So you want to know how to write a love song but need help figuring out where to start. It can be tough to put your feelings into words, let alone turn them into a beautiful song. But don’t worry, I’m here to help.
I’ve been writing songs for over 20 years and have written countless love songs. I even wrote one when I proposed to my now-wife; she said yes!
I’ve put together this easy-to-digest guide for anyone who wants to write a beautiful love song without learning music theory 😉
This post contains fun tips to help get the creative juices flowing so you’ll know where to source inspiration and write your lyrics. Plus, it’s also packed with tips on how to make a basic love song extra special and unique.
Let’s get started!
1. Get Inspired by Their Personality
A great first step in writing a love song is to draw inspiration from their personality. Think about all the qualities that make them unique when you begin writing.
What quirks do they have that make them who they are? What kind of outlook do they have on life?
Answering these questions will help you understand what song lyrics you should write.
Brainstorm a list of adjectives that describe them, and use those as a starting point for your song.
For example, if your loved one is kind and caring, you might write a song on guitar about how their kindness improves the world.
2. Define the one thing you want to communicate
Think about the one phrase and feeling you want your loved one to take away from your love song.
For example, in the song I proposed to my wife with, I wanted to give her no doubt to say yes to my marriage proposal. My whole song communicated the idea of “engagement,” which I named the song.
This one idea often makes excellent song titles, and it helps to define this first, so you know how your lyrics will support this main idea.
3. Use Specific Details
Once you have an idea of the overall theme of your song, it’s time to start adding specific details.
This is where your research comes in handy! Whether you’ve been with this person for years or just met them recently, take some time to recall all of the little moments that have made up your relationship.
Understanding the little details will help you to connect your love song to your listener. These could be inside jokes, shared experiences, or even just how they make you feel.
The more specific you can be, the more personal and meaningful your song will be.
4. Tell Their Story
Everyone loves a good story, and one of the best ways to make your love song extra special is to tell their story.
What was their life like before they met you? How did you two meet? What defining moments have shaped your relationship?
Answering these questions will help you write lyrics that are truly unique to your relationship and relatable to others who hear the love song.
Telling their story will also help your love songs resonate with your listener on a deeper level. It’s critical that your audience (your loved one) sees themselves in your lyrics and feels like they’re part of the story.
5. Think About Your Own Feelings
When you write love songs, you must think and include your feelings and personal experiences about the person you’re singing about.
What does this person mean to you? What are some of the things you love about them? How do they make you feel?
Answering these questions will help you write your own love song that is honest and heartfelt.
Your love song should reflect how this person has affected you emotionally. This will make your song relatable and relatable to others who hear it.
6. Use Sensory Language
When writing love songs, using sensory language to describe how things look, sound, feel, smell, and taste can help transport your listener into the music.
For example, suppose you’re writing about a sunset. In that case, you might include lyrical phrases like “warmth on the lips,” “stunning in sight,” or “eyes illuminated against the sky.”
Including sensory language in your love songs will help to create a more vivid, immersive, and personal experience for your listener.
7. Write Love Songs With Similes & Metaphors
Similes and metaphors are excellent tools to use when writing love songs.
Similes are comparisons using the words “like” or “as,” while metaphors are a figure of speech that often compares a living thing with an object, place, or action.
Both similes and metaphors can help you paint a picture in your listener’s mind, making your song more vivid, creative, and memorable.
For example, you might write a love song using the metaphor “my love for you is as strong as a rock.”
Or, you could write a simile such as “your smile lights up the room like the sun.”
These music-writing techniques will help your listener connect with your words more deeply and feel the emotion you’re trying to convey in your love song.
8. Keep It Simple
The worst thing you can do when writing love song lyrics is to over-complicate the process.
Your song’s structure should stick to conventional formats and have a simple vocal melody. While Shakespeare is romantic, this type of writing will sound weird in a modern love song.
Another thing to consider is repeating the same vocal pattern for the choruses and verses (each should have a different pattern/melody). This will help make your song memorable and ensure that your loved one will be able to sing-a-long quickly.
9. Write As You Speak
One of the best pieces of advice for songwriters is “write as you speak.” In other words, don’t worry about writing complicated lyrics or trying to sound clever – say what you want to say in the most natural way possible. This will help ensure that your lyrics sound genuine and authentic.
Using simple, relatable language in your love songs is also important. Your listener should be able to understand and connect with your words easily.
If you can speak your lyrics and have them sound natural, you know you are on the right track. Also, when you write as you talk, you’ll develop different rhythms and natural melodies that will make your songwriting process more straightforward and unique.
10. Find the Right Atmosphere & Mood For Your Love Song
The atmosphere and mood you create with your love song are just as important as the lyrics you write.
Your song’s melody, chord progressions, and production should all contribute to the overall feeling you’re trying to convey.
For example, if you want to write a love song that is sad and reflective, you’ll want to use a minor key and a slower tempo.
On the other hand, if you want to write an upbeat and happy love song, you’ll want to use a major key and a faster tempo.
Paying attention to the atmosphere and mood of your love song will help ensure that your listener feels the emotion you’re trying to convey.
11. Don’t Be Afraid To Be Vulnerable
Writing love songs about someone you love can be scary – after all, you’re putting your feelings out there for everyone to hear! But don’t let this stop you from being vulnerable and honest in your lyrics.
The best love songs are the ones that are real and relatable. So don’t be afraid to show your true colors in your songwriting.
This doesn’t mean you must share every intimate detail of your relationship or let someone into your innermost thoughts. Write from the heart and let your words flow freely and authentically.
After all, that’s what true love is all about – being open and sharing your heart. So go ahead and pour your heart into those lyrics – I promise the reaction you get from your listener will be worth it in the end!
12. Have Fun With It
Lastly, remember to have fun with the process!
Writing love songs can be a great way to express your feelings and connect with your loved one on a deeper level. So enjoy the process and let your creativity flow freely.
However, don’t take yourself too seriously – this is supposed to be a fun and enjoyable experience. Write a love song about what (and who) you know and what you’re feeling about them at the moment.
Who knows – you may end up with a love song that finds its way onto the Billboard Charts!
Writing Songs About Love Conclusion
So, now that you know how to write a love song, what are you waiting for? The best way to show your loved one just how much they mean to you is by putting it into words and sharing them with the world.
If you’re looking for more guidance on how to do this, check out my in-depth article here on how to write a song from scratch. In the meantime, get inspired and start writing!
