Country music songwriting

Most rock and rap singers write their own songs. Many popular country artists do not, and are dependent upon other songwriters for their material. Here are some tips and observations about writing country music.

“Country music is three chords and the truth.”

Country music songwriting great Harlan Howard once said, “Country music is three chords and the truth.” That still rings true, although pop crossover artists have brought a diverse form of composition and production to the country music genre.

“Pop” country or “new” country hits have more chords and are more highly produced. But make no mistake; many country artists still adhere to some form of the traditional style.

Country music writing fundamentals

Whether or not you’re writing for pop or traditional country artists, these are good guidelines to follow:

• Create a memorable “hook”. The hook is that special line that grabs a listener’s attention. It’s usually included in the chorus of the song, but smaller hook lines can be placed throughout. Twists on well-known phrases (“I’ve Got Friends in Low Places”), humorous ironies (“She Got the Gold Mine, I got the Shaft”) and clever rhymes (“All My Exes Live in Texas”) are examples of effective hook lines.
• Don’t delay placing the chorus; it should occur within the first minute of the song.
• The style of writing should be cleverly simple. Write from your heart and your own experience; country music fans appreciate subjects they can identify with. Avoid complicated or negative topics. Make your audience feel emotion, be it happiness, sadness, humor, compassion, etc. Country music is all about real life.
• Strong lyrics are key to a successful country song. Stick to a single theme. Add description and depth with metaphors, analogies, inventive phrases and easily understood rhetoric.
• When recording a demo of your song, stay away from lengthy musical interludes and breaks, both in the intro and throughout the song. Record companies and publishing companies are interested in melody and lyrics, not a lot of guitar riffs.
• Consider co-writing with someone. Collaboration is a big deal in Nashville, and it often works.
• Practice patience, persistence and discipline. Re-write your song until it’s as good as you can get it.

A list of common types of country songs to help inspire your creative thoughts:

• Story songs. These are common in country music and often tug at the heartstrings, as in “He Stopped Loving Her Today” and “Where’ve You Been”. Other classic story songs include “The Gambler”,  “Old Dogs, Children and Watermelon Wine” and “Ode to Billie Jo”.
• Humorous songs like “The Streak”, “She Got the Ring and I Got the Finger” and “A Boy Named Sue.”
• Winning love songs: “Forever and Ever Amen”, “Amazed” and “I Believe In You.”
• Lost and unrequited love songs: “Your Cheatin’ Heart”,  “D-I-V-O-R-C-E”, “I Will Always Love You.”
• Songs about sadness and tragedy: “Where Were You when the World Stopped Turning”, “Go Rest High Upon that Mountain”, “How Can I Help You Say Goodbye.”
• Songs of home and family: “Coal Miner’s Daughter”, “Country Roads”, and “Mountain Music.”
• And other types: Religious, gospel, Cajun, honky-tonk, songs of patriotism, traveling songs, prison songs, cowboy songs and working man songs.