The 7-Step Formula for Writing a Full Song (that's actually good)

Main ideas and lessons (overall message)

• Most songwriters aren’t blocked by a lack of ideas; they’re blocked by not having a clear process for turning an idea into a complete song draft.
• The video provides a 7-step, start-to-finish workflow for writing a full song quickly (including when you only have short time windows).
• The method emphasizes:
  • removing pressure to create “award-winning genius” immediately,
  • generating usable lyric material first,
  • then shaping it into verse/chorus/bridge,
  • and finally making the last chorus “hit” through variation after repetition.

Framework: The “7-Step Formula” (detailed)

Step 1 — Generate lyric material with free writing (15 minutes)

Goal: Produce lyric/word/imagery raw material to draw from later.

Method: “Semifreeriting” with constraints (parameters)

• Timer: Set a timer for 15 minutes and keep writing without stopping.
• What to write (definition of the technique):
  • Write in sentences (not single-word bullet points).
  • Keep it loose: expressive, fluid, not grammatically perfect.
  • Keep it uncensored: ignore your inner critic; don’t judge or “craft” as you go.
• What NOT to do:
  • Don’t try to write lyrics in rhyme/rhythm or “poetically elevated” form.
  • Don’t stop to edit or censor.

Focus requirements when you respond to a prompt (two targets)

1. Details: Describe the moment/memory/scene as vividly as possible using multiple senses:
   • sound, sight, smell, taste, touch
   • “paint the picture” as if you’re describing it to a friend on the phone.
2. Thoughts/feelings: Capture what the prompt makes you think, feel, wonder about, and the emotion it creates in your body.

Example prompt used in the video: “garage sale.”

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Step 2 — Turn the raw material into a 4-line verse section

Goal: Convert free-writing into workable lyric structure.

Instructions

• Read through the free writing and underline/highlight words/phrases/lines that jump out as interesting or pleasing.
• Extract/assemble them into a 4-line verse section.
• Constraint: Keep lines on the page roughly similar length (to create a workable base).
• Mindset tip: Don’t aim for perfect poetry; just aim for something compelling to you.

(Example output theme from “garage sale” is about selling off memories/objects.)

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Step 3 — Add music: fit the 4 lines to a chord loop + melody

Goal: Integrate lyrics and melody early so the song feels like a song draft (not only words).

Instructions

• Put the 4-line lyric over a simple chord loop.
• Use your ears:
  • Hum melody notes over the chords.
  • Sing the lyrics and adjust until they naturally fit.
• The video emphasizes you don’t need music theory—just listening.

Order rationale (why music comes after lyric material here)

• Although songs can start with melody/title/chorus in real life, this order is used because it’s:
  • sequential,
  • simple,
  • “chronological,”
  • easy to chunk from nothing → draft.

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Step 4 — Write a one-line chorus (with musical contrast)

Goal: Create the chorus “core” with a minimal lyrical structure.

Chorus lyric instruction

• Write a chorus that is only one line of lyric.
  • The line may repeat, but the chorus should originate from one line.

Where to find the chorus line

• Scan the free-writing for a line/phrase that:
  • could be repeatable,
  • captures a central message/peak emotion/core image,
  • “resonates” with the song’s whole idea.
• You can still modify inspiration, but you’re primarily drawing from the existing language.

How to set it to music (3 “contrast” tools)

To ensure the chorus doesn’t feel like a mere tag to the verse, introduce contrast using one or more of:

1. Chord contrast: Use new/different chords for the chorus compared to the verse.
2. Rhythmic contrast via chord duration: Change how long chords are held (hold longer or change faster).
3. Melodic contrast: Use melody to reach a new note or alter melodic pace (hold notes longer vs. speed up how words land).

Example chorus line chosen in the video: “Now she’s selling everything.”

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Step 5 — Write verse 2

Goal: Give the song momentum and shape; expand the story.

Options for sourcing verse 2 lyrics (choose one or blend)

• Option A: Look back at the free-writing for logical development from verse 1.
• Option B: Write new lyrics that flow from verse 1 + chorus personality/story, even if not directly copied from the free-writing.

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Step 6 — Write the bridge (shift perspective + language type)

Goal: Add new lyrical and musical perspective.

Key lyric technique (language-type shift)

• Identify the language mode of the chorus:
  • statement, question, or command
• If the chorus is a statement (as in the example), the bridge should use questions (or another different type).
• Use the bridge to explore reflection rather than provide answers.

Example bridge concept used

• Question-based lyrical lines about the cost/value of memories.

Additional note

• Bridge writing is mentioned as its own topic, with a pointer to another resource for more detailed examples.

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Step 7 — Repeat the chorus, but add variation on the final chorus

Goal: Keep listener impact high by varying the chorus only after repetition.

Core principle

• Variation is meaningful only after the audience has heard repetition.
• Therefore:
  • Repeat the chorus normally earlier,
  • then introduce variation on the last chorus.

Avoid

• Changing every chorus line (it can dilute variation’s impact).

Four main chorus variation techniques

1. Doubling
   • Extend the chorus by repeating/adding extra chorus length.
   • Often paired with dynamics (e.g., quiet first, then full-power final).
2. Extension
   • Extend the chorus without fully doubling (add extra chords, add an extra line, or repeat a line).
3. Chord substitution
   • Keep a repeated lyric concept constant but change the chords underneath (swap order or introduce a new chord).
4. Melodic variation
   • Change the melody at a discrete moment in the chorus:
     • e.g., go up on one line previously, then go down the next time.

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Community / challenge elements mentioned

• A 7-day songwriting challenge in January is referenced multiple times.
• The seven steps mirror the challenge’s seven prompts.
• The video offers follow-along solo or participation in a more structured community environment.
• Live sessions are planned at the beginning and end of the challenge, including song spotlights.

Speakers or sources featured (identified)

• Primary speaker/teacher: The narrator (name not stated in the subtitles).
• Benny: Mentioned as a co-host/organizer in the songwriting challenge (full name not provided in subtitles).
• Referenced musicians/authors for style examples:
  • Joni Mitchell
  • Paul Simon
  • Olivia Rodrigo
  • Olivia Dean
  • Leonard Cohen (example: “Hallelujah”)
  • John Mayer (example: “Your Body Is a Wonderland”)
  • The Beatles (example: “Don’t Let Me Down”)
  • Ed Sheeran (quoted idea about letting “rusty water run”)