everything until I feel (at least) relatively certain that I found the 'right' words to express what I wanted to say in a succinct and 'musical' manner. And when I hit on a phrase that has a certain kind of 'ring' to it, I've hit my musical mecca. That said, I've found alliteration to be a very useful tool in creating those memorable, roll-off-your-tongue phrases that can really add power and musicality to your lyrics.

As I move through the next few blog posts, I will talk briefly about other useful tools for writing lyrics. Then I will post a few blogs that give some clear examples of the use of alliteration in songs.

Definition:

Alliteration: a literary device in which the same sound appears at the beginning of two or more consecutive words. (i.e. High Hopes, Time After Time, Bell Bottom Blues).