Show, Don't Tell
The writer's oldest rule applied to your song
"You're amazing" tells. "You showed up at 2am with ice cream" shows. One is forgettable. One is unforgettable. Show, don't tell is the oldest rule in writing, and it's the difference between a song that lands and one that floats away.
Why Showing Works
When you show, you create a scene. The listener can see it, feel it, remember it. When you tell, you just state a fact. Facts are forgettable. Scenes are memorable.
Notey's Pro Tip
Instead of "you're kind," describe a kind act. Instead of "you're funny," tell the joke. Show the evidence.
Examples: Tell vs. Show
❌ Tell:
"You're always there for me"
✓ Show:
"You drove four hours in the snow to be there for my presentation. I'll never forget seeing you in the back row, giving me that thumbs-up."
How to Show
When you catch yourself telling, ask:
- What's the specific example of this?
- What happened that made me think this?
- What did they do? What did they say?
- What scene can I paint instead of stating the fact?
Notey's Pro Tip
If you can't picture it, you're telling. If you can see it, you're showing. Aim for scenes, not statements.
Show, don't tell isn't about being fancy — it's about being real. Scenes are real. Facts are abstract. Choose scenes.
Key Takeaway
Show, don't tell. Instead of stating facts, paint scenes. Scenes are memorable; facts are forgettable.