In order to save time and nerves for the creative process you might want to create a template for writing lyrics. Why? You might share the document with someone or do co-writing together with other songwriters so it is necessary to know which song is it, who have written the lyrics and when was it written.
I encourage you to create your own template put here is the template I use for my own work. I write down song name, date, contributors, theme, subject and the actual lyrics. I also divide the lyrics into parts and name them with the commonly accepted names: intro, verse, pre chorus, chorus, bridge, outro. This helps following the lyrics and understanding the song structure.
A real life example:
Parallel Universe by SAKIA, 2016?12?1
Lyrics by Timo Mkel
Theme
Lost love
Subject
The person involved in the lyrics was in a relationship that has recently ended. He or she is at home fantasising about a parallel universe where they still live together with the ex. His feelings are something between desperation and hope.
VERSE
I?m at the station Of imaginationRunning after your train
World frozen but I still moveDrifting away from youRunning in vain
PRE CHORUS
We are one-of-a-kindAnd our love so divineMight still be there for us to find
CHORUS
When I am alone in this roomI live another life with youIn a parallel universe
VERSE
Our alienationIf we are patientWill take the weight off our heavy hearts
PRE CHORUS
We are one-of-a-kindAnd our love so divineMight still be there for us to find
CHORUS
When I am alone in this roomI live another life with youIn a parallel universe
There is a space and time for usIn another dimensionIn a parallel universe
BRIDGE
I?m in this mazeIn the depths of my disgrace
CHORUS
Copyright SAKIA ? All Rights Reserved
Lastly, here?s the song for those interested!
Parallel Universe by SAKIA, Lyrics by Timo Mkel
Final words
Let?s get to work! Using a template for your lyrics can greatly save your time and remind you of good working practises.
Songwriter Diarrheas is based on my personal experience and my views combined with learnings from readings, teachers and co-writes i.e. other musicians. If this was helpful, please let other songwriters know about it!
Read next: How to come up with lyrics for a hit song?
