33 Universal Song Themes You Can Write Today
Most great songs hang on a feeling we all know. When you write to a universal theme, you give listeners a clean way in. Pick the truth, find a specific moment inside it, and let the song do the heavy lifting. How to use this list That’s it. Keep it human and keep it close. […]
The Changing Face of Songwriting: What Today’s Songwriter Really Looks Like
Not too long ago, the term “songwriter” conjured a pretty specific image, someone sitting with a guitar or piano, scribbling lyrics into a notebook, chasing inspiration like a kite in the wind. It was romantic, a little mysterious, and very human. But today, that image has expanded. In fact, it’s morphing into something much broader, […]
Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Be Afraid to Write “Bad” Songs
When it comes to writing songs, there’s a mindset I’ve learned to trust more and more over the years: “Don’t ever be afraid to write ‘bad’ songs, they’re the stepping stones to your best songs.” It sounds simple and maybe even a bit cliché, but this idea is something every songwriter, beginner or seasoned, needs […]
How to Finish Your Song Ideas: Turning Spark into Fire
If you’ve ever found yourself knee-deep in unfinished song ideas, half-formed verses, catchy chorus hooks, or just a melodic fragment stuck in your voice memos, you’re not alone. In fact, this is such a common issue among songwriters that Speed Songwriting has dedicated an entire article to tackling it head-on. The post, titled “How to […]
The Perfect Songwriting Space – What You Really Need (And What You Don’t)
You know, when it comes to songwriting, the space you write in matters more than you might think. It’s not just about having good gear or the “right” tools, it’s about creating an environment that makes it easier for you to slip into the creative zone and actually stay there. So, what makes the perfect […]
How Self-Doubt Can Actually Make You a Better Songwriter
“I have more self-doubt than any writer I’ve ever known… The positive aspect of self-doubt, if you can channel it into useful activity instead of being paralyzed by it, is that by the time you reach the end of a novel, you know precisely why you made every decision in the narrative, the multiple purposes […]
Finding the Universal in the Local: How to Write Songs That Connect and Stand Out
It’s said that the best songs are the ones that feel universal, they touch something in everyone, no matter who’s listening or where they’re from. But here’s the catch: if you chase “universal” too hard, you risk ending up with something vague, bland, or forgettable. So, how do you write a song that connects with […]
The Difference Between Forgettable and Unforgettable Songs In 7 Steps
Every now and then, I stumble across an article that feels like it’s handing you a map just when you thought you’d lost the trail. Cari Cole’s piece, 7 Steps to Writing Hit Songs That Stand Out, Win Awards & Gain Placements, is one of those maps, equal parts practical signposts and creative pep talk. […]
10 Everyday Activities To Keep Your Songwriting Muscles Warm
As songwriters, it’s easy to slip into the trap of thinking we should be writing a whole song every time we sit down. The reality is, that pressure can stop you from writing anything at all. The good news? Songwriting isn’t just about finishing songs, it’s about feeding your creative mind every day so you’re […]
How to Mine Your Dreams for Songwriting Ideas
If you’ve ever woken up from a strange dream and thought, “What was that all about?” well, there’s good news: that odd, half-forgotten tangle might hold your next songwriting idea. Dreams can be a goldmine for songwriters. They slip past your rational mind and your inner critic. They throw together memories, fears, desires, symbols, and […]