Songwriting Series #2: Really? That song is called Iris?

Remember that song, Iris? You may have noticed the Goo Goo Dolls never say the word “Iris” once throughout the whole song, and it’s possible that only Johnny Rzeznick knows why that became the title.

If you are an indie artist writing a song, and if you want people to remember the song, buy the song, google the song, find the song on your album, etc., then it is helpful to know some tips for the title of your song.

1. Make the title unique.

a. Good example: Blah Blah Blah

b. Bad example: Baby

2. Make it the hook- something that repeats throughout the song. Usually in the chorus or at the end of each verse.

a. Good examples: Hot in Herre, Don’t Know Why, Telephone

b. Bad examples: Iris, Misery Business

3. Put the title at the end of the chorus

a. Good examples: Two is Better Than One, Unwritten

4. Keep it short and easy to remember. One word titles can be effective.

a. Good examples: Fireflies, Love Story

b. Bad examples: Pretty much all of Sufjan Stevens’s songs

Remember, these aren’t hard and fast rules. Depending on the “brand” you’re trying to create as an artist, it might be effective to go in a different direction. For example, Sufjan Stevens can title his songs things like “Decatur, or Round of Applause for your Stepmother!” because it works for his brand. His fans like his quirky song titles.

However, if you are trying to develop your craft as a songwriter, it is helpful to follow the rule instead of the exception. Check out the billboard top 100 for examples.

I’ll leave you with an example of what I think is a great song with a title that does all of the things I suggested as tips for a good title.

Unwritten

by Natasha Bedingfield, Danielle Brisebois, and Wayne Rodriguez

Verse

I am unwritten, can't read my mind, I'm undefined

I'm just beginning, the pen's in my hand, ending unplanned

Pre Chorus

Staring at the blank page before you

Open up the dirty window

Let the sun illuminate the words that you could not find

Reaching for something in the distance

So close you can almost taste it

Release your inhibitions

Feel the rain on your skin

Chorus

No one else can feel it for you

Only you can let it in

No one else, no one else

Can speak the words on your lips

Drench yourself in words unspoken

Live your life with arms wide open

Today is where your book begins

The rest is still unwritten

Verse 2

I break tradition, sometimes my tries, are outside the lines

We've been conditioned to not make mistakes, but I can't live that way

Pre Chorus

Chorus x 2

Pre Chorus

Chorus x 2