In this episode, hosts J Ryan and Keira dive into the world of music to discuss how the structure and conventions of the modern pop song provides fertile ground for excellent writing, and they share their favorite examples of stellar lyrics from songs over the past 70 years.

Episode highlights:

02:41                    Structure, constraints, and good writing

05:36                   Character is King: Music Edition

12:55                    A masterclass of concise writing

17:30                    Wait, the song is about that?

21:29                    A band transforms

24:40                   Correcting the record on a tortured artist

28:05                   A self-deprecating character study

32:50                   The song is the same, you’re the one who changed