How to Pick Which Lyrics to Put on Your Poster
So you know what song you want. Great. Now comes the hard part - which part of the song actually goes on the poster?
Because let's be real, not every lyric translates well to wall art. Some lines look amazing framed. Others? Not so much.
The One-Line Rule
If you can only remember one thing from this, remember this: one powerful line beats a whole verse crammed onto a poster.
Think about how you'll see this poster. From across the room, what do you want to catch your eye? One line you can actually read, or tiny text you have to walk up to and squint at?
Pick the line that hits you hardest. That's your poster.
Chorus vs. Verse
The chorus is usually the catchiest part. Everyone knows it. It's the part you sing along to.
Pros: Instantly recognizable, usually the main message of the song Cons: Sometimes too generic without context
A verse is where the storytelling happens. More specific, more detailed.
Pros: More unique, can be super poetic Cons: Might not make sense without the rest of the song
The bridge is the overlooked option. Often the most emotional part.
Pros: Usually different from the rest of the song, often very meaningful Cons: People might not recognize it as easily
For a lyrics poster, I usually go with chorus or the best line from a verse. Bridges work if you're making it for yourself and you know the whole song.
Lines That Work Well on Posters
Short and punchy "All you need is love" - simple, powerful, complete thought
Visually balanced Lines with about 5-10 words tend to fit nicely on standard poster sizes
Stands alone Makes sense even if you don't know the song (though bonus points if it's better when you do)
Not too abstract "Dancing in the moonlight" = good. "The purple elephant transcends dimensional barriers" = confusing
Lines That Don't Work
Too long If you need tiny font to fit it all, it's too long
References that need context "And then he said the thing about the car" - what? What car?
Lists of random things Some songs just list stuff. Might sound good, looks weird as wall art
Super repetitive "Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah" - we get it
The Vibe Check
Read the line out loud. How does it feel?
Romantic: Should sound sweet without being too sappy Funny: Should make you smile, not groan Inspirational: Should motivate you, not sound like a corporate poster Nostalgic: Should bring back memories, not just mention a year
If it doesn't pass the vibe check, keep looking.
Match the Occasion
What you're making the poster for matters:
Wedding/Anniversary: Pick lines about forever, commitment, choosing each other. Check out wedding lyrics options for ideas.
Birthday: Fun, celebratory, or lines about that person specifically. See birthday poster ideas.
Baby: Sweet, gentle, protective vibes. Browse baby song options.
Just because: Whatever feels right. Your wall, your rules.
The Name-Drop Decision
Some lyrics include names. Should you use them?
When it works:
- It's actually their name
- It's a famous name everyone knows
- The name adds to the meaning
When it doesn't:
- It's a random name that confuses people
- It's an ex's name (awkward)
- It makes the lyric too specific in a weird way
If the name is the whole point of the line, keep it. If it's just there, maybe pick a different line.
Avoiding Awkward Lyrics
Some lines sound great in the song but look weird written out:
Repeated words - "Baby baby baby oh" looks silly on a poster
Sounds/exclamations - "Ooh la la" or "Whoa oh oh" - skip these
Bad grammar - Some poetic license works, but "ain't nobody got time" might not be what you want on your wall
Curse words - Depends on your vibe, but consider who's seeing this poster
Read it as if you're seeing it for the first time with no music. Does it still work?
The Font Test
Before you commit, imagine the lyric in different fonts:
- Does it look good centered?
- Does it work in a script font? Block letters? Both?
- Are there enough words to fill the space without looking cramped?
When you design your poster, you want lyrics that work with multiple design options.
Personal Connection
This is the most important part: does this specific line mean something to you?
Generic pretty lyrics from a song you barely know = just decoration Specific line from a song tied to a memory = actually meaningful
The best song lyric posters aren't just pretty words. They're reminders of moments, people, feelings.
Multiple Lines That Work Together
Sometimes you need more than one line, but they should connect:
Good combo: "Line 1 sets up an idea Line 2 completes the thought"
Bad combo: "Random line from verse 1 Different topic from the chorus Third unrelated thing"
If you're using multiple lines, they should flow like they're having a conversation.
The Timeless Test
Will this lyric still mean something in 5 years? 10 years?
Some lyrics are tied to very specific trends or moments. That's fine if you want a snapshot of this exact time.
But if you want something lasting, pick lyrics that feel timeless.
"Love me tender" will work forever. "Do the 2024 TikTok dance" (not a real lyric) might not.
When You Can't Decide Between Two
Make both. Seriously.
You can hang them together. Or keep one and give one as a gift. Or save one for later.
Creating lyrics art is quick enough that you can experiment. Make two versions and see which one you actually want to look at every day.
Check How It Looks
Before finalizing:
- Type out the lyric in all caps
- Type it in title case (Every Word Capitalized)
- Type it in sentence case (Normal capitalization)
Which version looks best? That's how it should appear on your poster.
Some lyrics work better in specific capitalization styles. Trust your gut.
The Story Test
If someone asked "why this lyric?" could you tell them a story?
If yes = good choice If you just shrug = maybe keep looking
The best wall art has a story behind it, even if it's just for you.
Don't Overthink It
I've seen people spend weeks trying to pick the perfect lyric. That's too long.
If a line speaks to you, use it. If it makes you feel something, that's enough.
You can always make another poster later. This isn't a tattoo (though if you're getting a lyric tattoo, this advice still applies).
Ready to turn your chosen lyrics into art? Try our lyrics typography maker or explore customizable templates to see your lyrics beautifully designed.