If you are stuck on music production or experiencing songwriter’s block, one way of breaking through can be to work backwards by starting from a theme and crafting a song from the outside in. Here are some insights into popular themes for songs to help get your creative juices flowing.
In the article “Popular Themes for Songs for Your Songwriting” by Chris Huff on the Disc Makers Blog, the essence of songwriting is explored through the lens of common thematic categories.
Drawing from a 2014 study by North Carolina State on American popular music, which identified 12 prevalent themes, the article serves as a guide for songwriters seeking inspiration. Here’s a detailed summary:
Key Themes for Songwriting
- Love and Heartbreak: This timeless theme spans the emotional spectrum from the euphoria of love to the depths of heartbreak, challenging songwriters to find new angles and personal narratives to stand out in a well-trodden genre.
- Personal Struggles and Triumphs: Songs that narrate overcoming adversity or facing personal battles resonate deeply, offering listeners narratives of resilience and victory.
- Social Commentary and Rebellion: Music has long been a medium for addressing societal issues, injustice, and rebellion, providing a voice for the marginalized and a platform for protest.
- Mental Health and Self-Discovery: Songwriting emerges as a therapeutic process, allowing artists to navigate and articulate their mental health struggles and journeys of self-discovery.
- The Art of Storytelling through Ordinary Experiences: By focusing on the storytelling aspect, songwriters can craft relatable narratives based on everyday experiences, making the ordinary extraordinary.
- Nature and the World Around Us: The natural world offers endless inspiration, urging songwriters to explore themes of beauty, environmental issues, and the human connection to the earth.
- Revisiting History through Music: Historical events provide rich material for songwriting, allowing artists to reinterpret and give voice to untold stories from the past.
- The Use of Fantasy in Songwriting: Fantasy and imagination open up vast worlds for songwriters, inviting them to create songs that transport listeners to other realms.
- Escapism and Dreamscapes: Abstract and surreal themes offer a departure from reality, encouraging songwriters to experiment with dream-like and fantastical imagery in their lyrics.
Crafting a Cohesive Album
The article also touches on the concept of creating a thematic album, where songs are unified by a common thread, enhancing the listening experience through cohesion and narrative depth.
This comprehensive guide not only offers a deep dive into the various themes that can inspire songwriting but also encourages songwriters to explore their unique perspectives and experiences to create resonant and meaningful music.
Source: Popular Themes for Songs for Your Songwriting | Disc Makers
