Tools to Emphasize a Title

Step 1: Consider the title line

Which syllables are naturally stronger than others?

What natural rhythms does it suggest?

Are there any melodies that occur to you as you say it?

You want to set this line musically in a way that is natural and intuitive, easy to remember, where important lyrics are emphasized with support from the harmony and melody

Tools

Long Notes

Notes that sustain for a long time exaggerate a lyric and tell your audience "this is important."

Space

Absence of other lyrics around the title eliminates distractions from it. During this space, your audience can think about the words they just heard, and this will help them remember your important lyrics.

Downbeat Ending

The downbeat is the first beat of a measure. Ending the last strong syllable on (or near) the downbeat is a great way to emphasize your title.

Examples

Long Notes:

Roxanne - The Police

Space:

If This Is It - H. Lewis

Caroline in My Mind - J. Taylor

Downbeat Ending

Tracks of My Tears - S. Robinson

Power to the People - J. Lennon

Mental Connections: