Page 90 - Song Maps - A New System to Write Your Best Lyrics - Simon Hawkins

How to use Literal/Figurative
Note that this Map can be used in two ways: literal/figurative and figurative/literal. The decision is yours. However, for this book, I'm assuming the former.
In working with Literal/Figurative you might like to consider the following:
1. As with other Maps, decide on your title and idea for the Chorus first. If your V1 is going to be literal, then the Chorus is the time to focus on exactly what about the literal V1 is the focus of the song.
2. How does the situation look literally? Paint a picture, the more "furniture," or descriptions of concrete objects, the better. Explore all your senses. Show the listener what this literal place looks like. How does this place lead to your Chorus? This is your V1.
3. How does the situation look figuratively? What effective metaphor or simile helps enhance the picture painted in V1? How effective is the metaphor or simile? How does this lead to your Chorus? This is your V2.
4. What is the payoff or conclusion? How does this relate to the listener? What do the literal and figurative situations in V1 and V2 mean? Is there a life lesson to be learned? How does this lead back to the Chorus? This is your Bridge.
Example of a Literal/Figurative writable idea
Writable idea: "You're An Angel"
Verse 1 - Literal
Picture of you in the summer sun