There’s something quietly powerful about a good song title. Like a book cover that makes you pause or a movie trailer that gives you the chills, a great title hints at a world waiting to be explored. It doesn’t give the whole story away, it just opens the door.
But here’s the thing: Most of us, myself included, tend to treat song titles as a finish line rather than a starting point. We land on something that “works,” shrug our shoulders, and move on. The title becomes a label, not a launchpad.
That’s why I was struck by a fantastic article over at Speed Songwriting called Song Title Rewriting.
It challenges the idea that your first title idea is your best, and instead encourages songwriters to approach titles the way a sculptor approaches raw stone, something to shape, refine, and chisel until it reveals its true form.
The Core Idea: Rewriting Is Part of the Craft
The article’s main point is refreshingly direct: your first title is usually not your best title.
More often than not, it’s a placeholder, something to help you move forward. But if you’re serious about your songwriting (and if you’re reading this, I reckon you are), then taking the time to rewrite your song title could be the difference between a track that disappears into the noise and one that grabs listeners by the collar.
Speed Songwriting lays out a practical process for rewriting your titles. It’s less about fancy wordplay and more about clarity, uniqueness, and emotional pull. Here’s a quick breakdown of the steps they suggest:
- Generate 10+ alternative titles based on your original idea. Don’t aim for perfection, just get them out.
- Mix up your approach: Try questions, statements, metaphors, contradictions, even misheard phrases.
- Say them out loud. Does it stick in your head? Does it feel like a song someone wants to hear?
- Ask yourself: Would I click on this if it were a YouTube video or playlist track? If not, why not?
The point is to stretch your creative muscles and step outside of the “first idea, best idea” trap. That initial spark might still be the one you go with, but not until you’ve tested its weight against the rest.
My Take: Song Titles Are Your Song’s Handshake
I’ve always believed that a good title is like a firm handshake. It tells the listener, “Here’s who I am, and here’s what I’ve got to say.” It’s the first impression that can invite curiosity, hint at the emotion inside, or make someone lean in just a little closer.
But titles also carry weight behind the scenes. They guide your lyric writing, set the tone for production, and often shape the entire emotional arc of the song. So why wouldn’t we give them the same care we give our verses and choruses?
Reading this article reminded me of the times I’ve rewritten entire songs just because a better title came to mind halfway through. It shifted everything, structure, melody, even the key. That’s the power a strong title can hold. It doesn’t just name the song.
Sometimes, it writes the song.
Ready to Rewrite?
If you’re currently working on a new track (or sitting on a pile of half-finished ideas), this article is your sign to revisit your song titles with fresh eyes. Don’t be afraid to pull them apart, remix them, and push past your first instincts.
Your next great song might be hiding behind a mediocre title that just needs a little polish.
You can read the full article here: Song Title Rewriting – Speed Songwriting
Go check it out, and let it nudge your creative process in a new direction. Trust me, it’s worth the read.
