Thinking out loud to get a song started is a great way to remove yourself from your normal approach.
For example, if you always write in first person, writing in third person will give you a different perspective.
Thinking out loud is also a great way to take a current song you’re stuck on and give it a fresh start!
How To Use The Prompt
Take fifteen minutes to “free style” on the song prompt topic.
We’ve also provided a chord progression to get you started.
If you haven’t done this before, we’ve provided a step-by-step to help you use the prompts in the creation of a song.
Song Prompt: Thinking Out Loud
- Write a song in third person (“he/she/it”) in which the main character is thinking out loud. the story takes place over a period of time, and the scene is a specific place.
- Who is the main character that’s “thinking out loud”?
- Why are they talking to themselves out loud anyway?
- Is the conversation directed more at someone else, or themselves?
- If someone else, who?
- Is the place warm, cold, a vacation spot, a quiet place? Be sure to describe it in detail!
Blues Chord Progression: Key = G I-IV-V G-C-D
For the heck of it, throw in an Am to Em to G climb somewhere!
What’s Next?
Step 1: write for 15 minutes on one of the items (or similar) above
Step 2: create a song idea from the above
Step 3: use the chord progression to write around
Step 4: use a song you like to write a ghost song off of if you’re having difficulty with a melody line
