Personalised lyrics feel real when every important line can be traced back to something true.
Specificity creates recognition
Names matter, but the blue umbrella, Sunday coffee or a long walk after closing time creates the moment of recognition.
Truth before rhyme
A neat rhyme is never worth inventing a place, date or promise. Strong songwriting protects the facts and reshapes their rhythm without changing their meaning.
A chorus needs one clear idea
The chorus should hold the emotional conclusion of the story in language that is easy to remember and sing.