The eventual question at the end of all these
exercises is, can I apply all this to writing a whole song?
The answer is yes, of course, that was the whole purpose of
all those previous exercises, to have enough "melodic
words" that you could start putting together the melodic
words you like. By using the simple rule of nearest note or
common note between chords, you're able to choose your melodic
words wisely. Although, you don't need to start out with a
lyric, this whole exercise is going to focus on writing a
melody to an existing lyric, although writing the melody first
and then adding the lyric is equally valid.
So, we'll start with the lyric below. Those
of you who have followed the "what is melodic rhythm
" lesson are very familiar with the first line, since
I submitted to all kinds of rhythmic variations. Please excuse
the quasi-pithy and semi-meaningful tone of the lyric, this
exercise is for illustrative purposes, and I thought it would
be better than some sappy love song. :-)
"Is Life Just Passing Me By?" by
Paul Radelat © 2003
Was there something in the sky
Something that just passed me by
Something that I could have had
And now I'm sad
Cause I didn't notice
Was there something in that crowd
Something quiet, not too loud
Something that you can't explain
A windowpane
To something better
Is life just passing me by?
Cause I don't look up when I should?
Is Life just passing me by?
Cause I don't speak up when I could?
Underneath the bright blue open sky
Is time just standing still?
Is life just passing me by?
Click
here to listen to whole song ______ Click
here to listen to different additional song written using
these lyrics. Both songs are in demo format.
So now to see how the first song is written,
click on the different numbers below to access all the parts,
as I create a chord progression, break down the lyrics into
groups, start picking out melodic words, on a line by line
basis. Some may think this is tedious and detail oriented,
but too many times, in these explanations, people omit steps
thinking that the reader knows. I'm assuming you don't know,
and want to see how it's all done.
