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100 Songwriting Prompts to Help Kickstart Your Creativity

Do you ever have trouble getting started on your songwriting? Are you looking for some creative prompts to help jumpstart your process? If so, you’re in luck! In this blog post, we will discuss 25 songwriting prompts that will help get the ideas flowing. These prompts can be used for any style of music, and they are a great way to get out of a creative rut. So what are you waiting for? Get started with these songwriting prompts today!

Why Mood-Based Songwriting Prompts Work Well

Mood-based songwriting prompts work well because they can help you tap into your emotions and feelings. When you’re feeling sad, for example, you can use a sad songwriting prompt to help you express those feelings in a song. This can be really cathartic and help you connect with your audience on a deeper level. If you’re looking for a way to get started on your songwriting, mood-based prompts are great. Take a song prompt from one of the lists below to get started.

25 Happy Songwriting Prompts

  1. Write a song about your favorite place to relax and unwind.
  2. Write a song about your favorite childhood memory.
  3. Write a song about a time in your life when you were proud of yourself.
  4. Write a song about your favorite season of the year.
  5. Write a song about your favorite holiday and why it’s your favorite.
  6. Write a song about your favorite thing to do for fun.
  7. Write a song about someone you admire and why you admire them.
  8. Write a song about why you love being alive.
  9. Write a song about a time in your life when you were really happy.
  10. Write a song about your dreams for the future.
  11. Write a song about how music makes you feel.
  12. Write a song about what brings you happiness.
  13. Write a song about the things that make you feel grateful every day.
  14. Write a song expressing how you feel when you listen to your favorite music genre(s).
  15. Write a love song for someone you love deeply, expressing why you love them so much and why they mean everything to you – no holds barred!
  16. Write an acoustic ballad telling the story of an epic love that ended in heartbreak – be sure to capture all the emotions felt throughout this relationship!
  17. Write an upbeat pop/rock anthem praising all the wonderful things that characterize your perfect relationship – share with the world how lucky you are to have found this amazing person!
  18. Write an electronic dance track celebrating freedom and liberation – let loose and write without any constraints, just enjoying the creative process!
  19. Write an acoustic folk-style track telling the story of someone who has overcome great hardships in their life – be sure to inject plenty of hope and determination into your lyrics!
  20. Write an R&B slow jam professing your undying devotion to your lover – go all out with sweet lyrics, sultry vocals, and passionate instrumentation!
  21. Write an upbeat reggae tune celebrating friendship – let everyone know how valuable friends truly are!
  22. Write an indie rock anthem singing the praises of non-conformity and self-expression – let your freak flag fly high!
  23. Write a soulful ballad describing how it feels to find true love – make sure this track is oozing with emotion and sincerity!
  24. Write a song about your favorite time of the day.
  25. Finish up with a fun, carefree pop-punk tune that celebrates living in the moment without any worries or fears getting in the way!

25 Sad Song Prompts

  1. Write a song about a broken relationship.
  2. Write a song about a loved one who has passed away.
  3. Write a song about feeling lonely and isolated.
  4. Write a song about heartache and loss.
  5. Write a song about being abandoned.
  6. Write a song about feeling lost and alone.
  7. Write a song about regret.
  8. Write a song about self-doubt.
  9. Write a song about a time when you were hurt by someone you loved.
  10. Write a song about being betrayed by someone you thought you could trust.
  11. Write a song about feeling like you’re not good enough.
  12. Write a song about struggling with mental health issues.
  13. Write a song about a time when you were disappointed in yourself.
  14. Write a song about missing someone who is no longer in your life.
  15. Write a song about feeling like you’re not worth anyone’s time or attention.
  16. Write a song about being rejected by someone you love.
  17. Write a song about feeling invisible and unimportant.
  18. Write a song about losing hope.
  19. Write a song about the struggle to overcome addiction.
  20. Write a song about the pain of betrayal.
  21. Write a song about being an outsider in your own life.
  22. Write a song about feeling misunderstood by those around you.
  23. Write a song about wanting to escape from your current life situation.
  24. Write a song about feeling lost and uncertain of your future.

25 Angry Ballad Songwriting Prompts

  1. Write about a time when someone wronged you, and you felt angry and betrayed.
  2. Write about a time when you were in a toxic relationship and finally had enough.
  3. Write about a time when you were cheated on or lied to.
  4. Write about a time when someone broke your heart.
  5. Write about a time when you were let down by someone you trusted.
  6. Write about a time when you were made to feel like nothing.
  7. Write about a time when someone took advantage of you.
  8. Write about a time when you fought for something you believed in, even though you knew it would be difficult.
  9. Write about a time when you were forced to stand up for yourself.
  10. Write about a time when someone tried to silence your voice.
  11. Write a song about a loved one who has been hurt or killed by someone else.
  12. Write a song about feeling wronged or cheated on.
  13. Write a song about a person who has been betrayed by someone they trust.
  14. Write a song about feeling hopeless and helpless in the face of anger and violence.
  15. Write a song about wanting revenge for past hurt.
  16. Write a song about being consumed by rage and hatred.
  17. Write a song about being in denial about your anger issues.
  18. Write a song about how anger has ruined your life.
  19. Write about a time when you were dealt a bad hand in life.
  20. Write about a time when you felt like fighting against the world.
  21. Write about a time when you were taken advantage of.
  22. Write about a time when you were cheated on.
  23. Write about a time when someone took advantage of your kindness.
  24. Write about a time when you were made to feel like you didn’t matter.
  25. Write about a time when you felt like giving up.

25 Upbeat and Motivational Songwriting Prompts

  1. Write a song about overcoming adversity.
  2. Write a song about being grateful for what you have in life.
  3. Write a song about staying positive and never giving up, even when things are tough.
  4. Write a song about being confident in yourself and your abilities.
  5. Write a song about living life to the fullest and making the most of every opportunity.
  6. Write a song about believing in yourself, even when others don’t believe in you.
  7. Write a song about fighting for what you believe in, even when it’s hard.
  8. Write a song about being proud of who you are, even if you’re not perfect.
  9. Write a song celebrating uniqueness and individuality.
  10. Write a song about overcoming obstacles and achieving success.
  11. Write a song encouraging others to stay strong in the face of adversity.
  12. Write a song about being thankful for what you have, even when times are tough.
  13. Write a song reminding yourself or others that it’s never too late to start over or make changes in your life.
  14. Write a motivational anthem urging people to believe in themselves and go after their dreams no matter what anyone else says.
  15. Write a song about being determined to achieve your goals, no matter how difficult they may seem.
  16. Write a song encouraging others to stay optimistic, even when things are tough.
  17. Write an upbeat and motivational song about taking risks and following your heart.
  18. Write a song urging people to never give up on themselves or their dreams, no matter how hard things get.
  19. Write a song encouraging others to stay strong in adversity and never give up.
  20. Write a motivational song about staying positive and never giving up, even when things are tough.
  21. Write a song about being grateful for what you have in life, even when times are tough.
  22. Write a song about taking risks and going after your dreams, no matter what anyone else says.
  23. Write a song about being proud of who you are, even if you’re not perfect.
  24. Write a song about believing in yourself, even when others don’t.
  25. Write a song about fighting for what you believe in, even when it’s hard.

25 Love Songwriting Prompts

  1. Write a song about being head-over-heels in love.
  2. Write a song about your first love.
  3. Write a song about reuniting with an old flame.
  4. Write a song about the power of love.
  5. Write a song about sacrificing for the one you love.
  6. Write a song about finding love in the most unexpected places.
  7. Write a song about losing yourself in love.
  8. Write a song about love conquering all.
  9. Write a song about the bittersweet nature of love.
  10. Write a song about unrequited love.
  11. Write a song about forbidden love.
  12. Write a song about enduring true love.
  13. Write a song about finding your soulmate.
  14. Write a song about falling out of love.
  15. Write a song about breaking up and moving on.
  16. Write a song inspired by Romeo and Juliet.
  17. Write a song inspired by The Great Gatsby.
  18. Write a sad ballad inspired by Bonnie and Clyde.
  19. Pen an ode to everlasting love inspired by The Titanic.
  20. Create a hazy, dreamy track inspired by Paris in the 1920s.
  21. Write a love song for someone who is no longer in your life.
  22. Write a love song for someone you’ve never met but can’t stop thinking about.
  23. Write a love song for someone you’ve been with for a while but are starting to lose interest in.
  24. Write a love song about all the little things you love about your significant other.
  25. Write a love song expressing your deepest, most vulnerable feelings.

FAQ

What are some songwriting exercises?

There are several exercises that songwriters can do to help get the creative juices flowing. One exercise is to take a favorite song and dissect it, figuring out what makes the song lyrics and musical ideas work. Another exercise is to develop a list of words or phrases that inspire you and then create a song using those words. You can also try writing a song in a different style than you’re used to or writing about a topic you wouldn’t normally write about. There are endless possibilities for songwriting exercises, so be creative and experiment with different things.

How do you get songwriting ideas?

There are many different ways to get ideas for songwriting. Some songwriters prefer to start with a melody, while others begin with lyrics. Some people find inspiration in everyday life, while others look to other art forms for inspiration. There is no wrong way to generate song ideas; the most important thing is to be creative and to let your imagination run wild. If you’re stuck in a creative rut, try using one of the songwriting prompts in this blog post. These prompts can help you get started, and they can also help you come up with new ideas when you feel stuck.

What to do after writing a song?

Once you have finished writing a song, it is important to take the time to properly polish and finalize it. This includes editing the lyrics, tweaking the melody, and ensuring that the song sounds cohesive. You may also consider having someone else listen to your song and provide feedback.

How often should a songwriter write?

Writing as often as possible is best to keep the creative juices flowing. Maintaining a consistent writing schedule can be difficult, but it is worth setting aside time each day or week to work on songs. The more you write, the better your songs will be.

How do you start a song?

Some people start with a melody, while others start with lyrics. Some people write out a chord progression and then build the melody around that, while others come up with a riff or groove and build the song around that. There is no wrong way to start a song, as long as you are writing something down and getting started. If you are stuck, try using one of the songwriting prompts from this article to get the ideas flowing.

How do you choose a topic for a song?

Choosing a topic for a song can be difficult. You want to choose something interesting and meaningful to you, but you also want to ensure that it will resonate with listeners. There are a few things to consider when choosing a topic for a new song.

  • Think about what you are passionate about. What topics interest you the most? What are you curious about? Songs are a great way to explore these topics and share your thoughts and ideas with listeners.
  • Think about what songs have been successful in the past. What topics have been covered in popular songs? What themes or ideas do people seem to be drawn to? You don’t need to write a song about the same old topics, but it can be helpful to consider what has already been successful.
  • Consider your audience. What do you think they would be interested in hearing? What would resonate with them? You don’t need to pander to your audience, but it’s important to consider their interests when choosing a topic for a song.

Ultimately, the best way to choose a topic for a song is to simply write about what you’re interested in and what you care about. Songs are an outlet for your thoughts and feelings, so write about what matters to you.

How do you know if you’ve written a good song?

The most important thing is that the song feels authentic to your voice. It should also be well-written, with strong melodies and interesting chord progressions. Additionally, the song must have a memorable chorus and meaningful lyrics. If all those elements are in place, you’ve written a great song.

What do great songwriters have in common?

There are a few things that all great songwriters have in common. Firstly, they have a strong understanding of melody and chord progressions and know how to create memorable hooks. They also have a good sense of rhythm and timing and can write meaningful and catchy lyrics. Lastly, they can express their emotions through their music and connect with their listeners on an emotional level.

What are examples of themes?

Theme is a word used to describe the main idea or subject of a piece of writing. A song can have many different themes, such as love, loss, happiness, and sadness. Some songwriters focus on one specific theme, while others incorporate several themes into their songs. Themes can be something that the songwriter has personally experienced, or they can be based on a fictional story or event.

Artists to Study

  • Bob Dylan
  • Brian Eno
  • Dolly Parton
  • David Bowie
  • Taylor Swift