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Rules for Writing Song Titles

The care and thought put into naming a song are crucial contributors to the success of the overall product. Most often, the song title will be seen before the music even plays; so, a successful song title should present itself well to others, be clearly understandable and hard to forget.
  1. Do Research

    • Creating a title can happen methodically or organically. An artist may review other current hit songs she wishes to model her song after or have a title come to her in a moment of inspiration. Continuously be aware of successful song titles and ideas, and keep a log or notebook to spark creativity.

    Write It First

    • Songwriting-guide.com explains that, "Many songwriters like to start out with the title when they're about to write a song." By first defining the central theme of the song in the title, the writer can then expand in a clear and cohesive direction. Think about current personal events or take inspiration from other song titles to get started.

    Make a Good First Impression

    • The first thing an A&R executive or talent manager sees when listening to a demo CD is the title. Keeping song titles distinct and universally understandable will help ensure that the song gets listened to and ends up on the lips of radio disc jockeys and fans in record stores.

    Let It Be Known

    • Many times, someone may hear a song and want to buy it but, if the title is obscure, have a hard time identifying the tune. Song titles should be obviously identifiable by listening to the song. Include the song title in the hook, particularly the first or last line of the chorus, to help potential fans to recognize it.

    Keep It Catchy

    • Everyone has experienced hearing a catchy song that you just can't get out of your head, and a title should be no different. Song titles that are easily repeatable and eye-catching will be spoken aloud and passed around more. To create a catchy song title or hook, try incorporating action words and aspirational themes, such as being a rock star or finding a stairway to heaven.

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