How To Lead Up To Your Song's Ending.


written by Melanie Naumann

In our last chat, we delved into the mystical world of surprising yet inevitable endings, courtesy of the legendary Aristotle.

This post continues the post: "How to Write Your Song Lyric's Ending."

Today, we're rolling up our sleeves and getting down to the nitty-gritty of crafting those unforgettable conclusions to your musical masterpieces.

Practical strategies to help you elevate your song endings from good to downright epic:

1. Know Your Narrative Arc

Every great song tells a story, and just like any good tale, it has a beginning, a middle, and an end.


Before you even think about writing that final chorus, make sure you understand the journey your song is taking your listeners on.


Is it a tale of heartbreak, triumph, or something in between?

Knowing your narrative arc will guide you towards a conclusion that feels both satisfying and inevitable.

2. Build Tension

Tension — the secret sauce of storytelling.


Just like a rubber band, you want to stretch your listeners' expectations until they're on the edge of their seats.


How do you do this?


By introducing conflict, raising the stakes, or throwing in a curveball that nobody saw coming.


The key is to keep your audience guessing while still laying the groundwork for that inevitable resolution.

3. Foreshadowing is Your Friend

Remember that old saying, "Chekhov's gun"?


Well, it applies to songwriting too.


If you introduce a motif, a theme, or a lyrical nugget early on, make sure it pays off by the end of the song.


It's like planting seeds in a garden—you want to nurture them until they blossom into something beautiful (or heartbreaking, depending on your vibe).

The best song to check out how foreshadowing works at its best is: "The Night The Lights Went Out in Georgia" by Vicki Lawrence

Check out the Lyric Masterwork Study (03/2024) inside the Lyric Mastery Circle to get more information on how the songwriter pulled it off.

"The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia"  Lyric Masterwork Study

4. Embrace the Unexpected

Life is full of unexpected twists and turns, and your songs should reflect that rollercoaster of emotions.


Embrace the element of surprise by incorporating unexpected turns, pivotal moments, and poignant resolutions into your storytelling.


Just like in life, it's often the unexpected moments that leave the deepest impact on your listeners.


So don't shy away from taking your audience on a journey filled with twists and turns—they'll thank you for it in the end.

5. Leave Them Wanting More

Ever heard of a cliffhanger?


It's that tantalizing tease at the end of a story that leaves you desperate for the next installment.


The same principle applies to songwriting.


Instead of neatly tying up all the loose ends, consider leaving a bit of mystery hanging in the air.


It'll keep your listeners coming back for more, making them listen to your next song ... or they put your song on repeat, reliving the story, trying to find the answer themselves.

Conclusion

As we wrap up our discussion on crafting memorable endings for your songs, remember this: songwriting is an art form, and like any art, it thrives on creativity, passion, and a touch of magic.


By applying the principles of narrative structure, tension-building, foreshadowing, and embracing the unexpected, you can elevate your song endings from ordinary to extraordinary.


But perhaps the most important thing to remember is to stay true to yourself as a songwriter.


Your life, your experiences, and your emotions are what make your song unique.


So don't be afraid to let your authenticity shine through in everything you do.


As you continue on your songwriting journey, keep experimenting, keep pushing the boundaries, and above all, keep writing from the heart.


Because in the end, it's not just about crafting a catchy tune—it's about touching the souls of your listeners and leaving a lasting impression that transcends time and space.

Storytelling in Songwriting Narrative Songwriting Online Course

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If you want to be confident in your lyrics before you record your song, you can now sign up below to get constructive, actionable feedback on your song lyrics. So you know what works and how you can do better so that you can hook, move, and impact your audience with your words.

Storytelling in Songwriting Checklist
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Thanks for reading,

Melanie.


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