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 many people but still feels unique to you? The answer is to start local and real and then find the feeling that anyone, anywhere, can latch onto.
Start Small and True
Big feelings live in small details. A street name, the sound of your old screen door, the coffee cup on your porch, these are the things that pull listeners in. They make your song feel like a real place or a real moment. The more honest and specific you are, the more people believe you.
Tip: Don’t be shy about using names, places, or brands. Those specifics turn a generic line into something that feels lived-in and real.
Zoom Out to the Feeling
Once you’ve got the details, step back. Ask yourself: What does this moment mean? Maybe it’s not just a porch, maybe it’s about leaving home. Maybe the empty street isn’t just quiet, maybe it’s about loneliness, or freedom, or regret.
This is how you bridge the gap. The verses might stay close to the scene, but the chorus is where you let the feeling out. The listener connects because they recognise that feeling in their own life, even if they’ve never seen your street.
Add Your Twist
Two songwriters could describe the same café, but your take is what makes it yours. It might be a funny line, a bitter line, or a hopeful one. How you see that café makes all the difference.
Don’t try to say it like everyone else. Say it the way you’d tell a friend.
Keep It Accessible
Sprinkle local language or slang in your lyrics, just don’t overdo it. A little bit makes the song feel rooted and honest. Too much, and you might lose people who don’t get the references.
You don’t want your lyric to turn into one big “in” joke.
Let the Melody Do Its Job
A universal message doesn’t just come from the words, your melody needs to invite people in. A hook they can hum helps the emotion hit home. If the melody feels honest and strong, listeners will want to sing it, even if they don’t catch every lyric.
Check Your Work
When you’re done, ask yourself: If someone far away heard this, what would they feel? They don’t need to know your hometown to understand wanting to leave it behind. They don’t need to sit on your porch to know the feeling of staying too long.
If the emotion comes through, you’re good.
Some Classic Examples
“Fast Car” — Tracy Chapman
A simple story about a car ride becomes a song about hope, struggle, and disappointment.
“Landslide” — Fleetwood Mac
Mountains in Colorado and changing seasons but really, it’s about time, aging, and letting go.
“Born to Run” — Bruce Springsteen
Dirty boardwalks, busted highways but it’s all about youth and the need to get out.
Don’t strip out the local details to make your song “universal.” Instead, use the local details to make the universal feeling feel real. That’s how a small story turns into a big connection.
So next time you write, don’t be afraid to name the street, the bar, the old car. Just make sure you know what feeling lives there, because that’s what travels.
