# Writing a second verse Verse 2 is for presenting the chorus and the big idea in a new light.[^1] [[Use each verse to develop the meaning of the chorus]]. Your second verse must be as strong as your first verse and chorus, if not stronger.[^2] Many writers struggle with verse 2. If you can't think of what to say, [[Blueprint your lyric]].[^3] Beware of adding new characters and setting. Advance the story you've already laid out.[^4] [[Be careful introducing too many characters in your song]]. If you're stuck in second verse hell, try asking, "What happened before?" instead of, "What happens next?" "Just because you wrote a verse first doesn't mean it's your first verse," writes Pat Pattison.[^5] Marty Dodson says the same when he's stuck: "I move my first verse down and make it my second verse. Then I write a new first verse."[^2] Stephen Sondheim says, "I find it useful to write backwards, and I think most lyric writers probably do too when they have a climax, a twist, a punch, a joke."[^6] [[Delay the big reveal in a song]]. Your second verse can also look to the past or fantasize about the future.[^7] [^1]: [[Song Building]] pg. 26 [^2]: [[Song Building]] pg. 121 [^3]: [[Song Building]] pg. 27 [^4]: [[Song Building]] pg. 25 [^5]: [[Writing Better Lyrics]] pg. 120 [^6]: [[Tunesmith]] pg. 93-94 [^7]: [Write a second verse that ACTUALLY works - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/shorts/wt6oGGmueAA)