STYLE OF COMPOSITION

        This is one of the tools that differentiate composers and their interests. You must base your lyrics on a single style in other to avoid confusion and lack of interest from the audience.  The use of pronoun (a word that is used instead of a noun) is very important in compositions. There are different types of styles you can adopt as a songwriter, depending on your audience:  

1. First person’s style

2. Second person’s style

3. Third person’s style

1.   The First Person’s Style: This simply refers to the use of “I” and “ME” which are for singular and “WE” for plural.  I recommend the use “I” or “ME” style of composition for albums and studio recordings. It will easier for the listeners to personalize the song and sing along. People will always love to sing a song that can be used for prayers, praise, and worship . For example:

          I worship you, Almighty God; there is none like you……..

          I just want to be where you are……

          I will praise you forever………

          I will never be put to shame, because I have Jesus………..

          My spirit magnifies your name…….. etc.

      The second part of first person’s style is the use of the plural words like “WE” and “OUR” This is used more in church services, anthems by choir, special number by a group and concerts songs. This shows that any song written with this style can be for a particular group of people who are familiar with the singer or writer of the song. Examples of these are listed below:

We are gathering together unto the Lord…..

We are grateful oh lord…..

We bring a sacrifice of praise into the heart of the Lord….

Our father who hath in heaven………

Our lord calling your name, everyday your name is so great..

2.    The Second Person’s Style: This centered on the use of “YOU” in writing the lyrics for your titles. It normally address situations, living-thing, non-living-things, a fellow and God Almighty. This style is best enjoyed when you are writing lyrics on praise and worshiping God. King David uses it a lot in the book of psalms. You can never run out words because our God is AWESOME. Amen.      

       For the purpose of writing crusade and evangelism lyrics, the use of ‘you’ can be adopted by calling on the backsliders, sinners and individuals to the knowledge of Christ. The prophets, Apostles, and Jesus Christ used this style a lot in the bible. Examples of these are listed below:

       You are great; yes you are, almighty God……..

       You are the pillar that holds my life…………

       You are the mighty God…………..

       You are highly lifted high there is no one like you……. Etc.

3.    Third Person’s Style: This is the use of ‘HE’,’SHE’ and ‘IT’ for single third person’s style and ‘THEY’ for plural. Most times I used ‘HE’ for Jesus and God when I am referring people to them in my lyrics. You can also use ‘he’ for devil when reporting him and his agents to God. You will use ‘IT’ for animals and non-living things. For example:

        He (devil) has failed in my life….  

        He (devil) has been defected from begin…..

        He (Jesus) has giving me victory, I’ll lift him higher….

        He (Jesus) has promised, he will never fail me, I’ll follow him....

NOTE: You can still combine two or three styles if you know how to use them.

EXERCISE: In reference to this topic, write lyrics on each style of composition for a title.