10 Topics for Your Songwriting

Here at Verse-Chorus, we are always thinking about how to write great songs. Many songwriters need inspiration to kick-start their creativity. We have listed below ten topics to help with your songwriting.

Heartbreak and Loss

You can use this topic to speak about the raw emotions you might feel if you have lost someone you love or have had your heartbroken. This might be grief, regrets or unfulfilled dreams. Use your feelings to create lyrical imagery that fits with your mindset. How did you feel when it first happened, how are you feeling now?

Social and political issues

This topic shows you care about current issues facing your country or the people in your life. Are there any local causes that spark your interest? What about global movements and the struggles faced by millions over the globe? Looking at controversial subjects is often a way to get people noticed in your songwriting.

Friendship and Companionship

We can have fleeting friendships or ones that last a lifetime. Look at the memories you have created together and the stories that have evolved. Has this person always had your back? Or have they let you down? Think about the highs and lows and what this person means to you.

Places and locations

Look around you, where have you been recently? What locations have played an important role in your life? How can you weave this into a songwriting narrative? I'm sure there are plenty of places that make you feel special or give you a sense of pain.

Family Dynamics

Are from a family who are close and get on with each other? Or is there conflict and drama continuously running through your life? There are so many possible relationship topics to look at here - sibling rivalry, marriage, father and son, mother and daughter etc. And what happens when someone new comes into the family?

Works of film, literature, art etc.

Referencing existing works by other writers and creators is an interesting way in which to resonate and relate to listeners of your songs. Are there any characters or stories that might be useful to you? Do they mirror your own life or the people in it?

Self-Discovery

Many songs are written about the writer. It's the topic you know best! Personal growth can be a fine source of songwriting material. What challenges have you faced and overcome? How has your perspective on the world around you changed during your lifetime?

Objects

People aren't the only things that can bring out emotion in you. Your favourite items can also tell a story. Are there objects in your childhood that carry great weight with you? Does a particular thing shape the way you choose to live your life - something you are working towards or something that you always wanted?

Dreams and aspirations

The journey to your ultimate goal is something many listeners will be interested to hear about. What are the joys and heartbreaks you have experienced along the way? What obstacles have you faced? Who has helped or hindered you?

Obsession

We can become single-minded and obsessed by all manner of things. It might be someone you are very fond of, or unrequited love. It might be job, a career, a hobby. You might have followed a particular path to the extreme and lost sight of what is real and important.

We hope this has given you some ideas for songwriting topics. Good luck in your writing!