If you’re working on a lyric, actively attempt to introduce alliteration anywhere and everywhere as acceptable. OK, maybe not as much as the previous sentence. If you’re not aware of the term alliteration, you’ve no doubt been exposed to its effect.

What is alliteration? Alliteration comes in two forms: vocalic and consonantal. Vocalic alliteration refers to words near each other that begin with a vowel sound. Consonantal alliteration is the result of words next to each other that begin with a consonant sound.

Consonantal Alliteration

Consonantal refers to the type of alliteration that incorporates the similar sound of consonants. Did you catch what I did there? I slipped in a consonantal alliteration in that last sentence by placing the words “similar” and “sound” next to each other.

In addition, the ending “s” sound of the word, “incorporates” that preceded “similar” and “sound” helps to strengthen the consonantal alliterative effect. These sounds are catchy and pleasing to the ear as long as they are strategically placed in your lyric. The words can be placed right next to each other or in close proximity to one another. Here are examples of consonantal alliterations right next to each other.

crystal clear

seemingly simple

totally tricked

And here are examples of close proximity.

calm, cool, and collected

bullied by a beaver

successful at songwriting

As you can see, the separation, or close proximity, is the result of a word outside of the alliteration separating the same sounding words. Although the same sounding words are not right next to each other, they are close enough to not hinder the alliterative effect on the ear.

Vocalic Alliteration

As opposed to beginning with a consonant sound, vocalic alliterative words begin with a vowel sound. Here are examples

Over at Al’s abode

every animal eats

instant action

And a couple of examples of close proximity..

on the edge of eternity

Even Alice got excited

Alliteration in Song Titles

Alliteration is not just used within a lyric. It can be a great way to produce memorable titles as well. Here are a few famous songs that have alliteration used in their titles.

“Jumpin’ Jack Flash” by The Rolling Stones

“Maggie May” by Rod Stewart

“Monday Monday” by The Mamas and the Papas

Alliteration in Songwriting

Now I’d like to analyze a song that I wrote to show you places where I chose to use alliteration. In my song, “Magic Pen”, the lyrics read..

(verse 1)
I wish I had a magic pen that knew just what to write
One to spell it out for you just how I feel inside
All I ever end up with is some worn out cliche’
I wish I had a magic pen that knew just what to say

(chorus)
Then I could place the perfect phrase right in the perfect spot
And let you see a side of me that isn’t seen a lot
There wouldn’t be a wasted word each one would speak the truth
A magic pen could help me send those special words to you

(verse 2)
I wish I had a magic pen ’cause you deserve to know
What’s behind this pride of mine that’s hard for me to show
Fancy conversation’s never been my cup of tea
But then again a magic pen might bring it out of me

Let’s Review

Can you spot where I used alliteration in those lines above? Take a look before reading on.
Below are the places I placed words that take advantage of alliteration

(verse 1)
I wish I had a magic pen that knew just what to write
One to spell (it out) for you just how I feel inside
(All I ever end up) with is some worn out cliche’
I wish I had a magic pen that knew just what to say

(chorus)
Then I could (place the perfect) phrase right in the perfect spot
And let you (see a side) of me that (isn’t seen) a lot
There (wouldn’t be a wasted word each one would) speak the truth
A magic pen could help me send those special words to you

I hope you spotted in verse 1, “All I ever end up”. That is an obvious one occurring. In the chorus the first three lines contain alliterations. I included “isn’t seen”, in line 2.
Although they don’t begin with the same sound, the “s” in “isn’t” rolls nicely when coupled with the word, “seen”.

The amount of alliteration in line 3 of the chorus is quite extensive. One might question by reading the line whether that is a case of overdoing it. That is entirely subjective, but I ran with it because of the way the line sings when combined with the melody and rhythm of the song.

In verse 2, other than the last line with “out of”, I really don’t have any other alliteration. I did place internal rhymes in lines 2 and 4. Those internal rhymes, “What’s behind this pride of mine”, and “But then again a magic pen”, almost produce the same effect as alliteration.

Alliteration in Your Songwriting

I hope you are beginning to understand how using alliteration in songwriting can vastly improve your songs. I would caution you not to be too concerned about coming up with alliteration right away. Allow your lyrics to flow in whatever way the inspiration comes.

If you happen to initially write down some alliterations, great. If not, the editing process will provide the opportunity to scrutinize your lyrics for possible improvements. Sing the line to yourself and feel how your mouth forms the words. Is there a word you can replace with another that improves the message and makes it easier or more comfortable for the singer to sing?

These are all factors that go into analyzing your final lyric. Paying close attention to detail and tweaking your words until they are a perfect fit is the sign of a serious song crafter. No detail is too small to consider.

Alliteration Analogy

Have you ever been amazed at a painting that you’ve looked at? Maybe you’ve seen a beautiful pot of flowers placed on a wooden table. When you get up close and study the picture, you see that the artist took great pains to meticulously create the veins in the leaves and the small cracks in the wooden table top. Perhaps there’s a tiny insect sitting on one of the stems of the flowers. You can see that this painting was created by an artist who took great pride in their work. They paid particular attention to the minutest of details. The proof is displayed for all to see.

Final Thoughts

So it should also be with crafting a song. We need to use all of the tools available that will turn a good song into a great song. Alliteration is one of those powerful tools at our disposal. Used wisely, it can definitely help transform your song into a more polished song. The key is to experiment with different combinations of words. Don’t be afraid to edit your lyric. You can always change it back. But the song is worth exploring all of the possibilities you can think of. By putting forth that effort you will undoubtedly come across a phrase that fits. Stay at it. Never give up. Alliteration in songwriting is always awesome! Write on!

Alliteration in Songwriting: It’s Always an Awesome Experience!