Naming a song can be a distribute like writing a headline for a newspaper. Most headline writers, however, have years of education and feel before being trusted to put a name to an article, whereas most bands have to learn the skill on the fly .
There are times when a catchy title does n’t jump at you straight from the song ‘s hook. Sometimes a name can be the only thing standing between you and a new exhaust ! If you ‘re feeling some writer ‘s obstruct when it comes to naming a song, try one of these eight strategies .
1. Pick a lyric
Any lyric ! Most people use a phrase from the song ‘s hook as the entitle, but if your bait does n’t function well as a claim, then grab a catchy word/phrase from somewhere else in the birdcall.
2. Use a cut lyric
Oftentimes, fecund writers will write means more than what actually goes into the sung. Sometimes there ‘s just a discussion or give voice that does n’t quite equip and is cut or altered. Using a idiom that did n’t quite make it into the song can make a pretty creative identify, and one that will however fit the birdcall ‘s theme .
Lots of writers keep a casual journal or diary that they pull from to write lyrics. If this is a method acting that you use, then pick a news or phrase from the daybook that did n’t make the lyrics .
3. Use a number
Try using the go steady of the song ‘s creation or inspiration as an concern numeral title. You could besides simply use the track number or any other number that can be related to the song in some way. Having a numerical title can actually make the track stand out in contrast to early songs on your record that may have more traditional titles .
4. Try a one-word summation
Sit and listen to the song for a little while, and try to think of a single parole ( or possibly a short phrase ) that, while not in the lyrics, summarizes the message of the song. This is a particularly useful method acting for naming implemental songs a well .
5. Use a verb/adjective
much like the one-word summation, using a few active description words can make for creative song titles. Does your sung remind you of the ocean ? Try words like “ flow, ” “ curl, ” or “ clang ” as separate of a title.
6. Explore other languages
There are enough of words in other languages that describe a feel or happening that your listeners might relate to, but do n’t have an english translation. This can be an concern manner to breathe life into a song deed. Just make sure to triple-check with speakers of the language you ‘re using to make certain you get the translation correct !
7. Consult a thesaurus
If your sung ‘s hook or your one-word sum does n’t make for a catchy enough title, possibly there ‘s a synonym that would work better ! Check a thesaurus and see what you can find. You may even learn some cool new words to use in future lyrics !
8. Study other artists
As with any other expression of music, much can be learned by studying the masters. Take a look at the titles of some of your front-runner songs. How do they relate to the lyrics or history behind the song, band, or album ?
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Dylan Welsh is a freelance musician and music journalist, based in Seattle, WA. He currently plays in multiple Seattle bands, interns at Mirror Sound Studio, and writes for the Sonicbids blog. is a freelance musician and music diarist, based in Seattle, WA. He presently plays in multiple Seattle bands, interns at Mirror Sound Studio, and writes for the Sonicbids web log. Visit his web site for more information. 
