Lyric Sheet Example

Here are suggestions for formatting a basic lyric sheet

A NOTE ABOUT SONG STRUCTURE

Many songs are structured like this: Verse 1, Chorus, Verse 2, Chorus
However, there are several different elements that may be included in the song, such as:

Pre-Chorus
This is also known as a "Lift," "Build," "Climb," "Channel," "Roll-up," to name a few. It's before the Chorus

Bridge
This is a contrasting section often near the end of the song (also known as "Middle 8" or "Transition")

Post-Chorus
This is a hooky part of the song that's very common and is usually in place of a Bridge

[The song title should always be at the top of the page]

Song Title

[The names of the songwriters can go under the title]
Sue Songwriter / Lydia Lyricist / Craig Composer

[Start your lyrics here]
VERSE 1
Type in the lyrics (words) to the song line-by-line
Type in phrases instead of long lines and try to line up the rhymes
PRE-CHORUS [Optional: label the "Pre-Chorus," and/or indent the text]
If the song has a Pre-Chorus it will go here
And this will lead to the all-important...
CHORUS [Optional: label the "Chorus," use boldface, and/or indent the text]
Line up the phrases or lines so the rhymes are easy to see (if there are any rhymes)
The Chorus can also be done in boldface (darker type)
The Chorus is usually the hook and the most singable part of the song
That's why it should stand out from the Verses, Pre-Chorus, Post-Chorus, and Bridge

VERSE 2
Type in the words to the second verse
Just like in VERSE 1 of course
PRE-CHORUS
If Verse 2 has a Pre-Chorus, then format it the same as Verse 1

[CHORUS] [Tip: Do not write out the Chorus every time unless there are different lines or words]

BRIDGE (or POST-CHORUS)
If the song has a Bridge, it's usually near the end of the song
Most of the time, the Bridge will lead to another Verse, Pre-Chorus, or Chorus

[CHORUS]

[Tip: When pitching your song to a Publisher or Music Supervisor, always provide contact information either at the top or bottom of the lyric sheet]
© (Use the current year), Sue Songwriter / Phone: (615) 555-5555 / Email: [email protected]
[Tip: If the song is for sync, and you own and control the composition/publishing, and the recording, you can include the phrase "one-stop licensing," but only if this is true]
Pre-Cleared / One-Stop Licensing available

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