How to Start Writing a Song

How to Start Writing a Song: The Courage to Create

(Inspired by Jack Perricone’s Great Songwriting Techniques)

Starting to write a song is a genuine gift you give yourself. It’s an act of courage because it tests your creativity and your willpower. The most exciting part? The creative process often offers an emotional payoff greater than many other forms of artistic expression.

Shut Out the Outside World

To get into the right mindset for songwriting, take time to isolate yourself from the world. It may seem trivial, but turning off your phone and setting aside distractions is crucial for tuning in to your inner voice. Songwriting is an intense, personal act: it deserves protection from the external chaos.

Starting with a Title

One of the most straightforward ways to start writing a song is to choose a title. A title may simply serve as a mental “index,” but it can also be a powerful catalyst. What matters is how you develop that title. Remember that titles are not protected by copyright, so you can reuse even well-known ones, provided your approach is unique.

Example: “You Belong To Me” has been used by different generations of artists, each giving it a distinct spin: possessive, romantic, even jealous. Take inspiration from that to see how context and intention can shift the meaning of a few words.


Turning an Idea into a Song

Once you’ve chosen a title, jot down in prose what you want to convey (emotions, imagery, story). These initial lines don’t yet need to follow a specific meter or rhyme scheme. Later, you can adjust the rhythm and words to mesh with the music and make the song flow smoothly.