Sometimes we hit a roadblock with our song because we’re writing from the wrong point of view.
Let’s say you’re writing about domestic abuse. (I know, I know. It’s an uplifting topic, but bear with me.) Consider all the characters your singer could be:
The abusive husband.
The abused wife.
The child who is a witness / victim.
The neighbor who overhears them.
The police officer called to the scene.
And these are only some of the PEOPLE who could tell the story. If you get a little further out there, your singer could even be:
The wedding ring.
The family dog.
The hole he punched in the wall.
The bathroom mirror where she puts on makeup to cover the bruises.
The angel who comforts the child hiding under the bed.
God, watching the whole thing.
Or your singer could simply act as a reporter who says, “he did this, she did that,” and isn’t involved in the story as a character.
The options are pretty limitless. And each point of view will bring a different energy to your song. Feel free to experiment with the point of view in your song- you might just find something amazing.
What about you? What is the most interesting point of view you’ve used in one of your songs? I’d love to hear from you!
God Bless,
Brent
ARE YOU READY TO MAKE YOUR SONGS “CUT/ABLE?”
“Cut/Able: Lessons In Market-Smart Songwriting” is four powerful lessons for songwriters who want cuts & hits, who want to learn how to write commercially marketable songs, & who want their songs to connect powerfully with both fans and Music Row pros. If you want those results, these lessons can help. To get a FREE EXCERPT of “Cut/able,” just click on the image below:
Become an MvR VIP!
If you like this blog and don’t want to miss a single post, or if you want special discounts on Man vs. Row products and services, become an MvR VIP! Simply enter your email in the “Become an MvR VIP” section on this page. It’s either in the upper righthand corner or down below. Also, please share this blog with anyone you think would benefit from it. I appreciate it when you share it on Twitter, Facebook, and anywhere else. Thanks!
Brent’s Twitter: @Razorbaxter
Brent Baxter Music: http://www.brentbaxtermusic.com
Brent’s Instagram: Man_vs_Row
I experiment a lot with using second person “you” in songs you wouldn’t normally expect.
I wrote a song called “They Raise You Tough In This Town” where I paint the person listening to the song as the person who’s tough.
“Sun burns right through, red mud cakes YOUR new work boots…etc”
One song I performed last night: the POV is the boyfriend is pissed off her ex is getting out of jail… Great post Brent cheers.
We wrote a song from the perspective of a Willow Tree and what it might have seen under it’s branches over the decades it stood on the riverbank. It’s called Willow Tree and you can hear it on our website: http://www.willowband.co.uk
Brent,
I enjoyed the Willpower class.
I have a song I wrote called “Across The Hands of Time” that I wrote kind of from the perspective of an old watch that belonged to my dad, and all it must have seen as he lived and died. I am interpreting what the watch must have seen.
Thanks agaun,
Brian
Brian,
Glad you enjoyed the workshop! Love the idea or your song! (I have a song that follows a love story from the perspective of the wedding ring.)
God bless,
Brent