After winning the Australian National Songwriting Contest 2005 (rock category encompassing rock/metal/indie) Rave Magazine Australia asked me to write a couple of hundred words on how to write a great song. The article was in Rave Magazine issue dated Tue 17/5. Anyway if you're interested here's my advice:

THOUGHT AND WILL........HOW TO WRITE A GOOD SONG

So you want to write a good song? OK, take the instrument of your choice and follow these 3 steps:

1) read ‘Tunesmith by Jimmy Webb
2) read ‘every other publication (on line and paperback) you can find about songwriting
3) read ‘Tunesmith by Jimmy Webb (you'll need to read it twice - it's pretty serious - don't get disheartened there will be bits you have to skim through as it's very involved)

Alternatively follow these 3 quick steps and if that doesn't work go back to option 1 above:

1) Most hit songs follow tried and tested patterns (even obscure non-commercial songs) so read all of the above and all other songwriting books/publication you can find to learn about different song structures. (Verse/Chorus/Verse/Chorus or Verse/Verse/Verse/Middle 8/Verse…there are several configurations).
2) Develop ideas in to sections according to your chosen structure. (intro, verse, chorus, etc) Don't put the brake on by thinking too much initially. Allow your ideas to flow naturally. Your subconscious is working better than your thinking mind right now. Be prepared to capture ideas (hooks, riffs and lyrics) on dictaphone or similar. You are now brainstorming. When the storm is over if you haven't already finished writing the song (it happens) you can get down to the hard work of panning for gold.
3) There's no mystery to writing a good song. Like any other job it's about learning the ropes, applying yourself and discipline. Anyone can think of a melody, a verse or chorus but it takes 'thought and will' to complete a whole song. Think about it then do it. Be ruthless. Listen to your little voice. If it's not quite right don't fudge it, fix it ,even if that means leaving the song alone for months. You'll eventually get it right if you really want to.