Writing Blues Lyrics Handout

1. Choose a topic that reflects the mood of the blues.

2. Follow the formula below for the four lines of each verse of a blues song:

1^st Line: State the problem.

2^nd Line: Repeat 1^st line.

3^rd Line: State half of the solution (or consequence).

4^th Line: State the second half of the solution (or consequence).

Example:

The Homework Blues

Iπve got the homework blues åcause my teacher always gives us a ton.

Iπve got the homework blues åcause my teacher always gives us a ton.

And if I donπt do my homework,

My parents wonπt let me have fun.

Notice that the 1^st line has 16 syllables. The 3^rd and 4^th line should add up to 16 as well. As a rule of thumb, however many syllables there are in the 1^st line should be the same (or very nearly the same) as the 3^rd and 4^th line combined. Also, note that the last word of the 1^st line rhymes with the last word of the 4^th line.

While not all blues songs follow this exact formula, it is a way to get started. Listen to as many blues songs as you can and see if they follow the same formula. If they donπt, what do they do differently?