What are the subtle details or nuances you pay attention to when writing lyrics that you believe make a song truly stand out?

Create rhymes that stay in the head, with a melody you can't stop singing. Sometimes less is more - I usually let the music breathe throughout the song and don't overfill it with too many lyrics. But the lyrics I choose are well placed and contain words that fit the vibe and mood.

Great lyrics should paint a clear picture. I try to transport listeners to a certain scene by engaging the five senses and working in relatable details!

Of course I could write: "I miss you and I can't sleep", but there's so much more flavour and drama in something like "It's quiet at 2:53am, your scent on my black sweater, you got me staring at the ceiling, butterflies in my stomach". Even though you might not own a black sweater and always go to bed at 11, it's still relatable to almost anyone. I'll try to collect as much of these details as I can and tell your story through those.

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And just copying this from my other answer since it applies to this one too:

Throwing my clients' experiences, emotions and thoughts into a blender and combining them with my own usually works really well for approaching lyrics in unique and fresh ways!

Following the emotion of a song always comes first for me. As a ghost writer I try to get into my clients heads as much as I can. For songs I work on it's important for me to get a very clear understanding of my clients creative vision and story first. Chances are that story is quite different from my own, but also has certain things that I feel I can relate to. It's one of my favorite parts of being a songwriter, to get a glimpse into my clients heads.

When writing lyrics, I pay close attention to the subtle details that can really make a song stand out. One key element is word choice—finding just the right words that not only fit the melody but also evoke strong emotions or vivid imagery. I also focus on the flow and rhythm of the lyrics, ensuring they feel natural and conversational while still being poetic. Another nuance I consider is how the lyrics can tell a story without giving everything away, leaving some space for the listener's interpretation. These small details help create a deeper connection with the audience and give the song lasting impact.