PWUFG+Portfolio

Patrice Washington UFG Portfolio February 20, 2011 Reflection on the UFG Project R&B Ballad


 * 1. What did you overlook about this genre before you began writing it?**

The main thing I believe I overlooked when I was writing an R & B ballad is the vulnerability that it requires to write lyrics that would connect with a deep emotion while telling a story that was both personal and universal. I found it difficult to be completely honest in my writing, because I knew it meant I would be exposing at least some of my own feelings or knowledge of feelings. I tried to write a song from the first person point of view and to do that I had to be emotionally connected to the lyrics. The first song I wrote (which was lost in a computer hard drive crash incident) was the most vulnerable, and I believe it had the potential of being my best piece. I wrote about the experience of the first time you tell the person that you are in love with “I love you”. I chose to write this because I felt that everyone who has ever been in a loving relationship has experienced the conflicting emotions that come up when opening up to another person and telling them that you love them. The song was a good start and I wish I could recover it. The second thing I experienced was the difficulty of rhyming. The songs I exposed myself to through the process of becoming familiar with R & B lyrics had a variety of rhyming patterns. The thing I noticed is that the songs often had sophisticated rhymes. I found it hard not to have simple rhymes that occurred at the end of a line. It made me feel that my writing was elementary in nature. I believe writing an R & B ballad employs two primary modes of writing; description and narration. R & B lyrics are very story driven so the lyrics are created to tell a story that will create a picture in the listener’s mind of an actual event or experience.
 * 2. What mode of writing is most demanded by this genre?**

Repetition is a convention that is used in the process of writing R & B lyrics. Rhyme is also a convention that is standard practice in lyric writing.
 * 3. What conventions other than Standard Written English distinguish the genre?**

I believe that a lyric writer would be less concerned about the quantity or patterns of rhyme when the story is best told without it. For example in the lyrics of Alicia Keys song //Diary the// first verse has no rhyme at all whereas, the beginning of Boyz II Men’s //Bended Knee// displays rhyme pattern. Lay your head on my pillow
 * 4. Would a writer have a good reason to abuse any of these conventions of the genre? Which ones and why?**
 * Diary**

Here you can be yourself

No one has to know what you are feeling

No one but me and you Darlin' I can't explain
 * Bended Knee**

Where did we lose our way

Girl it's drivin' me insane

And I know I just need one more chance

To prove my love to you

If you come back to me

I'll guarantee

That I'll never let you go The beauty of the R & B genre is not it’s adherence to specific rigid patterns of lyrics or conventions. The beauty lies in the diversity of the choices lyricist make to have a song convey a certain story or emotion.
 * 5. Other discoveries about this genre?**

Patrice Washingotn
 * UFG R& B Ballad Final Drafts.**

The following are two final drafts of the three complete songs I wrote. I have listed song #2 first because it is the one I like the most of the threes songs I wrote.

That night on the stairs you looked straight through me promised to love me for life if I would only receive I was hurt I was scared I needed you to believe that I was strong on my own So I walked out the door you screamed I’d end up alone And it’s true, I need you
 * 2 Don’t Leave Me Alone**

I was lying, when I said I don’t need you I was lying, when I said I can do it on my own I was lying, when I said I can make it without you I was lying, when I told you To leave me alone
 * CHORUS**

Tears burning my eyes I sat alone in my room I am so terrified I think I let go of you I pick up my phone put my heart on my sleeve listen to me babe! I don’t want you to leave. I think that I was a fool. Cause it’s true, I need you


 * CHORUS**

Please don’t listen to me Don’t take me seriously I need you to see straight to the heart of me Please don’t listen to me Don’t take me seriously I need you to see straight to the heart of me Cause it’s true I need you
 * BRIDGE**

Woke up early and made you breakfast to go Everything the same as always How was I supposed to know? That today would be special day I never could imagine I could love you this way
 * Song #1 Ready**

Baby I was ready the day we said I do I knew you were the one I could build my whole life with you You gave me the gift of life And I just want to say thank you
 * CHORUS**

There was something in your eyes When you came back to our home You hand changed to my surprise You brought a gift from above Tonight would be our chance to sing The creative song of love
 * VERSE 2**


 * CHORUS**

You are my love you are my joy And now I can give life to our precious boy You made me know love is made to last I look to you in spite of my past We made love, we made joy, we made peace we made life
 * BRIDGE**
 * CHORUS**

Patrice Washington
 * PREVIOUS DRAFTS**


 * 1**
 * Woke up early and made you breakfast to go**
 * Everything was the same as always**
 * How was I supposed to know?**
 * That today would be special day**
 * I never could imagine**
 * I could love you this way**


 * Baby I was ready the day we said I do**
 * I knew you were the one**
 * I could build my whole life with you**
 * You gave me the gift of life**
 * And I just want to say thank you**


 * When you came home**
 * There was something in your eyes**
 * Tonight would be ecstasy**
 * Intimacy joining our lives**


 * Baby I was ready the day we said I do**
 * I knew you were the one**
 * I could build my whole life with you**
 * You gave me the gift of life**
 * And I just want to say thank you**


 * You are my love you are my joy**
 * And now I can give life to our precious joy**
 * You made me know that love is made to last**
 * I look to you in spite of my past**


 * We made love,**
 * we made joy,**
 * we made peace**
 * we made life**


 * 2**
 * I was lying, when I said**
 * I don’t need you**
 * I was lying, when I said**
 * I can do it on my own**
 * I was lying, when I said**
 * I can make it without you**
 * I was lying, when I told you**
 * To leave me alone**


 * Please don’t listen to me**
 * Don’t take me seriously**
 * I need you to see straight to the heart of me**
 * Please don’t listen to me**
 * Don’t take me seriously**
 * I need you to see straight to the heart of me**

** UFG Project User Guide ** **R&B Ballad** R & B has developed over the years with influences from blues, gospel, jazz and more recently hip-hop music. The lyrics and the music work together to create powerful songs that capture a myriad of emotions

** The Structure and Conventions of R&B lyrics ** When writing R & B love songs you must respect the general structure of this genre. The songs have alternating verse repeating chorus structure. Most of the songs also have a bridge which is the climax of the song and happens before the song resolves and concludes. Here is an example from Chaka Khan's // Sweet Thang //.

VERSE 1 I will love you any way even if you cannot stay I think you are the one for me here is where you aught to be  I just want to satisfy you but your not mine and i can't deny it don't you hear me talkin baby love me now or I'll go crazy CHORUS Oooooh oh sweet thang don't you know your my everything? Ooooh oh sweet thang don't you know your my everything (yes you are) VERSE 2 I wish you were my lover but you act so undervcover

To love you child my whole life long be it right or be it wrong I'm only what you make me baby don't walk away don't be so shady don't want your m ind your money these words I say they may sound funny but CHORUS BRIDGE You are me heat you are my fire make weak with strong desire to love you child my whole life long be it right or be it wrong I just want to satisfy you but your not mine and I can't deny it don't you hear me talkin baby love me now or l'll go craaaaaazzzzaaaaaayy

The rhyming patterns can vary from one song to the next but rhyme is a convention of all R&B songs.

Additionally, the use of words to symbolize emotions or experiences (i.e. heat for a strong sexual desire) or (rain for going through hard times).


 * Things to remember before you begin **

When writing the lyrics to this type of song it is important to remember a few key things. The first thing is that R & B songs are about real life experience. The most important thing is to write what you know about. Write about your own pain, loss, frustration, love, hope and desires. This is the best way to capture real deep emotions that are expressed in the song lyrics.

The second thing that is important is to remember that the lyrics are to be heard. There should be a musical quality to the lyrics which can be accomplished using repetition, rhythm, and rhyme. Whenever it is possible you can write with music. R & B music is a compliment to the lyrics but, if you don't have a melody don't fret. It is not impossible to write without music. If music is not available write and be willing to restructure your lyrics to accommodate the best melody.

Another important thing to keep in mind is that some of the best R & B songs tell as story about a real event. They have a beginning, middle, and end like most stories. There is a climax to the story, and some sort of resolution. This happens along with the music which helps convey the emotion of the song. You have to decide what the mood or emotion is that you want to convey. You also have to decide from whose perspective you will be writing, and where you want to begin telling that story.

** The Process **

The process of writing lyrics begins with inspiration. You can get inspiration from a variety of sources. The key is keeping a creative log or journal where you write your ideas down and come back to them often. Think about what story you want to tell. Is your story about loss love? Missing a lover? Looking for love? A first kiss? Forbidden love? Once you decide, you can begin the process of writing. I jotted down ideas for song subject matter before I ever wrote a lyric. After you have brainstormed and chosen a story to tell, you want to think about from whose point of view it will be told, and at which point in the event or experience the song will begin. The details of the story are housed in the verses of the song. You will want to write the verses to tell what is going on or what happened. The chorus usually is the place where the meaning of the song is. It reinforces the story that is being told in the verses and acts as a transition between changes in the story line. To move through the phases of the song through to the climax, then you employ the use of a repeating chorus.

Annotated Bibliography

"A-Z Lyrics Universe." //A-Z Lyrics Universe//. Web. 20 Feb. 2012. <[]>. This site is a collection of song lyrics where I found lyrics to multiple songs for research.

Aschmann, Lisa. //1000 Songwriting Ideas//. New York: Music Pro Guides, 2008. Print.

This book goes through techniques and tips concerning writing lyrics to songs in general. The author goes over certain literary devices and demonstrates how they are used in the lyric writing process.

"Hot 100." //Billboard//. Web. 20 Feb. 2012. <[]>.

 I used this site to search for R & B songs to review to become familiar with the genre. The following songs came from different time periods and were listed as top 100 songs:

Aaliyah. //Miss You,// BlackGround/Universal Music Group, 2002

Belle, Regina. //Make it like it was//. Columbia, 1989

Boys II Men. //On Bended Knee.// Motown, 1994

The Miricales. Y//ou’ve Really Got a Hold on Me//, Motown, 1962

The Penguins. //Earth Angel (Will You Be Mine),// Dootone, 1954

Ross, Diana & the Supremes. //Someday We'll Be Together,// Motown, 1970

"How to Write an R&B Love Ballad | EHow.com." //EHow.com//. Web. 07 Feb. 2012. <[]>. This entry is a step by step process that instructs readers how to write an R&B love song. The site lists six practical steps one can use in order to get into the frame of mind necessary for writing a love ballad.

//<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">How to Write an R&B Ballad //<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">. Perf. Ssalvia. //Gearslutz.com//. Ssalvia, 10 July 2010. Web. 07 Feb. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">2012. <[]>.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">This video is an online users tutorial concerning how to write the music for an R & B love song. The user goes through basic musical structure of "typical" love songs. The user puts together an actual song on the sight.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Oland, Pamela Phillips. //The Art of Writing Great Lyrics//. New York: Allworth, 2001. Print.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">This book is written by a notable song writer, and offers insight into how to write lyrics to great songs. The advice is practical and the author goes through demonstrations of the techniques of that she discusses in the book.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Weissman, Dick. //Blues: The Basics//. New York: Routledge, 2005. Print.

//<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Blues: The Basics //<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;"> gives a brief introduction to a century of the blues; it is ideal for students and interested listeners who want to learn more about this treasured American artform. The book is organized chronologically, focusing on the major eras in blues's growth and development. It opens with a chapter defining the blues form and detailing the major genres within it. Next, the author gives the beginning blues fan points on how to listen to and truly enjoy the music. The heart of the book traces blues's growth from its folk origins through early recordings of city blues singers like Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith and country blues stars like Robert Johnson and Blind Lemon Jefferson. Finally, the author gives an overview of the blues scene today. The book concludes with lists of key recordings, books, and videos. I chose this resource because it outlines some of the basic structure of R&B love songs.

<span style="display: block; height: 1px; left: -40px; line-height: 150%; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; text-align: center; top: -25px; width: 1px;">** UFG Project User Guide ** <span style="display: block; height: 1px; left: -40px; line-height: 150%; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; top: -25px; width: 1px;">R&B Ballad <span style="display: block; height: 1px; left: -40px; line-height: 150%; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; top: -25px; width: 1px;">R & B has developed over the years with influences from blues, gospel, jazz and more recently hip-hop music. The lyrics and the music work together to create powerful songs that capture a myriad of emotions <span style="display: block; height: 1px; left: -40px; line-height: 150%; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; top: -25px; width: 1px;">** The Structure and Conventions of R&B lyrics ** <span style="display: block; height: 1px; left: -40px; line-height: 150%; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; top: -25px; width: 1px;">When writing R & B love songs you must respect the general structure of this genre. The songs have alternating verse repeating chorus structure. Most of the songs also have a bridge which is the climax of the song and happens before the song resolves and concludes. Here is an example from Chaka Khan's // Sweet Thang //.

<span style="display: block; font-size: 9pt; height: 1px; left: -40px; line-height: 150%; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; top: -25px; width: 1px;">VERSE 1 <span style="display: block; font-size: 9pt; height: 1px; left: -40px; line-height: 150%; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; top: -25px; width: 1px;">I will love you any way <span style="display: block; font-size: 9pt; height: 1px; left: -40px; line-height: 150%; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; top: -25px; width: 1px;">even if you cannot stay <span style="display: block; font-size: 9pt; height: 1px; left: -40px; line-height: 150%; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; top: -25px; width: 1px;">I think you are the one for me <span style="display: block; font-size: 9pt; height: 1px; left: -40px; line-height: 150%; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; top: -25px; width: 1px;">here is where you aught to be <span style="display: block; font-size: 9pt; height: 1px; left: -40px; line-height: 150%; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; top: -25px; width: 1px;">I just want to satisfy you <span style="display: block; font-size: 9pt; height: 1px; left: -40px; line-height: 150%; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; top: -25px; width: 1px;">but your not mine and i can't deny it <span style="display: block; font-size: 9pt; height: 1px; left: -40px; line-height: 150%; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; top: -25px; width: 1px;">don't you hear me talkin baby <span style="display: block; font-size: 9pt; height: 1px; left: -40px; line-height: 150%; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; top: -25px; width: 1px;">love me now or I'll go crazy <span style="display: block; font-size: 9pt; height: 1px; left: -40px; line-height: 150%; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; top: -25px; width: 1px;">CHORUS <span style="display: block; font-size: 9pt; height: 1px; left: -40px; line-height: 150%; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; top: -25px; width: 1px;">Oooooh oh sweet thang don't you know your my everything? <span style="display: block; font-size: 9pt; height: 1px; left: -40px; line-height: 150%; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; top: -25px; width: 1px;">Ooooh oh sweet thang don't you know your my everything <span style="display: block; font-size: 9pt; height: 1px; left: -40px; line-height: 150%; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; top: -25px; width: 1px;">(yes you are) <span style="display: block; font-size: 9pt; height: 1px; left: -40px; line-height: 150%; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; top: -25px; width: 1px;">VERSE 2 <span style="display: block; font-size: 9pt; height: 1px; left: -40px; line-height: 150%; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; top: -25px; width: 1px;">I wish you were my lover <span style="display: block; font-size: 9pt; height: 1px; left: -40px; line-height: 150%; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; top: -25px; width: 1px;">but you act so undervcover

<span style="display: block; font-size: 9pt; height: 1px; left: -40px; line-height: 150%; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; top: -25px; width: 1px;">To love you child my whole life long <span style="display: block; font-size: 9pt; height: 1px; left: -40px; line-height: 150%; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; top: -25px; width: 1px;">be it right or be it wrong <span style="display: block; font-size: 9pt; height: 1px; left: -40px; line-height: 150%; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; top: -25px; width: 1px;">I'm only what you make me baby <span style="display: block; font-size: 9pt; height: 1px; left: -40px; line-height: 150%; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; top: -25px; width: 1px;">don't walk away don't be so shady <span style="display: block; font-size: 9pt; height: 1px; left: -40px; line-height: 150%; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; top: -25px; width: 1px;">don't want your m ind your money <span style="display: block; font-size: 9pt; height: 1px; left: -40px; line-height: 150%; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; top: -25px; width: 1px;">these words I say they may sound funny but <span style="display: block; font-size: 9pt; height: 1px; left: -40px; line-height: 150%; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; top: -25px; width: 1px;">CHORUS <span style="display: block; font-size: 9pt; height: 1px; left: -40px; line-height: 150%; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; top: -25px; width: 1px;">BRIDGE <span style="display: block; font-size: 9pt; height: 1px; left: -40px; line-height: 150%; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; top: -25px; width: 1px;">You are me heat <span style="display: block; font-size: 9pt; height: 1px; left: -40px; line-height: 150%; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; top: -25px; width: 1px;">you are my fire <span style="display: block; font-size: 9pt; height: 1px; left: -40px; line-height: 150%; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; top: -25px; width: 1px;">make weak with strong desire <span style="display: block; font-size: 9pt; height: 1px; left: -40px; line-height: 150%; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; top: -25px; width: 1px;">to love you child my whole life long <span style="display: block; font-size: 9pt; height: 1px; left: -40px; line-height: 150%; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; top: -25px; width: 1px;">be it right or be it wrong <span style="display: block; font-size: 9pt; height: 1px; left: -40px; line-height: 150%; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; top: -25px; width: 1px;">I just want to satisfy you <span style="display: block; font-size: 9pt; height: 1px; left: -40px; line-height: 150%; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; top: -25px; width: 1px;">but your not mine and I can't deny it <span style="display: block; font-size: 9pt; height: 1px; left: -40px; line-height: 150%; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; top: -25px; width: 1px;">don't you hear me talkin baby <span style="display: block; font-size: 9pt; height: 1px; left: -40px; line-height: 150%; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; top: -25px; width: 1px;">love me now or l'll go craaaaaazzzzaaaaaayy

<span style="display: block; height: 1px; left: -40px; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; top: -25px; width: 1px;">The rhyming patterns can vary from one song to the next but rhyme is a convention of all R&B songs. <span style="display: block; height: 1px; left: -40px; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; top: -25px; width: 1px;">Additionally, the use of words to symbolize emotions or experiences (i.e. heat for a strong sexual desire) or (rain for going through hard times). <span style="display: block; height: 1px; left: -40px; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; top: -25px; width: 1px;">** Things to remember before you begin ** <span style="display: block; height: 1px; left: -40px; line-height: 150%; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; top: -25px; width: 1px;">When writing the lyrics to this type of song it is important to remember a few key things. The first thing is that R & B songs are about real life experience. The most important thing is to write what you know about. Write about your own pain, loss, frustration, love, hope and desires. This is the best way to capture real deep emotions that are expressed in the song lyrics.

<span style="display: block; height: 1px; left: -40px; line-height: 150%; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; top: -25px; width: 1px;">The second thing that is important is to remember that the lyrics are to be heard. There should be a musical quality to the lyrics which can be accomplished using repetition, rhythm, and rhyme. Whenever it is possible you can write with music. R & B music is a compliment to the lyrics but, if you don't have a melody don't fret. It is not impossible to write without music. If music is not available write and be willing to restructure your lyrics to accommodate the best melody.

<span style="display: block; height: 1px; left: -40px; line-height: 150%; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; top: -25px; width: 1px;">Another important thing to keep in mind is that some of the best R & B songs tell as story about a real event. They have a beginning, middle, and end like most stories. There is a climax to the story, and some sort of resolution. This happens along with the music which helps convey the emotion of the song. You have to decide what the mood or emotion is that you want to convey. You also have to decide from whose perspective you will be writing, and where you want to begin telling that story. <span style="display: block; height: 1px; left: -40px; line-height: 150%; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; top: -25px; width: 1px;">** The Process ** <span style="display: block; height: 1px; left: -40px; line-height: 150%; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; top: -25px; width: 1px;">The process of writing lyrics begins with inspiration. You can get inspiration from a variety of sources. The key is keeping a creative log or journal where you write your ideas down and come back to them often. Think about what story you want to tell. Is your story about loss love? Missing a lover? Looking for love? A first kiss? Forbidden love? Once you decide, you can begin the process of writing. I jotted down ideas for song subject matter before I ever wrote a lyric. <span style="display: block; height: 1px; left: -40px; line-height: 150%; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; top: -25px; width: 1px;">After you have brainstormed and chosen a story to tell, you want to think about from whose point of view it will be told, and at which point in the event or experience the song will begin. The details of the story are housed in the verses of the song. You will want to write the verses to tell what is going on or what happened. The chorus usually is the place where the meaning of the song is. It reinforces the story that is being told in the verses and acts as a transition between changes in the story line. To move through the phases of the song through to the climax, then you employ the use of a repeating chorus.