Estimated reading time 3 minutes
Table of Contents
Introduction
Is English a second language for you? Do you want advice on how to write songs in English? Are you a world music artist and want to transition into a pop music career? If you want to write Western pop, you must understand pop music styles and have good English vocabulary and grammar skills. Keep reading to learn how to write beautiful songs in English.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission from purchases made through the links. I’ll only recommend products I use, use in lessons, or ones my students or colleagues have recommended.
How to Write Beautiful Songs in English: World Music to Western Pop
What’s world music?
- World music contains compositions that have western style elements combined with local ethnic style elements.
- World music can have style elements from Sub Sahara Africa, the Middle East, East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania.
For example, in the following video you’ll hear a blend of styles.
- Munbe Vaa uses western style vocal harmonies, kit drums, and strings. Also, the music production on the song is heavily Western influenced.
- However, it has India melodic phrasing and uses indigenous instruments.
- Like most popular music, it’s a love song and uses literary devices such as assonance, alliteration, and rhyming.
Video: Munbe Vaa
Transitioning Styles
- If you want to expand your brand into the Western pop market (dominated by the US and UK), you must be able to write English song lyrics.
- Celine Dion (French Canadian) and the Scorpions (German) are both examples of successful artists that speak English as a second language.
- Similarly, Johnny Clegg, who speaks both English and Zulu, is a world musician who’s had success in the pop market.
Video: Johnny Clegg’s Scatterlings of Africa
How to Write Beautiful Songs in English: English Vocabulary and Grammar
Grammar and Vocabulary
- Is English not your first language? You’ll need to build your vocabulary and grammar skills. (To learn how, click the previous two links.)
- Make sure to work on your English vocabulary every day, because there’s no substitute for practicing.
- The videos below have a fun, visual way of teaching the English parts of speech (nouns, adjectives, adverbs, pronouns, etc.).
Mobile users: for best results viewing the videos, rotate your screen 90o to the right.
Video: Nouns
Video: Verbs
Video: Adverbs
Video: Adjectives
Video: Conjunctions
Video: Pronouns
Video: Prepositions
Video: Subjects and Predicates
Video: Interjections
For general lyric writing information
How to Write Beautiful Songs in English: Writing the Music
Want to write Western pop? You’ll need to listen to hundreds of melodies so that you’ll have an intuitive grasp of how the music works.
How do you create a catchy chorus melody?
- Write a lot of melodies and pick the best ones to develop.
- Also, you need to understand how the parts of a song work: hook, verse, pre-chorus, chorus, and bridge.
- This link shows my songwriting process.
More Songwriting Info
- How to Extract a Melody from Your Lyrics
- What’s a Melody (and How to Create Strong Ones)
- 10 Ways to Spice Up Your Melodies with Melodic Variation
- 7 Songwriting Templates to Get Your Ideas Flowing
- Learn the Elements of Songwriting Construction
- Creating Great Melodies Using Rhythmic Motifs
- Do You Want Cool Chords for Your Song?
This video gives an example of a powerful chorus melody.
Video: Celine Dion - My Heart Will Go On
These songwriting books will help you become a better songwriter.
Final Thoughts
Takeaway points:
- If you want to expand your brand beyond the world music genre and into the pop market, you must be able to write English song lyrics.
- If English isn’t your first language, you’ll need to build your vocabulary and grammar skills.
- Work on your English vocabulary every day because nothing substitutes for practicing.
Have fun!
What Do People Mean by the Term Interpretation in Classical Music? Part 2
Do you want to move your audience to tears as you perform? Do you need suggestions for how to interpret your songs? Interpretation is when you put your personal stamp on a song. Today’s interpretation tip can help you craft powerful performances. Click to answer the question, “What do people mean by the term interpretation in classical music?” Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
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Tips for People Who Can’t Sing in Tune
Do people tell you that you sing out of tune? Do you want to be able to sing like your favorite vocal artist? Some people just seem to naturally sing in tune. Don’t panic! The skill of harmonizing in tune can be learned. Read more to learn the tips for people who can't sing in tune. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
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What Are the Small “>” Signs Above or Below the Notes?
Have you ever asked, “What are the small “>” signs above or below the notes?” We call them and other signs like them articulations of force. Read on to learn what they tell us to do when we see them in sheet music. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
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The Plot Thickens: Focusing Your Songwriting Story Ideas
Do people have a hard time figuring out what your song is about? Do your lyrics lack direction? Read The Plot Thickens: Focusing Your Songwriting Story Ideas to learn how to keep your lyrics from wandering. Estimated reading time 4 minutes.
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