Summary
Highlights
The video starts by identifying the biggest challenge for songwriters: finishing songs. The presenter, with over 20 years of experience, introduces a powerful and simple method called the 'MAP method' (Make A Plan) to overcome this. Common reasons for not finishing songs include confusing general ideas with song ideas, fear of ruining a good idea, and over-focusing on details without considering the big picture. The MAP method helps create a clear plan from the beginning.
A general idea is broad (e.g., writing about missing someone). A song idea is specific, with a title and concept (e.g., 'Perfume' to represent the lingering presence of a loved one). Songwriters often fear ruining a good idea or get too caught up in perfecting individual lines, which prevents completion. The MAP method offers a broader perspective, creating a plan and direction for the song before writing begins.
The MAP method focuses on creating 'song maps' or plans. These maps ensure each section (verses, pre-chorus, bridge) approaches the song's title from a slightly different angle, building emotion and ideas. This prevents repetition from feeling stagnant and makes repeated sections more impactful due to the song's progression.
This map starts with a small, sensed problem, not a climactic conflict. It then escalates the problem, detailing its consequences and impact. The 'change' element, found in the final developmental section, shifts direction, expressing a desire for things to be different or how they could be. This can also be seen as two maps: linear escalation or a 'Redemption Song map' where change offers a positive shift.
This map begins by describing the present moment ('Situation') using sensory details and storytelling. The 'Context' then zooms out, providing backstory or memories that led to the current situation. Finally, 'Consequence' explores the emotional impact of the situation and its context on the narrator. Bruce Springsteen's 'Devils and Dust' is used as an example, showing how the song moves from present tension to past experiences, and ultimately to the consequence of lost faith.
This map is ideal for songs focused on exploring a feeling rather than a narrative. Using Pharrell Williams' 'Happy' as an example, the first verse describes the feeling. The second verse then introduces an 'Obstacle' or challenge to that feeling. This creates a progression where even a simple emotion is explored deeply, showing how resistance or external factors interact with the core feeling. The presenter illustrates this with an 'I'm sad' song example, where a challenge reveals a commitment to sadness.
The video concludes by reiterating the power of song maps for developing ideas. A free PDF song map template is offered, along with a recommendation for a short course demonstrating the full songwriting process, including integrating lyrics and melody with song maps.