How to Write Better Lyrics (Part 1)

Hey songwriter,

I’m literally sitting here packing for a business trip before the boys go back to school and thinking about this question I get all the time:

How do I write better lyrics?

It’s such a massive, almost existential question, right?
Like… is there a formula? A trick? Some secret chord that Bob Dylan discovered that we’re all chasing?

After 32 years of writing, I honestly think the biggest thing is this:

Study.

Not in a boring, academic way — I mean deeply listening to the great lyricists who came before us.
The ones whose songs literally shaped your love for this craft in the first place.

Joni Mitchell.
Adam Duritz.
Van Morrison.
Nina Simone.
The Beatles.
Elliot Smith.
Will Johnson.
Tom Yorke.
Jeff Buckley.

I don’t even care if you agree with my list — make your own.
But listen to them like you’re pulling apart a galaxy.

And then take it one step deeper:

Memorize their lyrics.

Word for word.
Line by line.
Let the phrasing and imagery imprint themselves on your creative DNA.

When I quote the opening lyric to Round Here by Counting Crows, I’m not flexing — I’m reminding myself of the level of vividness that’s possible in a lyric.
Same with Van Morrison’s Astral Weeks. Those lines literally transport you into another universe.

Study.
Memorize.
Internalize.

You don’t need a $3,997 microphone or a fancy co-write to become a better lyricist — you just need curiosity and reverence for the craft.

Stay creative. Stay human.

→ Hit reply and tell me one lyricist you think belongs in the pantheon. I want to discover someone new.

– Josh

💬 Your Turn
What do YOU think about all of this? What are some ways you study lyrics that inform what you do creatively?
Reply to this email—I read every single one.

If this hit you, forward it to a songwriter friend who needs to hear it.

Stay creative,
Josh
Founder, Thousand Echoes

P.S. Want my free Songwriting Toolkit PDF with more pro-level tips?

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Stay inspired everyone!
Josh Schroeder
Founder, Thousand Echoes

P.S.S. If you've read this far, you're definitely my people. Like and subscribe to my YouTube channel for more unfiltered conversations about songwriting, creativity, and building a sustainable career as an independent artist. Can't wait to see you in the next video!