How To Write A Love Song: 12 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Home » How To Write A Love Song » How To Write A Love Song: 12 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Write a Love Song PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Andrea Stolpe and Hunter Rising

Last Updated: February 20, 2025 References

PDF download Download Article
  • Lyrics
    • |
  • Chords and Melodies
    • |
  • Sharing Your Song
    • |
  • Love Song Template with Lyrics
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Andrea Stolpe and by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Andrea Stolpe is a songwriting instructor and artist development coach based in Los Angeles, CA. With over 20 years of experience in the music industry, Andrea is a multi-platinum songwriter with songs penned for artists like Faith Hill, Julianne Hough, and Jimmy Wayne, and has worked for companies like Universal Music Publishing, EMI, and Almo-Irving. She has taught songwriting programs at Belmont University, Berklee College of Music, and the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music. Her online courses received Music Educator’s Grammy Nominations, and the prestigious Gold Telly Award for non-broadcast educational videos. She also wrote a book called Popular Lyric Writing and hosts a 5-day immersive songwriters' retreat called Writer to Writer. Andrea has a Bachelor of Music from Berklee College of Music. There are 14 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 748,002 times.

Writing a love song is a great way to show how much another person means to you. When you start working on a love song, think about how the person makes you feel and use those feelings to write your lyrics. After coming up with your lyrics, all you need to do is set them to music and you’re ready to share it with your loved one!

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 3:

Lyrics

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Outline the verses, choruses, and bridge to your song. 1 Outline the verses, choruses, and bridge to your song. Many songs, especially love songs follow a very similar pattern, containing 2-3 verses, 2-3 choruses, and a bridge. On a piece of paper, write the following structure for a basic love song: Verse 1 - Chorus - Verse 2 - Chorus - Bridge - Verse 3 - Chorus. Leave room between your headings to write your lyrics on your paper.[1]
    • Verses usually consist of 4-6 long lines, or 8-10 short lines.
    • Choruses are usually about 4-6 lines long.
    • The bridge of a song is usually a 2 line section between the second chorus and the third verse or chorus.
  2. Step 2 Pick a title for your song based on your loved one’s characteristics. 2 Pick a title for your song based on your loved one’s characteristics. Think about the person you’re writing the song for and make a list of some of the things you really love about them. Then, pick one of their characteristics that you want to expand on in your song and use it to influence your title. Keep your title between 1-4 words to keep it simple.[2]
    • For example, if you want to write a song about how your loved one is a happy presence in your life, you may title the song “Joy” or “Happiness.”
    • Whatever you choose for your title, make sure the rest of your lyrics match the theme.
    Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Figure out the lyrics of your chorus first. 3 Figure out the lyrics of your chorus first. Since your chorus is the most repeated section of your song, try to write it before any other part of your song.[3] Use simple words so your song is catchy and easy to sing along with. In your chorus, try to repeat the title of your song 2-3 times so your loved one will get the song stuck in their head. Plan out 4 lines using similes or metaphors to create imagery.[4]
    • For example, if you want to write a song called “Joy,” you may use a chorus like: Your joy is a wave spreading over me, And reaching out to the end of the sea, Your joy makes me feel at home, Because with you I’m never alone
    • You may either make the first two lines one rhyme and the last 2 lines a different rhyme, or you can alternate so line 1 rhymes with line 3, and line 2 rhymes with line 4.
    Taylor Swift Taylor Swift, Singer-Songwriter

    Make music to help channel your emotions. "There are so many emotions that you're feeling, you can get stifled by them if you're feeling them all at once. What I try to do is take one moment - one simple, simple feeling - and expand it into three-and-a-half minutes."

  4. Step 4 Choose an alternating rhyme scheme for your verses. 4 Choose an alternating rhyme scheme for your verses. Verses are what tell the story throughout your song, so you can use them to expand on how you feel about your loved one. Use an A-B-A-B rhyme scheme so alternating lines end in the same sound. Pick a focus for each verse so you’re not repeating the same thing throughout the song.[5]
    • For example, you may have the first verse talk about the past with your loved one while the second verse talks about the present or future.
    • Try to include similes or metaphors that aren’t cliche to express how your loved one makes you feel.
    • You don’t need to include a third verse in your song if you don’t want to.

    Tip: Try using near rhymes, or slant rhymes, if you can’t find a word that fits perfectly. For example, you may rhyme “alone” with “home” since they have similar sounds.

  5. Step 5 Make the lines in your bridge rhyme with one another. 5 Make the lines in your bridge rhyme with one another. A bridge is a transition that presents or answers a question or further emphasizes the main point of your song.[6] Your bridge gives the person listening to your song a break from the pattern of the chorus and verses. Continue talking about your theme during the bridge in a way you haven’t touched on yet.[7]
    • If you’re going from your bridge right into your chorus, end it with a line that flows well into the chorus. For example, you may sing, “And when I’m with you, I feel…” to transition into the chorus, “Your joy…”
    • If you want a longer bridge, repeat the 2 lines you’ve written.
    6. Advertisement
Part 2 Part 2 of 3:

Chords and Melodies

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Pick chords on a major key to make your song sound happy. 1 Pick chords on a major key to make your song sound happy.[8] Choose a set of at least 4 chords to use in your love song. During each section of your song, play through the 4 chords in a different pattern. Make sure your chords aren’t in minor since it will make your love song sound sad.[9]
    • For example, you may play C-F-G-F during your verse, but in your chorus, you may switch to A-F-C-G.
    • Try using the E-flat Major, A Major, or B-flat Major for your love song since they have many cheerful notes.
    • You can switch from a major to a minor key or vice versa in the bridge.[10]
    • If you don’t play an instrument, ask a friend or partner to help you bring your song to life.
  2. Step 2 Play extra notes over the chords to add more interest to your song. 2 Play extra notes over the chords to add more interest to your song. If you want to add extra pitches and melodies to your instrumental, try playing notes in the chord or key you’re using in a different rhythm. Try out a few different note patterns to see what fits best with the song and how it sounds with the chords you’re playing.[11]
    • This is done easily on a piano but may be more difficult to play on a guitar or other stringed instrument.
  3. Step 3 Use notes from the chords for your vocal melody. 3 Use notes from the chords for your vocal melody. Look at the notes you’re playing during your chord in the section of the song you’re trying to sing. Match the tone of your voice to one of the notes you’re playing so your singing is in tune with the instrumental you’re writing. As you work through your song, change the pitch of your voice to keep your lyrics from sounding monotonous.[12]
    • Work your voice up to the note you’re trying to hit. Play the note you want to include in your melody and warm up your voice by starting on a low note. Continue to raise the pitch of your voice until you reach the pitch you want.

    Tip: Put your highest note near the start of your chorus so anyone listening knows that it’s the beginning of a new part of your song and to make it catchier.

  4. Step 4 Pick different rhythms for your vocal performance to keep your song interesting. 4 Pick different rhythms for your vocal performance to keep your song interesting. If you keep the same vocal pattern throughout your whole song, it might sound boring. Hold different syllables in your lyrics for longer and shorter amounts of time to add different rhythms to your song.[13]
    • Follow the same rhythm patterns in each of your verses so anyone listening can easily differentiate the parts of the song.
    5. Advertisement
Part 3 Part 3 of 3:

Sharing Your Song

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Show your song to another person to get their feedback. 1 Show your song to another person to get their feedback. Before you settle on the song you’ve written, show a friend or someone else close to you to see what they think of it. Ask for any specific parts they liked or disliked or any lyrics that should be changed. Stay open to the criticism so you can present the best song to your loved one.[14]
    • Only make the changes that you feel are necessary. If your friend makes a suggestion but it goes against what your heart is telling you, then don’t follow the advice.
  2. Step 2 Record your song on a computer if you have recording software. 2 Record your song on a computer if you have recording software. Set up a microphone so you can easily play your song at a computer.[15] Use the microphone to record the instrumentals first and then record the vocals. Once the song is finished, you can adjust different volumes and export the audio to share online.[16]
    • Don’t record your instrument and vocals at the same time since it will be harder to make adjustments.
    • Use free programs like Audacity or GarageBand for Mac to help record your song.
  3. Step 3 Perform your song live for your loved one if you can. 3 Perform your song live for your loved one if you can. Try to find an opportunity to play your song for the person you wrote it for. Try looking for open mic nights at local cafes if you want to play it publicly, or just sit down at home and play it for them if you want a more personal moment.
    • Make sure to practice your song before playing in front of other people since you may feel a little nervous.
    4. Advertisement

Love Song Template with Lyrics

Love Song Template with Lyrics

Become a Song Writer with this Expert Series

Have you ever wanted to write or sing a hit song? It might look like other people are overnight successes, but truthfully they've been working at it for a long time. These expert articles will help you build your skills and become an accomplished song wri 1 - Become a Song Writer 1 Become a Song Writer 2 - How to Write Song Lyrics for Beginners 2 How to Write Song Lyrics for Beginners 3 - Be a Singer Songwriter 3 Be a Singer Songwriter 4 - Write a Pop Song 4 Write a Pop Song 5 - Put a Tune to Song Lyrics 5 Put a Tune to Song Lyrics 6 - Record a Song 6 Record a Song

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question What do you do when you have to sing the song to the person you love? Community Answer Community Answer Be brave and go ahead and sing it. You love this person, they'll love the effort you're making. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 26 Helpful 217
  • Question How can I write a love song for my parents? Community Answer Community Answer Express your feelings by using descriptive words and phrases about them, and consider including a specific moment that was meaningful to you. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 22 Helpful 103
  • Question How do I get the right melody when I'm done writing the lyrics? Community Answer Community Answer You'll just know. Try singing the lyrics in a way that flows well to you, then tinker with it. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 17 Helpful 130
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

  • Listen to popular love songs on the radio or a music streaming service to get an idea of what kind of chords and lyrics to use. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
  • Practice playing your song multiple times before showing it to your loved one. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
  • Don’t worry if your song isn’t absolutely perfect when you play it for your loved one. They’ll still appreciate the time and effort you’ve gone through. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
  • When you sing it to your loved one, just remember that they will love it because you put so much time and effort into it! Don’t stress too much, just let your song flow.
  • If you're having a tough time coming up with the music, you can use the same melody as some other song and add your own words to it.
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Write a Love PoemHow toWrite a Love Poem Write Song LyricsHow to Write Song Lyrics for Beginners Write a SongHow toWrite a Song Compose the First Verse of a SongHow toCompose the First Verse of a Song Write a Song for Your Girlfriend or BoyfriendHow toWrite a Song for Your Girlfriend or Boyfriend Write a Song As a GiftHow toWrite a Song As a Gift Write a Good Love Song for Your CrushHow toWrite a Good Love Song for Your Crush Write a Good Country SongHow toWrite a Good Country Song Write a Song for PianoHow toWrite a Song for Piano Write Your Own LyricsHow toWrite Your Own Lyrics Become a Song WriterHow toBecome a Song Writer Write a Sad SongHow toWrite a Sad Song Write Meaningful LyricsHow toWrite Meaningful Lyrics Write a Song with Guitar ChordsHow toWrite a Song with Guitar Chords Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ http://www.songwriting.net/blog/bid/207339/Songwriting-Tip-Understanding-the-Most-Common-Song-Structures
  2. ↑ https://youtu.be/9G4zOiWr7Kw?t=123
  3. ↑ https://lyricworkroom.com/writing-chorus/
  4. ↑ https://youtu.be/J00nfGCYef4?t=273
  5. ↑ https://youtu.be/J00nfGCYef4?t=398
  6. ↑ Tanisha Hall. Vocal Coach. Expert Interview
  7. ↑ https://youtu.be/J00nfGCYef4?t=615
  8. ↑ https://blog.landr.com/chord-progressions/
  9. ↑ https://www.wmich.edu/mus-theo/courses/keys.html
More References (7)
  1. ↑ Tanisha Hall. Vocal Coach. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ https://youtu.be/0Uj90TYT1XU?t=95
  3. ↑ https://youtu.be/qlrLHhpp8-E?t=382
  4. ↑ https://youtu.be/qlrLHhpp8-E?t=686
  5. ↑ https://artists.spotify.com/blog/linda-perry's-dos-and-don't-for-writing-love-songs
  6. ↑ https://ehomerecordingstudio.com/how-to-record-a-song/
  7. ↑ https://ehomerecordingstudio.com/how-to-record-a-song/

About This Article

Andrea Stolpe Co-authored by: Andrea Stolpe Songwriting Instructor and Artist Development Coach This article was co-authored by Andrea Stolpe and by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Andrea Stolpe is a songwriting instructor and artist development coach based in Los Angeles, CA. With over 20 years of experience in the music industry, Andrea is a multi-platinum songwriter with songs penned for artists like Faith Hill, Julianne Hough, and Jimmy Wayne, and has worked for companies like Universal Music Publishing, EMI, and Almo-Irving. She has taught songwriting programs at Belmont University, Berklee College of Music, and the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music. Her online courses received Music Educator’s Grammy Nominations, and the prestigious Gold Telly Award for non-broadcast educational videos. She also wrote a book called Popular Lyric Writing and hosts a 5-day immersive songwriters' retreat called Writer to Writer. Andrea has a Bachelor of Music from Berklee College of Music. This article has been viewed 748,002 times. 27 votes - 65% Co-authors: 115 Updated: February 20, 2025 Views: 748,002 Categories: Featured Articles | Songwriting Article SummaryX

If you want to write a love song, start by outlining the song’s structure. Typically, love songs contain 2-3 verses, a chorus, and a bridge between the second and third verses, after the second chorus. For the chorus, which should be about 4 lines long, repeat the main idea of what you want to tell the person. In each verse, talk about something specific about the person, like a characteristic you love or the way they make you feel. Use the bridge as a way to switch up the flow of the song so it doesn’t get too repetitive. Read on to learn how to choose the chords and melodies for your love song! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Italian Spanish German Portuguese Dutch French Russian Chinese Indonesian Arabic Thai Hindi Vietnamese Korean Czech Japanese
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 748,002 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Lauren Kavanagh

    Lauren Kavanagh

    May 13, 2018

    "How to write a love song on guitar. With this article I learned to put a word down on a piece of paper and write,..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Andrea Stolpe Co-authored by: Andrea Stolpe Songwriting Instructor and Artist Development Coach 27 votes - 65% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 115 Updated: February 20, 2025 Views: 748,002 Lauren Kavanagh

Lauren Kavanagh

May 13, 2018

"How to write a love song on guitar. With this article I learned to put a word down on a piece of paper and write,..." more Clopas Finyonyah

Clopas Finyonyah

Aug 29, 2016

"It really inspired me on music writing and singing. Am really grateful. Let others come and have their own..." more Codie

Codie

May 5, 2022

"I was always trying to write a song but no other websites explained it like this. Thank you so much!" David Annan

David Annan

Sep 22, 2016

"This has helped a lot. Now I will write a love song about my crush. Thanks." Ivy Brewington

Ivy Brewington

Jun 18, 2020

"I think it will be very spectacular and I want to have a single one day." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

Song Name GeneratorSong Name GeneratorGenerate NamesRap Lyrics GeneratorRap Lyrics GeneratorGenerateSonnet GeneratorSonnet GeneratorGenerateWhat Song Am I QuizWhat Song Am I QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Write a Love PoemHow toWrite a Love PoemWrite Song LyricsHow to Write Song Lyrics for BeginnersWrite a SongHow toWrite a SongCompose the First Verse of a SongHow toCompose the First Verse of a Song

Trending Articles

Sub 5 to True Adam Chart: Looksmaxxing Tiers ExplainedSub 5 to True Adam Chart: Looksmaxxing Tiers ExplainedSigns a Woman is Sexually Attracted to YouSigns a Woman is Sexually Attracted to You28 Best Excuses for Getting Out of School28 Best Excuses for Getting Out of School Practice Thumb Pulling (And If You Should)How to Practice Thumb Pulling (And If You Should)

Trending Articles

What Female Body Shape Are You? How to Identify YoursWhat Female Body Shape Are You? How to Identify YoursDo You Agree with These "Hear Me Out" Character Hot Takes?Do You Agree with These "Hear Me Out" Character Hot Takes?Finish the Lyrics QuizFinish the Lyrics QuizCan Your Finger Length Tell Your Personality?Can Your Finger Length Tell Your Personality?

Games Breaking Group Chats Right Now

160+ Good Roasts to Burn Your Friends & Family Members160+ Good Roasts to Burn Your Friends & Family Members Play the Snaps Guessing GameHow to Play the Snaps Guessing Game140+ Wavelength Game Categories & Questions to Extend Your Play140+ Wavelength Game Categories & Questions to Extend Your PlayThe Ultimate Collection of Funny, Cheesy, & Romantic Rizz LinesThe Ultimate Collection of Funny, Cheesy, & Romantic Rizz Lines

Take a Quiz You Won't Stop Thinking About

What Animal Am I QuizWhat Animal Am I QuizAm I Gay QuizAm I Gay QuizHow Well Do I Know My Best Friend QuizHow Well Do I Know My Best Friend QuizAm I an Alpha, Beta, or Omega QuizAm I an Alpha, Beta, or Omega Quiz

Featured Videos

Eat GuavaHow toEat Guava Get Yellow Stains Out of White ShoesHow to Get Yellow Stains Out of White ShoesLeft Eye Twitching for Females: What Astrology Says About Eye TwitchingLeft Eye Twitching for Females: What Astrology Says About Eye Twitching50 First Date Conversation Starters to Spark a Connection50 First Date Conversation Starters to Spark a Connection

Hot Takes 🔥 🔥 🔥

Do You Agree with These Controversial Hot Takes?Do You Agree with These Controversial Hot Takes?Do You Agree with These Food Hot Takes?Do You Agree with These Food Hot Takes?Do You Agree With These Fashion Hot Takes?Do You Agree With These Fashion Hot Takes?Do You Agree with These Crazy Hot Takes?Do You Agree with These Crazy Hot Takes?

Your Daily Dose of Fun!

Which My Little Pony Am I QuizWhich My Little Pony Am I QuizMHA Quirk GeneratorMHA Quirk GeneratorWhat Food Am I QuizWhat Food Am I QuizDo I Have a Crush QuizDo I Have a Crush Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Arts and Entertainment
  • Music
  • Music Production
  • Composing Music
  • Songwriting
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

Get all the best how-tos!

Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --691

Tag » How To Write A Love Song