Whena client or friend of mine is doing something great, I like to give them a shout-out. It’s part of what we do for each other in this group struggle we call writing. It is a great feeling to feel their pride and joy briefly, and partake in it.

What I don’t do very often, is give myself a shout-out. Even when I’m proud. Even when I’ve done something kind of cool. So here goes. I’m writing a novel (that I’m happy with btw!) and it has a boy band in it. They aren’t very big characters, but they’re there, trying to get noticed. So they needed a song, of course. On my flight from LA last week, I worked on their pop song.

First, I just googled how to write a pop song. Because this is not something I’ve ever tried before. The wiki on pop songs recommends this structure:

  • Verse 1
  • Pre-Chorus
  • Chorus
  • Verse 2
  • Pre-Chorus
  • Chorus
  • Verse 3 (optional)
  • Interlude
  • Chorus

Then after 16 pages of scribbling and rhyming and counting syllables, I came up with this pop song, called:

SHOUT OUT by Julia Roberts

I’m not cute enough.

I’m not smart or tough

You’re the one who’s got all the right stuff

You’re my mystery

You’re my source, my chi

I see you with your friends, but you don’t see me.

I’ll get your attention; my star’s in ascension.

(chorus)

I wanna get famous – be on your tv

I hafta get famous, so you’ll see me.

Baby, bae don’t tune me out.

Be on all your screens with a big Shout-Out

 

Tried Idol and the Voice.

But I wasn’t their choice.

I couldn’t be the Bachelor in a fine Rolls-Royce.

I wasn’t “the one.”

Not fired or done.

I wanted to break Amish – have some English fun.

If I can’t go viral, my life’s gonna spiral

(chorus)

I wanna get famous – be on your tv

I hafta get famous, so you’ll see me.

Baby, bae don’t tune me out.

Be on all your screens with a big Shout-Out

 

Won’t marry at first sight

Cause you are my light

Trying to be a teen mom wasn’t worth the fight.

Inkmaster’d my chest

A Beauty of my best

Girl, I’m your Fixer Upper, and you’re my quest.

 (Interlude)

Chasing fame is like catching water. You just get wet, you don’t get smarter.

Wanting love keeps me underwater. I just can’t breathe until I got her.

I’m stuck in the humdrum, and wishing for stardom

 (chorus)

I wanna get famous – be on your tv

I hafta get famous, so you’ll see me.

Baby, bae don’t tune me out.

Be on all your screens with a big shout-out

Baby, bae don’t tune me out.

Be on all your screens with a big shout-out

Look for me with your big shout-out.

Let me know what you think? Have you tried something utterly new lately? It can be scary and daunting at first.  But in the end, thrilling. Do I think this is the best pop song, ever? No. But it is certainly MY best, and my first, and probably my last. I enjoyed the journey.