What To Write About For A Song: Complete Guide & Key Details
So, you wanna write a song? Awesome! But then that big question hits you: What in the world do I even sing about? Don't sweat it. Every songwriter has been there. It's like staring at a blank canvas. Scary, right? But also, super exciting!
Think of it this way: the world is your giant, weird, wonderful playground. And you've got a pen. That's a powerful combo!
The "It's Everywhere!" Approach
Seriously, inspiration is not hiding in a secret lair. It's bumping into you all day long. You just gotta be open to it.
People Watching is Your New Hobby
Ever sit in a coffee shop and just... observe? That couple arguing over the last croissant? The dude with the ridiculously fluffy dog? The barista who seems to know everyone's order by heart? That's gold!
Each person has a story. A tiny snippet of a life. You can zoom in on their mannerisms, their dialogue (even if you can only imagine it), their emotions. Why is she tapping her foot so anxiously? Is he secretly in love with the mailman? You decide!
It's like being a detective, but instead of solving crimes, you're uncovering feelings. And sometimes, the smallest details are the most relatable. That awkward wave goodbye? That sigh of relief after a long day? Chef's kiss.
Your Own Messy Life
Let's be real, your life is probably pretty wild. Breakups, makeups, weird dreams, embarrassing moments, triumphs that feel like winning the lottery. All of it is fuel!
Don't be afraid to get a little vulnerable. That time you tripped down the stairs in front of your crush? Hilarious in hindsight, right? Or maybe you’re just really passionate about your morning coffee ritual. That’s a song! A song about the sacredness of that first sip.
Quirky fact: Many of the most iconic songs started from a really simple, personal observation or feeling. Think of Taylor Swift's ability to turn everyday experiences into anthems. She makes you feel like you're right there with her.
The Little Things That Annoy You (or Delight You!)
Is it the way your neighbor’s wind chimes are always clanging? Or the sheer joy of finding a forgotten twenty-dollar bill in your jeans pocket? These are the things that make life life.
Focus on a specific sensation. The feeling of sand between your toes. The smell of rain on hot pavement. The tickle of a cat’s fur. These sensory details can paint a vivid picture for your listener.
And hey, complaining can be fun! A song about the existential dread of a never-ending to-do list? Or the pure, unadulterated bliss of a perfectly ripe avocado? Both are valid.
Diving Deeper: The "What If?" Zone
Okay, so you’ve got some real-life stuff. But what if you want to go a little… elsewhere? That’s where the magic of imagination kicks in.
Dream Land Adventures
Dreams are the ultimate free-for-all. They make zero sense, and that’s why they’re brilliant. Flying pigs? Talking furniture? A parade of sentient socks? Go with it!
The illogical nature of dreams can lead to some seriously unique lyrical ideas. Don’t try to make them "make sense" in a traditional way. Embrace the weirdness. What did the talking teacup say to the grumpy armchair? That's your hook!
Funny detail: Sometimes the most profound insights come from the most absurd dreams. Your subconscious is a quirky storyteller, you know?
"What If" Scenarios
This is where you play “what if” with reality. What if animals could talk? What if time travel was real and you could visit your awkward teenage self? What if your pet was secretly a spy?
This lets you explore different perspectives and situations without being tied to your own experience. You can be a pirate, an astronaut, a medieval knight, or even a sentient dust bunny.
It’s like stepping into a costume. You can be anyone, do anything. What would a dragon sing about? Probably its hoard and that one knight who really got on its nerves.
Fictional Characters and Worlds
Love books, movies, or video games? They’re a treasure trove. Pick a character you love (or hate!) and explore their inner world. What are their secret desires? Their deepest fears? Their favorite snack?
You don't have to stick to the plot. You can imagine what happens between the scenes. What did Romeo whisper to Juliet when they thought no one was listening? What does a superhero do on their day off?
Pro tip: Avoid just rehashing the plot. Find an angle, an emotion, a hidden detail that wasn't explicitly shown. That's where your song will shine.
Getting Specific: The Nitty-Gritty Details
Once you have a general idea, it’s time to dig into the details. This is what makes a song feel real and memorable.
Sensory Overload!
We talked about this, but it’s so important. Don’t just say "sad." Say "the cold, damp air clinging to my skin" or "the sound of rain on the windowpane." Show, don't just tell.
What does it smell like? Taste like? Sound like? Feel like? Even think about temperature. Is it a scorching summer day or a frosty winter night? These details make the listener feel like they’re there.
Emotions, Emotions, Everywhere!
At the heart of every good song is an emotion. Joy, sorrow, anger, confusion, longing, excitement. What are you trying to convey?
Try to be specific with your emotions. Instead of "happy," maybe it's "a bubbly, fizzy kind of happiness" or "a quiet, contented glow." Instead of "angry," maybe it's "a simmering, volcanic rage" or "a sharp, biting frustration."
Quirky fact: Sometimes, the most interesting songs explore mixed emotions. Like feeling happy and sad at the same time. That's complex! That's life!
The Power of Objects
An object can be a powerful symbol. A worn-out teddy bear, a crumpled photograph, a key to a forgotten door. These things can carry a lot of emotional weight.
Think about a specific object that relates to your theme. What does it look like? What does it represent? What memories are attached to it?
Funny detail: You could write an entire song about a lost sock. Where did it go? Does it miss its mate? Is it off on a grand adventure? The possibilities are endless!
Just Start Writing!
The most important thing is to just begin. Don't wait for the "perfect" idea. Jot down anything that comes to mind. A phrase, a word, a feeling, an image.
Your first draft won't be perfect. Nobody's is. It's messy. It's clunky. It might even be a little silly. And that's okay! You can always go back and polish it later.
Think of it like building with LEGOs. You start with a pile of bricks, and slowly, you build something amazing. So grab those bricks, and let's get singing!