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[Introduction to Lyric Writing] How to Write Lyrics for Idol Songs: Cheer Song Edition
Everyone, do you have any fight songs that have encouraged or lifted you up when you were feeling down?
Of course, the melody matters, but if you take a closer look at the lyrics, you’ll find some skillful techniques at work.
This time, let’s take a look at the lyrics of fight songs.
How to Write Lyrics for Idol Songs: Cheer Anthem Edition
Cheer songs are, if anything, the type of lyrics that are relatively easy to write.
Then who is the support for?
If we break down the cheering songs,
- oneselfAn anthem cheering on one’s own group, myself/me, and one’s inner spiritual self
- fanAn anthem cheering on (everyone, you, you as a romantic interest)
- the worldAn anthem of support for society, Japan, the world, peace, and the economy
It can be neatly divided into first-, second-, and third-person, but in practice the above are subtly mixed, and as a resultIt’s phrased so that it can be interpreted in any way.It is often the case.
The Japanese have long had a fondness for cheer songs, and in every era there are smash-hit anthems that symbolize that time.
I’ve written fewer cheer songs than other lyricists.
Back when Ai Kago was still a member, I even wrote a song called “We Don’t Need Positive Songs” for the lyrics competition for “Girls Beat!!” (though it never got turned into an audio track)...
Now, I’d like to pick out a sample track and explain it.
Model Divine Song: PiiiiiiiN | Opening DASH
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6Zz6wKGKqE
The lyrics were written by Ayano Hara, who is also a member of PiiiiiiiN.
taste
This group has many upbeat, rock-test-style lyrics, and this song is no exception.
As cute as it is, above allCoolness is the selling point.It is.
If you have an unwavering guideline, it should be easier to write lyrics.
In my opinion, the lyrics of next-generation metal and rock still feel unrefined.
There are still groups that are popular for singing lyrics like “Cut through the darkness, break the chains.” Perhaps there’s an opportunity to be found around here as well.
No ambiguity is needed in support.
The single line in the chorus—“Run!” → “Now, with all our might, toward a shining future”—captures all the pure feelings.
As if all five senses are aligned and unified, facing the same direction—the future.A truly chorus-like chorus with no ambiguity whatsoeverIt is.
Since the melody line has only a slight contrast between the verse, pre-chorus, and chorus, the lyrics come through well.
The straightforward declaration of “I have something I want to say!” is refreshing.
That straightforwardness also makes it cool.
Please make the subject explicit.
ZARD's "Don't give upI believe the reason it became an explosive hit and is still sung today is because of those earnest, forward-looking lyrics.
The subject of “Makenaide” is “you.”
The subject of “Opening Dash” is “we.”
The intro rap, “With the first step we’ve taken ~ We’re PiiiiiiiN, we’re going in,” is their declaration of determination to dive into the world of singing (idols).It is.
Phrases like “joining hands,” “I’ll send it with this song,” and “because I’ll make dreams come true” all feel somewhat familiar and cliché.
However, if it’s a cheer song, the words need to stay within certain limits of depiction to some extent (otherwise there’s a risk the cheering situation will miss the audience), so this is probably within the acceptable range.
People naturally feel like cheering on those who work hard—the ones they care about or focus on.So perhaps these lyrics were written with that as the focal point.
There’s a kind of cheering that suits a rock style when it’s rock-style.
Lastly, this very powerful and courageous song—whether it ultimately became a hit may have simply come down to differences in how widely it spread.
Model Divine Song: Fun×Fam | Tokimeki Kirakira☆Shakariki Kirakira
Lyrics byMike SugiyamaI am Mr./Ms. ____.
Lyrics that fit the group
The purpose of this group Fun×Fam’s activities is not to aim to become a national idol,To widely raise awareness of Wakayama both inside and outside the prefecture and to promote Wakayama.It is.
This group isn’t just about supporting local communities; it possesses a mysterious power that transforms the vivid experiences of people’s lives—regardless of age or gender—into a vital energy for living.
The A-melody line “Sometimes I get lost, but you can’t move forward if you stay unscathed” is an extremely positive phrase that blends genuine feelings with strength.
The same goes for the B melody line, “while letting only our smiles bloom together.”
These are not casually chosen turns of phrase; it's a bit of a mindset-driven argument, but...The effort to expand the shared sense of the lyrics to the greatest common denominator—that attitude resonated with listeners, naturally fitting with this group and creating a synergistic effect.I think it is the case.
These lyrics were clearly written with a specific singing group in mind.
Flutter and Hustle
Words are reborn within the song; here, “Tokimeki” (fluttering excitement) and “Shakariki” (full-throttle zeal), which also appear in the title, take on new meanings and come vibrantly to life.
Slightly symbolic sweet words like “tokimeki” (fluttering excitement) and “shakariki” (all-out effort) feel all the more endearing, becoming words of encouragement for everyone who’s doing their best.
By adding “kirakira” at the end of both, it also conveys a sense of lightness.
If cheering can be regarded as a kind of celebration, then we wouldn’t need words that deepen emotions.
Cheer them on with words that are full of your own passion and personal feelings.Only.
I feel like this song, this group, taught me that.
Good phrases belong in good places.
The generous high notes on the word “yume wa” in the chorus, followed by that brief break, are the most satisfying moment in the song.
The dense feeling of the word “dream” suddenly makes me want to look up at the sky.
I can’t help but feel a warm sensitivity born of youth in the words that follow—“almost to the point of being pushy” (in the second verse, “overflowing beyond control”).
You probably won’t be able to experience this kind of smooth transition in many other tracks.
A good phrase truly shines only when it finds the right place.
If what you’re trying to create isn’t just a “poem” but “lyrics,” then it might be worth spending a little time pondering exactly what constitutes harmony with the music.
Even if it is a philosophical consideration.