5 Steps To Building A Song Plot

There are some core elements of a song plot that you’ll need to know to help you build a compelling song plot. The great news is, we have five steps you can follow to build yours.

As a songwriter, creating compelling plots is expected. Plots with interesting twists or takes on life. But how do you start?

Well, you would buy Sheila Davis’s book The Songwriter’s Idea Book and follow her advice!

I’ve revised her grids over time, and added some of my own variations.

There are five core elements of a plot. We’ll use in a step-by-step sequence to start building a song plot.  We’ll highlight them, and give you a simple way to approach plot in your songs.

Lets start with making sure we have a core definition of “plot” – and not just the diabolical kind.

Definition Of A “Plot”

The following characteristics make up a plot:

• A series of events that make up a story
• Acts as the foundation on which the characters and setting are built
• Organizes information and events in a logical manner
• Creates anticipation, tension, resolution based on how the events relate to one another in this sequence

Sequence Of A Plot

• Introduction:  Establishes characters and settings and introduces the main problem
• Rising Action:  A series of events build up to the conflict
• Climax:  Main point of the plot and turning point of the story – highest emotional point
• Falling Action:  Results of events and character actions and the story winds down
• Conclusion/Resolve:  Everything is tied up in a bow – happy or tragic ending

Let’s Start Building A Song Plot

Step 1: Choose A Song Idea

This is an over-arching theme that creates the foundation of who your characters are, how they react to things, and the events that will occur in your story.

You can add some language to give it more precision later. For now, a general direction is all you need.

This is not an exhaustive list. It’s just meant to capture some of the more common themes you’ll run into in songs.

Themes
Wise Decision	Love/Passion	Heartbreak/Loss	Loss of Faith
Senseless Act/Action	Friendship	Kind/Thoughtful	Shame
Warmth/Compassion	Joy/Pleasure	Justice	Betrayal
Fun/Vitality	Fear	Hold In Confidence	Strength of Convictions
Injustice	Unwise Decision	Doubt	Pain of Loss
Remorse/Regret	Jealousy/Anger	Moment of Weakness	Crazy
Hurt	Murder	Faith In Something	Remember Past

To see a theme in action, check out this song breakdown: Eric Church “Talladega”

Step 2: Choose Your Point Of View

1st Person	2nd Person	3rd Person
I – We	You – You	He – She – They

Help: Point of View

Combine the below with your point of view to give your main character an identity:

Song Prompt: Speaker Character Options
Husband/Wife	Father/Mother	Teenager	Grandparent
Boyfriend/Girlfriend	Child/Baby	Parent	Other Relative
Friend/Neighbor	A Family	Enemy	Religious Figure
Confidant	Mentor	Mistress/Secret Lover	Lover

Step 3: Choose The Event Perspective Of The Speaker

Internal	External
Thinking/To Self	Talking/To Others

Combine the below with your perspective to create an emotional context for the song & conflict options:

Song Prompt: Emotional Baseline
Concerned/Truthful	Fair	Troublemaker	Acceptance
Apologetic/Sorry	Desire/Want	Strength/Self-reliance	Approval
Regret	Patience	Giving/Full of Heart	Hard Times
Opposites
Unconcerned/Liar	Unfair	Do-gooder	Denial/Rejection
Unapologetic	Lack of Desire/Unfeeling	Dependent	Disapproval
Hopes/Dreams	Impatient	Taking/Heartless	Good Times

Step 4: Choose A Point In Time For the Events

Present	Past	Future	Moving
Now – Here	Back Then – Ago	Someday – There	Between Any Of Them

Step 5: Choose The Place For The Story

None	Specific “Here”	Changing Place
If a thinking lyric in speaker’s head, may not have one!	Specific, identified place where  the plot is unfolding	May move from place to place depending on the song verses

Song Prompt: Place List
Home/Away	Vehicle	Park/Garden	Town/City
A Room	Restaurant/Bar/Club	Street/Road	Special Place To You