Five Ways to Tell the Truth

By Kim Copeland

As writers, we are always trying to put words in other people’s mouths. We not only have to guess what artists want to say to their audiences, but also how they want to express it.
Every line of lyric contains not only information for the listener, but also emotion. How it is delivered helps to determine the audience’s reaction to it.
As a writer, artist, or producer of your own demos, I challenge you to read each line of your lyric and try saying/singing it at least five different ways before you commit it to a final delivery of it. Below is an example of how the meaning, emotion, attitude can change based on the way a line of lyric is delivered.
1. He couldn’t love her anymore
2. He couldn’t love her anymore
3. He couldn’t love her (anymore)
4. He couldn’t love her anymore
5. He couldn’t love (her anymore)

1. I don’t want to love you tonight
2. I don’t want to love you tonight
3. I don’t want to love you tonight
4. I don’t want to love you (tonight)
5. I don’t want to love (you tonight)
It’s not only important that the accent be placed on the correct syl-a’-ble. It is also important for it to deliver the correct emotion and attitude. Explore every possible delivery before settling on the one that tells the truth in the most believable way.