The Complete Prompting Playbook for MakeSong—AI Music Generator

Song Lyrics Structure Basics

Learn the fundamental building blocks of song structure and how to use metatags effectively in your lyrics.

Song Structure Basics

Every song is built from a few common sections:

Core (required)

• Verse: The main part of the song. Tells the story, develops the idea, provides details.
• Chorus (Hook): The most memorable part. Repeats the same lyrics/melody, usually the "catchy" highlight.

Optional (use as needed)

• Pre-Chorus: Connects the verse to the chorus, builds anticipation.
• Bridge: Provides contrast, new perspective, or tension before the final chorus.
• Intro: Sets the mood and key at the beginning (instrumental or short lyrical).
• Outro: Closes the song, often repeating phrases or fading out.
• Solo: Instrumental or vocal solo section.

👉 Simplest starter structure:

'A' signifies verse    'B' signifies the chorus.

ABAB： verse→chorus→verse→chorus

AABAB：Verse → Verse → Chorus → Verse → Chorus

🌟 Song Structure Advanced: Using Metatags

• Square Brackets [ … ] → Production / performance directions (not song lyrics). Never song.
  • Use [ … ] for technical/production notes.
• Parentheses ( … ) → usually sung/spoken (asides, whispers, backings), Words or sounds the audience hears, but not as the main vocal line.
  • Use ( … ) for audible secondary vocals or sounds.

Common Metatag Categories

Example Lyrics (Simple → Advanced)

🔹 Beginner Example (simple, easy to copy)

[Verse 1]  
I wake up chasing a dream in my hand  
Running faster than I ever planned  

[Chorus]  
Shine like the sun, I won't fade away  
This is my song, I'm here to stay

🔹 Advanced Example (with metatags & effects)

[Intro – Muted Choir + Static Crackle]   ← **Not sung.** Production cue to set mood and atmosphere.
(sample: "it's falling apart…") [whispered, looped softly]   ← **Audible.** Sample line heard in background with performance note.

[Verse 1 – Half-whispered]   ← **Section label.** Storytelling part of the song with vocal style.
(I sleep on glass dreams) / (can't turn over)   ← **Sung aside/backing.** Whispered or backing vocals, adds texture.
Each shard a version of me I ain't over   ← **Main lyric.** Carries the story forward.

[Chorus – Female Vocal, Echoed]   ← **Hook section.** Main catchy part, female vocal + echo effect.
(Nightmares don't scream)   ← **Sung backing.** Whispered line, secondary layer.
They whisper in rhythm   ← **Main lyric.** Chorus central idea, easy to remember.
(Goals too big?)   ← **Call-and-response.** Audience hears this as a question.
Now you sleep with 'em   ← **Main lyric.** Closing line of the chorus.

Best Practices for Prompting Lyrics in MakeSong

To get clear and consistent results:

• Be specific – Clearly say you want lyrics.
• Specify vocals – e.g. "clear female vocal, upfront in mix."
• Define structure – Outline verse/chorus/bridge.
• Give a theme – e.g. "love, heartbreak, nostalgia, party."
• Experiment & iterate – Try variations until the result feels right.

🔹 Copy-Paste Prompt Template

Pop, upbeat, 120 BPM, clear female vocals,  
[Verse 1] about chasing dreams,  
[Chorus] with a catchy hook, repeat twice,  
add [Bridge] with emotional lyrics, end with [Outro – fade out].

Best Way to Generate Music in Describe Mode

Phase 1: Crafting Your Musical Prompt-Song description prompt

The heart of AI music generation lies in the prompt. This is the textual instruction you provide to MakeSong, outlining your desired musical style, instrumentation, tempo, and mood. The more descriptive you are, the better the AI can understand and respond.

Think of all the different ways you can describe a song: genre, mood, atmosphere, dynamics, instruments, tempo. These descriptors shape the output.

👉 Avoid vague terms like "good" or "interesting." Use rich, descriptive words like "ethereal," "dreamlike," "nostalgic," or "minimalist."

🎵 Music Prompt Example

Example 1: 60s Rock (Beatles-style)

Why it works: Adds clear detail about style, instrumentation, and emotional tone — far more effective than just writing 60s rock.

Example 2: Ambient Soundtrack

Breakdown:

• Genre/Style: Ambient
• Instrumentation: Synth pads and textures
• Tempo: Very slow
• Mood: Melancholic, reflective
• Specific Elements: Subtle drones, evolving harmonies

Example 3: Movie / Game Soundtrack

Example 4: Lighthearted Comedy Background

Example 5: Mixed Styles

• early 80s synth-pop, driving bassline, bright synth arpeggios, catchy melody, fast tempo, energetic and joyful (Upbeat pop)
• cinematic score with a dark, suspenseful atmosphere, strings, brass, low-register synthesizers, slow tempo, ominous and mysterious, crescendos and diminuendos (Dark cinematic)
• smooth jazz track with a mellow, relaxed vibe, saxophone, piano, upright bass, slow tempo, calm and serene, walking bassline (Relaxing jazz)

Key Takeaways

• Start with genre + style (e.g., "synth-pop," "jazz," "cinematic").
• Add instruments and textures (e.g., "jangly guitars," "sweeping strings").
• Define tempo (slow, mid-tempo, fast, very fast).
• Specify mood/atmosphere (nostalgic, dreamy, ominous, playful).
• Include details for extra nuance (e.g., "walking bassline," "epic climax").

Experiment with combinations, refine, and iterate — each prompt is a creative starting point!