Why Lyrics Matter: Best Practices for Artists Using Amunson Audio’s Distribution Network

Heart Shaped Box - Nirvana (Lyrics)

Lyrics aren’t just words. They’re emotion. They’re the message. They’re what makes a listener hit repeat or scream the hook from the crowd. Whether they show up as wedding vows, get looped by DJs at packed shows, or fuel your latest social caption, lyrics are the core of how your music connects.

When you distribute music through Amunson Audio, lyrics become a key part of your publishing and metadata strategy. We ensure your tracks are delivered with properly formatted, industry-compliant lyrics that reflect your artistic intent and meet Apple Music for Artists Terms of Service.

Here’s how to get your lyrics accepted, accurate, and impactful across platforms:

General Lyric Formatting: Reflect the Song Structure

The layout of your lyrics should mirror the structure of your track. Whether you’re submitting a gritty indie-rock anthem or an R&B slow-burner from our catalog, every line should follow these rules:

• Use line breaks for each new lyric line.

• Double-space between stanzas (i.e., chorus, verse, bridge).

• Consider breaks when:

  • A new section begins (chorus, verse, hook)

  • Tempo changes

  • You switch delivery style (rap to sung vocals, for example)

Example from our library:

You looked me in the eye  
Like nothing ever changed  

Now I’m driving down Spadina  
Swerving in the rain  

Capitalization: Keep It Correct

Lyrics must follow traditional grammar rules. That means proper nouns and section starters need to be capitalized:

Capitalize:

• Brand names: Gucci, Aldo, Cloré

• Acronyms: NDA, FBI

• Geographic references: East End, Toronto South

• Religious pronouns in spiritual tracks: God, You, Your

Punctuation: Keep It Clean and Intentional

You don’t need to end every line with punctuation—only use:

• Exclamation marks, question marks, and quotation marks

• Hyphens for spelled-out effects: “B-L-E-S-S-E-D”

• Parentheses for background vocals:

  • Bitch is painted white, like i'm Tom Sawyer (Background: Yo, look at this)

• Apostrophes for slang or contractions: I'm drivin' downtown with my baby

  
  

Avoid:

• Periods or commas at the end of lines

• Overuse of non-lyrical sound effects

Repeats: No Shortcuts

Every lyric line must match what’s heard in the song. Write out repeats.

Correct (from Patrick Amunson’s “Gold Digger”):

I know you think you're the shit
I know you think you're the shit
But you're nothin' but a bitch  

Incorrect:

I know you think you're the shit (x2)  

Spoken Word & Vocal Sounds

• Spoken word content should not be transcribed at this time.

• Use non-word vocal sounds only if they contribute artistically:

  • Acceptable: “Ooh,” “Whoa,” “Skrrt”

  • Not acceptable: [car door slam], [gunshot], [crowd cheering]

  
  

Clean vs. Explicit

If your track has both clean and explicit versions:

• Explicit lyrics: must be transcribed exactly as performed.

• Censored lyrics: fully starred out.

Example:

Audio: I know you think you're the (bleeped)  
Lyrics: I know you think you're the ****

Syncing: Editorial Decision

Apple Music and other DSPs decide when and how lyrics get time-synced. Submitting properly formatted lyrics improves your chances of being featured or synced.

Why This Matters for Your Career

When your lyrics are properly formatted and delivered with your music, they’re eligible for time-synced features on platforms like Apple Music and Spotify. This improves discoverability, drives fan engagement, and even helps with sync placements.

If you’re using CoLabs for your remote collaborations or session work, make sure your collaborators are also aware of these standards so that lyrics are ready for distribution the moment the final master is bounced.

Need help formatting lyrics for your next release with Amunson Audio?

We offer a built-in lyrics review option before final delivery—just check the box in your project dashboard or ask your A&R rep.