It’s amazing how much emotional power can be packed into song lyrics. I admire
anyone who is a good songwriter, creating a story out of a few short lines. I
like to incorporate music into my stories to show a character’s feelings or to
set a mood. Though I’m careful not to venture into copyright infringement by
using actual song lyrics, I do reference them.
For instance, I was recently working on a young adult story (Winter
Longing, Razorbill, Summer 2010) in which my heroine has
experienced a significant loss. As teens often do when they’re hurting, she
listens to certain music over and over. For my heroine, Winter, it’s the songs
of Breaking Benjamin, a band that I like and whose lyrics really speak to what
she’s experiencing.
Winter is enduring a loss, so when she hears Breaking Benjamin’s “Breathe,” the
lyric “You left a hole where my heart should be” really packs an emotional
punch. Later, it’s the band’s song “So Cold” that takes on new meaning when
heard in the new context of her life. Though I don’t quote the lyrics, it’s the
lyrics “You're so cold, but you feel alive; Lay your hands on me one last
time,” that serve as an important turning point for her.
Because making pop culture references tends to be more common in YA novels than
adult romances, I use them when they seem appropriate to the story. I try to
either reference bands and/or singers who I think have staying power and aren’t
one-hit wonders, or I use older artists as deliberate out-of-fashion favorites
of the characters even though they might not be popular in the real world
anymore. It’s also my way of giving shout-outs to some of my personal favorites.
While doing these revisions, I discovered a band called Anberlin. Their
song “Last First Kiss” fit into a new scene I was writing. And in an
odd twist, while searching for photos of a Piper Super Cub, a plane that is
often used in Alaska, where this story is set, I happened upon a YouTube video
that used a beautiful hymn by Chris Rice called “Come to Jesus.” Once
again, the lyrics spoke to a specific aspect of the story, so I mentioned the
song.
We all know that music can heighten emotions we already feel. So it only seems
natural that they would do the same for the characters we create. They help
squeeze even more emotion out of the heroes and heroines we write. And
listening to the songs these characters are listening to can help bring new
depths to a scene when we’re writing it. And hopefully that will translate to a
highly emotional read for the reader.
Trish Milburn’s first
young adult novel, Heartbreak River (Razorbill), written as Tricia Mills, is out
this month. Her second romance from Harlequin American, Her Very Own Family,
will be a May release. Visit her at website.
6 comments posted.
Music has always defined me; whether it's listening, playing, or singing, music is my release.
(Kelli Jo Calvert 1:06pm April 27, 2009)
I agree that the lyrics of some songs can really touch us. When we hear a lovely song on the car radio I Google the lyrics when we get home.
(Karin Tillotson 1:08pm April 27, 2009)
Music has always been an important part of my life. These days, I find certain music helps me concentrate while writing. I use it to block out distractions around me.
(LuAnn Morgan 1:46pm April 27, 2009)
Music definitely has the power to set moods and enhance surroundings. I've found music I like keeps my energy level and concentration up. I can see how a line or two of music creates immediate bonding with the reader and anchors the time in the past as in retro and might just be a classic which comes around again in popularity.
(Alyson Widen 3:47pm April 27, 2009)
You know, it doesn't have to "popular" music that grabs your heartstrings. Classical music and opera both do it, too! Just because it's not "popular" doesn't mean it's not good!!
(Lynn Rettig 6:02pm April 27, 2009)