Song ideas: 50 songwriting prompts to give you inspiration

Whether you're staring at a blank notebook or endlessly strumming the same three chords, we've all been there – desperate for a spark of inspiration. If you're just starting out in the music world and wondering how to get an idea for a song, you're not alone. Finding song ideas isn't always easy, but don't worry, we've got you covered.

In this guide, we have 50 songwriting prompts and ideas for songs to help get your creative juices flowing. We'll also share some tips on fine-tuning your song lyric ideas and where to find inspiration when you're running low. Whether you're writing pop, indie, folk, or something in between, these ideas for lyrics for a song will help kickstart your next banger.

 

 

Where do song ideas come from?

First things first: How do I get an idea for a song? Honestly, inspiration can come from anywhere – your own experiences, things you've overheard, a strange dream you had, or even the weather (yep, really).

Think of these songwriting prompts as your creative companions. They won't do the work for you, but they'll get the ball rolling.

 

Songwriting prompts

Here’s a list of songwriting prompts grouped into themes. Pick one that jumps out, set a timer for 15 minutes, and just write, no pressure, no perfection needed.

Love and heartbreak

Let's be honest; this theme never goes out of style. From soaring ballads to tearjerkers, here are some go-to ideas for a song about love:

• The moment you realised it was over, but you stayed anyway
• A love letter you never sent
• Falling for someone completely wrong for you
• Missing someone you never really knew
• Loving someone from a distance
• Saying goodbye when you don't want to

Self discovery

Songs about inner battles and breakthroughs hit deep. Here are some song lyric ideas to explore your personal journey:

• The voice in your head that won't stop talking
• Rebuilding after hitting rock bottom
• A letter to your younger self
• How it feels when anxiety takes over
• What freedom means to you now
• Letting go of someone else's expectations

The world and society

Want to write something with a message? Try these songwriting prompts:

• Watching the world change and not knowing your place in it
• A protest song for something you believe in
• The moment you realised your opportunity
• A song inspired by a current event or news story
• Your fears for future generations
• The power of community and connection

Fantasy and imagination

Let your imagination run wild. These ideas for lyrics for a song are perfect for anyone with a vivid inner world:

• A conversation with a ghost
• Living in a world of emotions
• Falling in love with a dream
• Waking up as someone else for a day
• A mythical creature's lullaby

Seasons and weather

You might be surprised how much inspiration you can get from the world around you. Writing songs about winter or summer can be just as moving.

• A song inspired by your favourite season
• Dancing in the rain with someone you love
• Feeling stuck during a grey winter
• The first day of spring after a long, hard year
• The heat of summer and the fun it brings
• Watching leaves fall and thinking of someone who’s gone

Journeys and escapism

Everyone loves a good road trip or escape from reality. These are great for that driving-with-the-windows-down energy:

• Leaving town with nothing but a backpack and a dream
• Getting lost on purpose
• A place you’ve never been but dream about constantly
• Returning home after years away
• Running from something you can’t face

 

 

Friendship and connection

Songs about friends don’t get enough love. These prompts tap into friendship and unspoken love:

• The friend who stuck by you when no one else did
• Growing apart from someone you used to be inseparable from
• A night out you’ll never forget
• A tribute to your chosen family
• The moment you realised someone truly saw you

Nostalgia and memory

Perfect for those slow, reflective songs with a cinematic vibe:

• A childhood memory that still haunts you
• Your first heartbreak
• The last time something felt truly magical
• A song inspired by an old photo
• Revisiting a place that once meant everything
• A life-changing holiday

Dreams

For those trippy, offbeat lyric vibes that break from the expected:

• A recurring dream that doesn’t make sense
• Waking up in a parallel universe
• A memory that might not be real
• Seeing yourself through someone else’s eyes
• Living in a new world

 

Tips for coming up with your own song ideas

Got the prompts but still feeling stuck? Here are a few simple ways to come up with your own ideas for songs when your mind is blank:

• Keep a lyric journal: Write down interesting phrases, thoughts, or things you overhear. You never know what might spark a great line.
• Use a random word generator: Pick three random words and write a song that includes them. It’s weird, but weird works.
• Flip a cliché: Take a well-worn phrase ("time heals all wounds") and give it a new spin ("time has left scars on me").
• Watch or read something new: Books, films, and even headlines can give you a fresh perspective. Misheard lyrics can even be a starting point.
• Collaborate with others: Sometimes, bouncing ideas off another musician or even just chatting about life can unlock fresh ideas.

 

Don’t forget the basics

If you're just getting started with songwriting, make sure you've got the basics down. If you haven't yet found the right sound for you, try out some beginner instruments, or carry out some research into becoming a singer and what opportunities are available in your area.

And if you're dreaming about a music career, this post on how to become a singer is a great place to start.

 

The best song ideas come from you

Here's the truth: the best song ideas aren't about reinventing the wheel. They're about telling your story in your voice. You've got something worth saying, whether it's heartbreak, joy, nostalgia, anger, or confusion. Trust that.

Use these prompts as starting points, not rules. And remember, even if a song feels messy or unfinished, it's still progress. The more you write, the better you get.

 

 

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