Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
The Art of Writing Great Lyrics summary
Pamela Phillips Oland
Brief summary
The Art of Writing Great Lyrics by Pamela Phillips Oland offers practical advice and exercises for aspiring lyricists. It covers topics such as song structure, rhyme schemes, and finding inspiration, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their songwriting skills.
Topics
Table of Contents
The Art of Writing Great Lyrics
Summary of key ideas
Exploring the Craft of Lyric Writing
In The Art of Writing Great Lyrics by Pamela Phillips Oland, we embark on a journey to explore the craft of lyric writing. Oland, a seasoned songwriter and lyricist, begins by emphasizing the importance of understanding the structure and function of a song. She elaborates on the different parts of a song, such as the verse, chorus, and bridge, and explains how each part contributes to the overall storytelling.
Oland then delves into the art of choosing a subject for a song. She encourages aspiring lyricists to draw inspiration from their personal experiences and emotions, and to observe the world around them. She emphasizes the significance of authenticity in lyrical content and provides exercises to help writers tap into their innermost thoughts and feelings.
Crafting Memorable and Impactful Lyrics
As we progress through The Art of Writing Great Lyrics, Oland delves into the nitty-gritty of crafting impactful and memorable lyrics. She discusses the importance of choosing the right words, using literary devices, and creating vivid imagery to engage the listener. Oland emphasizes the power of simplicity, urging writers to convey complex emotions and ideas using straightforward language.
Further, Oland explores the role of melody in lyric writing. She discusses how the rhythm and flow of a melody can influence the structure and phrasing of lyrics. She offers practical advice on how to marry lyrics with melody effectively, creating a seamless and captivating song.
Developing Your Unique Voice
In the latter part of the book, Oland focuses on the development of a unique lyrical voice. She encourages writers to experiment with different styles and techniques, urging them to find their individual approach to storytelling through lyrics. Oland emphasizes the importance of self-expression and originality, advising against imitation or conformity.
To aid in this process, Oland provides a series of exercises and prompts designed to help writers discover their unique lyrical voice. She also discusses the significance of collaborating with other musicians and lyricists, highlighting the potential for growth and creativity that comes from working with others.
Navigating the Business Side of Songwriting
As the book nears its end, Oland shifts the focus to the business side of songwriting. She discusses the importance of understanding copyright and royalties, protecting intellectual property, and navigating the music industry. Oland offers guidance on creating a professional demo, pitching songs to artists and publishers, and establishing a successful career as a lyricist.
In conclusion, The Art of Writing Great Lyrics by Pamela Phillips Oland serves as an invaluable guide for aspiring lyricists. Oland's comprehensive exploration of the craft, coupled with practical exercises and real-world advice, makes this book an essential resource for anyone looking to hone their skills and succeed in the art of lyric writing.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is The Art of Writing Great Lyrics about?
The Art of Writing Great Lyrics by Pamela Phillips Oland is a comprehensive guide to crafting powerful and meaningful song lyrics. Drawing on her own experience as a successful songwriter, Oland offers practical advice and exercises to help aspiring lyricists develop their skills. From finding inspiration to refining your words, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to master the art of lyrical storytelling.
The Art of Writing Great Lyrics Review
The Art of Writing Great Lyrics (2007) by Pamela Phillips Oland explores the craft of creating compelling song lyrics. Here's why this book is worth the read:
- Offers practical techniques for crafting impactful lyrics that resonate with audiences and evoke emotions.
- Provides insight into the creative process of writing lyrics, including tips on expressing complex ideas with simplicity.
- Features real-world examples and exercises to help aspiring songwriters improve their lyrical skills and storytelling abilities.
Who should read The Art of Writing Great Lyrics?
Aspiring songwriters looking to improve their lyric writing skills
Musicians who want to better connect with their audience through meaningful and impactful lyrics
Professionals in the music industry who want to enhance their songwriting abilities
Categories with The Art of Writing Great Lyrics
Book summaries like The Art of Writing Great Lyrics
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
37 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
The Art of Writing Great Lyrics FAQs
What is the main message of The Art of Writing Great Lyrics?
Crafting compelling lyrics through creative expression and storytelling.
How long does it take to read The Art of Writing Great Lyrics?
Reading time varies, but the Blinkist summary can be read quickly for key insights.
Is The Art of Writing Great Lyrics a good book? Is it worth reading?
A valuable guide for aspiring lyricists, offering practical techniques for enhancing songwriting skills.
Who is the author of The Art of Writing Great Lyrics?
The author of The Art of Writing Great Lyrics is Pamela Phillips Oland.
What to read after The Art of Writing Great Lyrics?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Art of Writing Great Lyrics, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Where Good Ideas Come From by Steven Johnson
- The Art Of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau
- A Whole New Mind by Daniel H. Pink
- Theory U by C. Otto Scharmer
- The Design of Everyday Things by Donald A. Norman
- The Innovator ’s Dilemma# by Clayton M. Christensen
- The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
- Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull with Amy Wallace
- Think Like a Freak by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
- The Laws of Simplicity by John Maeda