I'm Richie Gilbert and I have been passionate about writing songs for many years. I also spend much time in my home recording studio, and am active in pitching my songs to music publishers. To learn more about the craft and business of songwriting, please visit my website at http://www.inspired-songwriting-tips.com
When trying to write a new song, do you ever find yourself stuck for lyric ideas? Step back and take a look around you. There are a million ideas just waiting to be written about.
Your Life As A Movie
One place you can start is by looking at the events of your own life. Imagine your life as a movie. See the things that have happened to you, good and bad.
Picture your first kiss. Pay attention to the details. Was it a warm summer night, or a cold rainy October afternoon? Do you remember the smell of her (or his) hair? These are the details you should be writing down.
Maybe you moved when you were a kid and had to say goodbye to your best friend. Was she wearing the friendship bracelet you gave her as she waved back? Remember, when writing lyrics the magic is in the details.
This is your movie. Now it's your job to write the soundtrack.
The Signpost Up Ahead
For some interesting lyric ideas, take a look at the signs and billboards when you're on the road. You can find lots of great song titles on those signs.
For instance "Exit Now" or "Wrong Way" could be a song about jumping head-first into a toxic relationship. "One-Way Street" could be about a one-sided friendship that has run it's course because it's all give and no take.
Take A Walk In Nature
A visit to the seaside is always an inspiration for me. One look at the vast ocean makes me realise (remember) that this is all so much bigger than my little problems.
It's not hard to write an inspirational "against all odds" type of song, after surrounding myself with such beauty and abundance.
Besides, it's so visual!
Read The Newspaper
Granted, much of it is bad news. I try not to get sucked in so deeply that it makes me feel too badly, but I do read the paper whenever I stumble across one. And it's not all bad news. And I always find great lyric ideas.
The stories are already there. All you need to do is embellish them. Add some visual cues, and emotional impact. Even the headlines can sometimes serve as song titles.
You don't ever have to be stuck with a blank page when writing lyrics. Lyric ideas are literally everywhere! I'm sure that you can come up with many more ideas of places to look if you think about it.
So get out there, and get writing!
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