H.E.R.'s Simple Method For Writing GREAT Lyrics | Studio Deep Dive

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In this video, songwriters Keppie Coutts and Benny Romalis analyze H.E.R.'s songwriting techniques to come up with great lyrics.
00:00 Intro
00:42 Finding The Theme And The Title
04:31 Building Lyrics From The Title
09:39 Developing The Sections
13:25 4 Action Steps For You

[@eddieftw]

I always feel like gibberish is where the magic is. It allows us to feel the vowels that fit well with the melody.

[@Twominutedevotions]

I always write music and start arranging first, but I've always sucked at lyric writing. I can hear melodies but have never tried this. I'm going to record a vocal scratch track of gibberish on everything to give me a place to start and I think it's going to work.

[@daijajean4446]

perfect explanation

[@JasonPruett]

some gibberish lyrics end up making sense like RHCP just as meaningful as other types of lyrics

[@Ashamed.Loser69]

@eddieftw That's the easiest way, there are many ways. I always appreciated going through visual landscapes and describing them. But pouring all your emotions and soul into it is also great like just two lines: Could you be loved And be love It seems very simple, it could be empty nothing but with pouring all yourself into it, makes it great.👌🏼

[@cavaliib1889]

Spot on

[@MoonSwitchMusic]

1:21 - "I don't want you, I want tomato" - I felt that

[@psilksound]

set the theme straight off the bat !

[@Covers-and-Commentary]

looool

[@adnansaboticsings]

@@r0bophonic “I don’t want you I want tomato Ketchup with sweet potato “

[@rickyangeles08ify]

Yummy tomato 🍅

[@rickyangeles08ify]

@@r0bophoniclol

[@vish-s]

she took trust the process to another level

[@bohemiamusicgroup]

^ yup!

[@letti799]

Srsly

[@musicbysazid]

00:00 📝 Clarity matters more than poetry in lyrics; being clear and certain about your words makes a difference. 00:26 🧠 Start with a simple but effective technique for crafting lyrics out of an initial idea. 01:47 🎶 Let the music inspire words; consider personal feelings and let the music guide the song's direction. 03:31 🗣 Experiment with mumbles and gibberish; don't worry about sounding pretty initially. 04:23 🕰 Trust the process; once a central theme like "ultimatum" emerges, connect every lyric tightly to it. 06:41 📖 Follow the story line; think about what you're saying to continue the conversation and avoid repetitive filler lines. 08:23 💡 Ask questions to develop the story; delve into the "why" and connect new ideas back to the established theme or title. 09:35 🎵 Establish a theme or title early on; everything in the song should connect back to and flow from this central element. 11:46 🗣 Make lyrics conversational; cleverly convey "take it or leave it" without explicitly saying it. 13:58 🎼 Songwriting steps: 1) Simple chord progression, 2) Develop a melody, 3) Find a theme or title, 4) Connect every lyric to the theme for a cohesive song.

[@callmeal3017]

bravo! that's a.well-articulated thoughtful review of the outlined process. trust the process is huge. the artifact is a by-product of the art, no? the "art" is in the process itself. the song/painting/dance/story/movie etc. is a result, a residue. devil's advocate observation: what is clarity? whether you "like" either Yes (Close To Thr Edge), or Perifery (Perifery IV). or niether, their sheer musical creativity is hard to deny. in either of these cases the lyrics come across to me as very focused, even though.at times, with Perifery, they seem to defy any right-brain "making sense". I would even say Yes methodically and consistently avoids "making sense" whatsoever. The result is something like the way things connect or progress in a dream.

[@samisorg]

Thank you

[@kennanevans5210]

❤

[@elvisjonathan3414]

❤❤❤❤

[@justincase8533]

"baby I'm frustrated, because I love you and i hate it" She's just on another level.

[@tonyamartin1425]

sounds crazy AF level to me nothing profound about an insecure unstable person or talking like one.

[@Ashildr__]

​@@tonyamartin1425 well aren't you a ray of sunshine

[@tommydashed4205]

@@tonyamartin1425 Most people have moments of insecurity and instability. That is why lyrics like this hit, because they are relatable.

[@tonyamartin1425]

@@tommydashed4205 anything cooperate companies push will brainwash or rather resonate killing your Neighbor waiting for the family to gather at the funeral shooting the grandma and kids then urinating on the grave really resonates too right now??? we aren't dealing with a song on this topic go read the lyrics of the top slow songs from the last 7 years black people sing its hate music pure dysfunction sang at a sweet tempo that is brainwashing not relating when little kids are screaming for sexy red they can relate every black female rapping is a stripper or a rat who chose those woman? not people that look like them so I beg to differ.

[@em8969]

Love this girl, she lets her talent and music speak for itself, no gimmicks or attention seeking, just Art

[@JasonPruett]

some lyrics are poetry others are riddles still others are mind palaces (a mnemonic device used to recall large amounts of information). Sometimes its not the writer creating the lyrics but the words seem to write themselves as if someone else is writing it through you. If that happens to you it means the song is MEANT for the whole world to hear it because the message is very important.

[@sonshine_konoha]

This is the most underrated comment on here... Spot on!

[@tintintinintintin]

🥺🙌

[@callmeal3017]

maybe the whole world, maybe just a few, maybe just you. maybe just as important either way. overall excellent comment.

[@lared112]

Totally. I’m seeing why it’s so important to be loose in the process and stay open to what melodies and lyrics come through

[@brandibrandy]

I feel this so much. I stopped writing because I'm not the best singer and it was hard finding artists to write for, but I felt this everytime I created. I learned something new with HER's creation process (and another youtube artist I watched a few days ago) because I didn't know this was how some people write their music. I just find a really good instrumental and everything just flows. I always thought it was a God-given or supernatural gift because it always even shook me. Anyways, this was a really great video and your comment is awesome.

[@EqDior]

Throughout my years of music gibberish has always made for a more creative melody/ song... it's a gold mine!

[@ChangeforJonathan]

Factz

[@janedoe707]

I have so much respect for H.E.R as an artist and a person. I had the privilege of meeting this amazing young person and she understands the assignment fully. She understands giving back and sharing her professional knowlegede. a rare gem. I wish continued success and longevity to her.

[@AaronHubley]

this is identical to how I've been writing songs for a decade. super cool!! What I'm enjoying is that she's able to do this in front of other people. I've always felt like a weirdo using my personal approach when working with other artists. I've been taking different approaches in the past few months, trying to write words first, etc. but nothing holds a candle to exposing your subconscious with mumbles!

[@bohemiamusicgroup]

I feel the same way! There's something magic about letting everything just flow through

[@SassyFitFLIX]

I too write lyrics, similarly this way with the bunch of hums and mumbles initially, and developing them into words and stories! This was refreshing to watch!

[@mikedanielofficial]

12:40 - H.E.R, you need to release this song, it's so good, and your voice, my god, heaven sent

[@Brax-fu1ow]

I need this in my life!❤

[@alishaendre616]

This is literally how I’ve written songs for years. I LOVE seeing this in action!!! She’s so talented. Love H. E. R. 🤍🤍🤍

[@ShredderTainment]

Hard place is the best creation. And then there is “carried away”. It’s so nice to see how she creates these.

[@fearthetube]

Interesting way to write a song…rather than having something to say, you create a story around the melody…you can make a point either way, one’s just more passive. Kudos.

[@jaymzgaetz2006]

With all the talent shows and interviews with artists there's zero content about the actual songwriting structure and process. Thanks for this.

[@michaelrussell7356]

Keppie and Benny have their own KZbin channel that has loads of brilliant videos that you’re looking for! “How to write songs “

[@Isaiahxford]

Wow her voice is beautiful live, just the raw vocals hits different. Sounds so effortless

[@stephenobisanya]

I can’t help but imagine this type of episode but with Kanye. I love how open, transparent, and practical this episode is instead of sticking to abstract ideas that don’t really help viewers.

[@Studio]

Glad you enjoyed this!

[@jvsings9146]

God, please no. I like this show.

[@stephenobisanya]

@@jvsings9146 Haha! I know what you mean. I just meant there’d be lots of brilliance shared when it comes to music.

[@f4llenstarr]

Open your mind to more artists we can learn from everyone @@jvsings9146

[@dream7941]

@@jvsings9146nb would force u to watch the episode bud. u can still like the show

[@Ayesha_Michelle]

Her guitar playing is so instrumental in creating lyrics too❤

[@bohemiamusicgroup]

So glad someone mentioned this!

[@Kpictures_NYC]

That was so cool. You can use this to write poetry as well.

[@PositiveEnergy-qz3tu]

Feeling and Energy is Everything.

[@07kkirby23]

I like this. This is an advantage to writing this way for singing vs rapping. It's more difficult to craft actually meaningful, layered, real rap lyrics this way.

[@TriggaTreDay]

Yall this was genius 🤯!!!. I’m not a song writer, but I am learning to play the guitar and piano and during this time I have been learning and practicing singing other people’s songs and what I have found is that I naturally want to make my own music. HER is really that girl!! I hope she comes out with that song because it’s so real. Too many people are currently in situations like that and I think it could be a hit. ❤

[@jayedevan567]

Same...I started getting serious about playing piano and guitar a few years back and immediately decided I wanted to write songs and make my own melodies to accompany them 👊🏾🎹🎸🔥🖤

[@stephaniecarter1107]

I love them his for the both of you I also have a guitar and piano I am desperately trying to play along w writing poetry. Would love to connect with you both

[@TriggaTreDay]

​@@jayedevan567 That's awesome!!! How's it going? Have your found it to be easy for you to learn? Im doing really well on the guitar, Im on month 4 and I know a few songs and can sing while playing. But I aspire to be at Jn san Kim's level! You should look him up. And as for piano This is my first month. So Its only been 13days 😊. But things are going well. Would love to hear more about your learning journey.

[@TriggaTreDay]

@@stephaniecarter1107 How long have you been playing? And that's really cool that you are writing poetry. A few of my family members have been writing for years. I will start writing really soon. This video was a great way for me to start since I have already been playing around with making my own melodies on the guitar.

[@stephaniecarter1107]

@@TriggaTreDay the piano I’ve been on and off for a few years guitar recently new I just got an acoustic for my birthday last year.

[@TennesseeMule]

I could see ultimatum as the 2nd part of a rhyme like, "I'm tryin' hard not to hate him, but I don't need an ultimatum." Or "he can keep that ultimatum" The line could even continue from there "I'm tryin' hard not to hate him, but I don't need an ultimatum to see what's wrong...this has gone on much too long..." hold that last note...brief pause... then into the hook. Maybe a little more country than pop though...

[@GabeWilliams]

That’s insane that she came up with that so fast. You can tell she’s written boat loads of songs

[@bohemiamusicgroup]

It's incredible what can flow through someone so talented.

[@MarlonOwnsYourCake]

This feels like a sports play by play but for something I'm interested in 😂

[@mikedanielofficial]

Usually, i set the mood of the song then i look some chord progressions and start playing with the rythm on my casio. The mood is set by what i'm feeling at the moment, and after i finish the song that bad feeling goes away, songwriting is my therapy. By the way, i love the songs "Hard Place" and "Best Part" those are my favorite songs from H.E.R.

[@emmanuelansah4035]

H.E.R is freaking beautiful 😍

[@MarlyPalanca]

This is so cool, ive never seen this channel before. Ive written songs for 17 years now and I’ve never thought about the intention through my songwriting process. I’m definitely gonna explore more and develop my songwriting skills!!! Thank you for this resource I really appreciate what y’all are doing!

[@lilceaz99]

Shes such an excellent well thought out song writer.

[@dougmccoll6126]

Yes as a multi-media talk creator and presenter we establish a THEME statement (a word or phrase from it may be the title of our talk) that contarins the essence of the song...an idea the reader, listener can latch onto...then we use content in our presentation to distill the essence, giving it a meaning and message the audience can take away and hold. For songs, if the tone of voice and instrument, rythm, melody and phrasing all support the emotion evoked by the lyrics...all working together = prosody!! Excellent video!

[@JimmyTanglesRecordingCo.]

A true talent! Writer, musician, Singer, creator, performer, rapper……!!! H.E.R IS REALLY ON ANOTHER LEVEL!!

[@dougmccoll6126]

I am a huge believer in thingamajigs, whatchamccollits and GIBBERISH! (official language of people from Gibbervania). Annnnd BTW the tone of your bloody Martin makes me feel like I' in heaven.

[@Kyantanae]

Don’t want the pain that came with your options hits deep. I’m a song writer and singer and this is similar to my process

[@DuaniacDjMuseMoi]

I love this video. It's like an intimate TED talk for songwriters. So well expressed and generously thought out. She calls the working out lyrics the gibberish. I've always called then dummy lyrics. Great advice overall. #SoGood

[@TriggaTreDay]

Facts 💯

[@bohemiamusicgroup]

I've always called it Sing-lish 😂

[@ashjohnsun]

I love H.E.R! She is my go to when I'm singing/practicing guitar and want to feel all the feels. Her melodies and lyrics just hit different...Also, Ryan Leslie's "gibberish" is the perfect example of feeling a whole song with no actual lyrics.

[@AdrianTATEOfficial]

This is the best songwriting video I have seen! Her is a master 🔥

[@freshpootube]

This is brilliant insight. She’s a humble character. A good teacher. And wow, beautiful. Very very rare combination in the entertainment/creative business.

[@LoiLaing]

I thoroughly enjoyed watching this process. It's the magic behind the music.

[@lwh91]

thanks for sharing this, i have been waiting for that check to purchase the masterclass and now it has arrived 😄

[@StarS33d3]

Oh how I needed this help with writing..Gibberish is definitely how I come up with my music🧘🏾‍♀️Thank you Thank You Universe 💫🕊️👆🏾❤️you guys

[@CelsoNolbertoMinistries]

It's beautiful because she completely trust herself in the process, and flows from that place of trust in self. I trust I choose these things, this inspiration. And it's coming from a deep place within her

[@lilceaz99]

I could watch her write music all day. Shes like a lauryn hill around my age

[@cordaleglass-readingthebib3625]

This is my process as well, and I agree, it absolutely works!

[@vtenort]

Been there done and doing that. Nice of you to do this video because this a great message for composers that are struggling and / or new at this. Cudo's to H.E.R.'s.

[@mituanmusic]

This is exactly how I write songs as well. I loooove H.E.R. When is this coming out?

[@EnterSports1]

I love your music! Can’t get enough of it!

[@svggod7583]

Mumbles to music is like clay to a sculptor… A friend of mine introduced me to that writing style years ago and I find it is very useful. It keeps the writer in the moment

[@geneva4328]

This was a beautiful process to walkthrough, thanks for sharing. ❤

[@SongwriterPorshia]

She’s so talented 🥰 I love watching other songwriters write

[@Thecoolcatzz]

So crazy before seeing this video I was doing this last night and told myself this is what I need to do first and then put the words to match the sound to create the song and here comes this video wow, this is a sign indeed

[@StOasis]

I love this series Great songwriting tips! ❤

[@Studio]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@NueAjeLuv]

I love the channeling process.❤

[@ericboswell8863]

Thank you my Sista..Makes alotta sense and does work for me as a songwriter..♥️🖤👍

[@JasonPruett]

some of my favorite billy joel songs i heard billy say he wrote them in the studio. also the beegees some of their best songs were written in the span of a week or two i think it was for saturday night fever. it seems easier to write small parts until you have many good ones then put them together later.

[@TheEleniAgency]

I LOVE this sooo much! I hate that I stopped writing songs but this inspiring. Also…she needs to drop this track lol

[@taina.mourao]

So crazy, Benny Romalis was my composition teacher at JMC College! This video is great!

[@RICO_SUAVE21]

Great video! Well it helps to have HER talents too start out with 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@BrightShiningLight88]

That is exactly how it works for me. Gibberish = Gold! 🙏

[@ladyteebosssogtheexperience]

This is truth,, as annover thinker the flow was born...❤❤

[@emi7254]

Thank you so much for this video ❤

[@ShaKaraMoNique]

I absolutely LOVE this!!!

[@cyberdidi]

Cool video.. Never heard of you guys' channel. Good stuff.. Her process and how every sentence/idea seemed to revolve around the word "ultimatum" reminded me of the song "Gravity" by Sara Bareilles.

[@khadirm790]

That “take it or leave it” concept was executed so well

[@shonharris1524]

This was very helpful!!! Thank you!!! God Bless you!!😇🙏🏽🙌🏽

[@Studio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ocraynardcollins6689]

I totally get it, I do that myself sometimes.mumbling, and gibberish, turns into words and phrases that works for your song.

[@kaiymariewalker8823]

I was singing along by the end! H.E.R. please make this 😅👉🏾👈🏾🤎

[@meemahjackson2535]

This was so brilliant and insightful

[@ohdeyonce]

She’s so magical.

[@nogoogleplus]

Awesome vid!👍Thanks

[@GaiaCarney]

Fantastic @Studio 🕊

[@rohitkumarsingh1107]

You are awesome vocalist

[@iluvlatisha]

I’m very intrigued & impressed by this process.🙌🏾🎶 Currently taking guitar lessons so I’m definitely watching the finger placements/chords she’s playing. Sing, write and play guitar…TALENTED ❤

[@Studio]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@renatofonte]

Exactly how I write things!

[@jthrilla84]

🔥and kept it so simple with two chords.

[@SunflowerSamuraiMusic]

I wish yall would do the commentary where her in the room, just feel like it would be more of a natural exchange and giver her a chance to expand on her ideas and process. Fire video 10/10

[@spotlessmusic3883]

H.E.R is a super genius 🔥🔥🙆💪🏾

[@trollingisasport]

This is really similar to the approach I really take. I think the part about reading lyrics through without the melody can really help when you're stuff on a phrase.

[@00Huey]

this might just be the best video for songwriters

[@MayowaSensei]

Bro I paid for this class and now it’s free 😅😅😅😅😅😅😅

[@sn0wsilver]

This inspired me ❤ thank you!

[@Studio]

We are so glad to hear this!

[@waltongraham7031]

She is too talented 👍🏾💯🔥🔥

[@MattShockley]

This was super helpful ❤

[@likwidguns]

I do this sometimes. It works

[@christianomizzle]

Thank you SO very much for this ❤❤❤❤

[@Fullmetaltracer]

She is by far one of my favorite artist to pop out the last few years. Air guitar Super Bowl performance or not there is definitely a creative spark to her spirit.

[@lumiritubo5229]

Just saying #Let the music dictate, Let the music take us ....freed me up. It makes the idea of writing a song or anything creative being done so less daunting. Sometimes its the simplest of statements that makes a huge difference or break through. I genuinely thank you for sharing your process!!!!!

[@LisaMarshallMusic4]

I dig this so much! I write the same way! ❤️❤️

[@Sherry1092]

This is so fantastic for a beginner like me, thank you so much everyone!

[@Studio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@caseyrogers935]

Incredible talent ❤️🔥🤙

[@laayalovesfashion]

I was thinking to do gibberish also to help with a flow, lovely video

[@Iamjohnnythethird]

Thank you!

[@tonybaze]

Thats how I do I love to just freestyle and record it then listen back and analyze what I said subconsciously

[@bohemiamusicgroup]

That's where all the magic is ✨

[@olamideraymod9665]

I fall here

[@shan5445]

The woman with the guitar is a good teacher. Nice to have feedback from the to Australian people I am sure they learnt a lot from the woman with the guitar.

[@heartstrings110]

The woman with the guitar is the recording artist, ‘HER.’

[@oleratomoloabi2466]

H.E.R is a gift from up above✨

[@LolosWorld]

There is something validating to me to see a highly successful recording artists process is similar to my own writing process

[@Julien_Flowers]

I'm not even familiar with her music like that but this really makes me want to listen through her catalog. Great video

[@bohemiamusicgroup]

10/10 recommend. She's incredible.

[@Julien_Flowers]

@@bohemiamusicgroup what project would you recommend as a starting point ?

[@bohemiamusicgroup]

@@Julien_Flowers her album HER from 2016 is awesome. Slow, sexy, vibe. Like early Weeknd stuff, but with deeper (in my opinion) lyrics.

[@camillecarson8509]

hope she finishes and drops this song omg

[@katc9198]

This was actually so helpful

[@MusicByKMR624]

Thanks for sharing! Very insightful and natural.

[@Studio]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@chantmoney]

Facts that’s how I do my music even tho I don’t write…. She just gave e conformation and tips 🔥🤙🏼