Writing happy..

> > > Writing happy..

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I sleep too much.
Member Since: Jul 08, 2004

Well, i'm having a few problems. Lately, i realized all my songs come off as angry, or atleast ominous. Like either something bad happened, or is going to happen. So, i'm trying to expand my collection and write happy songs. So here's the question..

How the hell do i write a happy song? Or atleast keep the songs from sounding upset/angry/destroyed..
I don't know much music theory.. I'm sure tempo has to do with it but its something i just cant get the hang of.

Any tips or advice would rock my world.
thanks yall
-slightly stoopid

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Ok, who moved it..??
Member
Since: Apr 23, 2004

Jul 09, 2004 12:27 am

In the immortal words of the starfish from "Finding Nemo'....

Find a happy place...Find a happy place..!!!!

on a more realistic note....it is always best to write from ones own experience. What kind of music makes you feel happy..?? is there are particular style that gives you a lift.?? Or is all the music you listen to "angry or ominous", if so that could be your problem...

also your mood can have a lot to do with how your music sound..if you usually write when you are in an "ominous" mood that is what you will get in your music and if that is the case, maybe you need to make a conscious effort to write when you are in a good mood. Or if you are in that kind of mood, try focusing on something that would change your mood and write about that.

As human beings we are creatures of the "habits" or patterns we create for ourselves or have been created for us by our enviroment and more often than not we have to work to break those habits if we want to achieve different results.

anyway, that's what came to my mind when I read your post, hope it helps you out....
good luck..

Ok, who moved it..??
Member
Since: Apr 23, 2004

Jul 09, 2004 12:31 am

oops... I forgot part of that last paragraph...

what I was trying to say was ....
if you have gotten into the "habit" of writing music when you are in a bad mood, you need to work to break that habit....

Member
Since: Jan 18, 2003

Jul 09, 2004 02:01 am

i have the opposite problem.

i am trying to write angry songs but i have this pixies streak in me. i am drawn to certain happy chords and i just can't help but try them, and then i get attached to what i've written. anyway, maybe this will help...

if you want to happy-up your songs, try using the happy chords more often. but as for tempo, some of the best happy songs are kind of fast and make you feel like jumping for joy. just think of 'melt with you' by modern english or 'just like heaven' by the cure. those are medium tempo songs, leaning towards fast. 'gigantic' by the pixies or 'debaser' also carry a happy vibe and they're pretty fast. i usually shoot for 100-110 BPM if i'm trying to write a song that makes you want to jump around.

for chords, try going from the I chord to the iii minor. one way to do that on guitar would be using a power chord any place on the sixth string (the I chord) and then a power chord one fret lower on the fifth string (the iii minor. make it minor if it suits you, or else just stick with the power chord.)

also use the IV and V chords more. i'm sure you know those on guitar. from your chosen power chord on the sixth string, the IV is a chord on the same fret but on the 5th string. the V is the chord two frets above that.

these chords are some of the happiest, most solid chords you can use. the chorus of 'serve the servants' just rocks back and forth between I and iii minor. that change lends itself to major-key melodies well--you'll probably be forced to sing in a major key using that one--and you can use it in different contexts, coming to it from different chords, so it won't sound like you're ripping anyone off. the same goes for the IV and V: these two and the I are the only three major chords in a major key. they're the foundation for thousands of feel-good songs, from johnny b. goode to row your boat.

i'd recommend learning the full set of seven diatonic chords for major keys. you almost have to break outside of them and avoid the chords i mentioned if you want to write darker things. i'd also choose some happy songs you really like and get transcriptions of them and see what chords are being used, and then i'd analyze where they occur in a major key--that would help you see the value of the system. then i'd have some beers and play the pixies loudly.

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002

Jul 09, 2004 04:58 am

I dunno, different thing in different times get different epoeple motivated and inspired. I have only written what has come out naturally, I can't force an emotion, when I try, the song sucks.

Hello!
Member
Since: Jan 12, 2004

Jul 09, 2004 06:10 am

I have the same kinda feeling as DB on this one. When I try to write something AGAINST my own mood it comes out all fake.

I reckon when you are angry/unhappy/down you will write songs like that and thats good. It means they will be true and a reflection of your mood and thoughts.

When you are happy, you will do the same. I doubt you will be unhappy all the time so I think what to do here is try to take the time when your happy/up/anything other than unhappy and write it down!! Take some time to record it on a scrap of paper/dictaphone whatever and just "get the moment"!

Then, you will have the basis for your songs. I tend to write some lyrics, then revisit them a while later. Fix anything that is crap, often thinking "what the hell was I on!!". Then, I add the music. And it is always better for me musically as I think more. Stand back more and the music turns out a hell of a lot better than it did when I wrote the lyrics!

In fact, I am recording all my stuff just now which I have written over the last 10 years. When I wrote it, the tunes I had in mind would have been guitar orientated and pretty rocky with no variation. Now, 10 years on, I am using pianos/different guitars and sounds and basically thinking a bit more.

Standing back and returning to your song is often the way to go - however - I dont suggest everyone puts em on hold for 10 years!! Just happened to work out that way for me! hehehe

Anyway, good luck - everyone finds their own little ways eventually and its a sweet feelin when ya get there.

Coco.

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002

Jul 09, 2004 09:45 am

EidelVise,

I'll chime in with you on this one! Even memories are emotionaly que-dependant. Mood is the great psych dominator. When your down, just attempt to find a happy memory. It is very difficult. When I'm angry and try to write "happy" (I can't believe I'm using these terms, I feel like a pre-adolescent fish) all I get is a nasty form of sarcasm.

" I simply remember my favorite things, and then I don't feel so bad"

Sorry fell into place so well with EidelVise. Think I'll go sing in a tree.

Frisco's Most Underrated
Member
Since: Jan 28, 2003

Jul 09, 2004 03:32 pm

I write this being in a wonderful mood having just listened to Prince's "Let's Go Crazy" about 5 times in a row. Try listening to that song, and if you don't feel happy and upbeat, well, then you are not like me.

Anyways, I find that if you start writing a song, try singing it acapella but with a soul clap. For those who don't know, a soul clap is basically just clapping your hands on the second and fourth beat of 4/4 time. For instance try singing "Amazing Grace" acapella. It's pretty sad. But add the soul clap and instantaneously it becomes a happier song (you'll also find that you'll probably speed up the temp unconciously). "Lean On Me" by Bill Withers also lends itself well to being happier when accompanied by the soul clap. I personally, can't write anything in a negative context if I'm giving myself a soul clap to sing over. Cross my heart.

The fat one always watches us.
Member
Since: Nov 08, 2002

Aug 02, 2004 02:01 pm

I gave up "Trying" to write anything. I write depressing stuff, no way around it, and i gave up trying to write happy stuff. It just sounds dumb when i try it. Stay with what youre good at!!

Steven King doesnt write gushy romance novels with fabio on the cover-

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002

Aug 02, 2004 02:03 pm

in my way of thinking the first mistake is to try to do anything...just let 'er happen.

Member
Since: Jan 18, 2003

Aug 02, 2004 08:01 pm

just make sure youre not trying not to try.

i've had some ok results with trying. i try to try at those times when i'm not in the mood to just let 'er happen.








Member
Since: Apr 08, 2004

Aug 03, 2004 08:37 am

Great tips already!!!

In general, i personally find sad songs are a piece of cake to write. For the first year or so i couldnt write happy songs at all, they all came out sounding fake. For some reason, sad songs never sound fake....

They all make good points here.... dont try to force yourself to write a certain type of song. It will be so evident that you are faking it. Instead, do what Coolo suggested....listen to a really happy song you really love, you'll then be in the mood!!! For me, "Semicharmed Life" by Third Eye Blind is exactly the type of song for me... for everyone itll be something different.

"I don't know much music theory.."

I personally think theory counts for just as much as grammys :) Zilch. I have no theory other that what i've picked up along the way people, friends etc. Coz dont forget, anyone can come up witha theory overnight. All it takes is a bathtub.

"I'm sure tempo has to do with it but its something i just cant get the hang of."

Yes and no... although most "happy" songs are upbeat and fast, its a common misconception that thats a necessity. You can even get a mid tempo song, add a few "ba ba bas" or something and bingo, catchy happy tune. Take "Have A Nice Day" by The Sterephonics for example... not too fast really, but still a happy summer tune (for me anyway). That one also shows another side to the whole saga: an apparant happy tune which is actually far sadder if you look closely at the lyrics. Thats my favourite kind, when songwriters play with our emotions.

If you really cant make a start, follow the "happy chord" advice in this thread, avoid the old Em Am thing (route one to sadness avenue), and if you're a guitarist, try writing it on acoustic guitar, muting the chords a lot rather than letting them ring.

Best of luck :)

(Ah...P.S. there's nowt wrong with angry songs, either LOL)

...bringing sexy back
Member
Since: Jul 01, 2002

Aug 03, 2004 12:25 pm

ive been thinking recently about what makes a good summer tune - any ideas? something cool to sit and chill to in the sun, one of those feel good things...

not industrial goth rock then, obviously...

Frisco's Most Underrated
Member
Since: Jan 28, 2003

Aug 03, 2004 02:01 pm

flame, by my thinking, reggae rhythm almost always makes for a great chill in the sun summer song.

Member
Since: Jan 18, 2003

Aug 03, 2004 02:07 pm

any conclusions flame? the first thing that comes to mind for me is the rhythm. should be energetic but not too energetic. bouncy, too.

Pinnipedal Czar (: 3=
Member
Since: Apr 11, 2004

Aug 04, 2004 02:54 am

Happiness is overated... rock on !

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002

Aug 04, 2004 11:27 pm

I'm with Hue. Happiness is a very personal internal state of mind for me. It rarely has much to do with what is transpiring around me. To relate that in a song to others is often futile. Often preceived as sarcastic. The more macro ones perception the "happier" the view point. Getting absorbed in the details makes things murky. Woods and trees and stuff like that.

Member
Since: Jan 18, 2003

Aug 05, 2004 02:33 am

happines is a warm gun

Answer:On a good day, lipstick.
Member
Since: Jun 24, 2004

Aug 05, 2004 12:25 pm

A friend told me that all my songs are "dysfunctional." It made me think, and relisten. They were, really. That put me in a "F*** You" mood, so I instantly wrote a "happy" pop song. Simple inspiration.

Another thing I've tried (other than the "Major Chords" advice above - true, true), is to stick a capo on somewhere on my guitar neck and noodle. The change in key often sparks something. I'm used to hearing the standard tuning and voicings, so the change in key throws off the usual path to dysfunction.

Member
Since: Jan 18, 2003

Aug 05, 2004 07:28 pm

yes thats a good idea. you can also just use alternate tunings. like tune the guitar to an open major chord or sus4 chord.

> > > Writing happy..

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