Let the Church Rise (In Melodic Progression)

When writing songs, make sure that the melody matches the story. For instance, if you have a line, “Let the church rise!”, what sort of melodic movement should we experience in those four syllables?

Upwards, right? (Let – 1) (the – 2) (Church – 3) (Rise! – 4).

It doesn’t have to be that literal (1-2-3-4). But the musical language should match the lyricism. And that probably means “RISE!” should be your high note in that line. It’s one of those things you may never have thought about as a songwriter, but once you understand the technique, you can really make your words sing in new depths of language.