Cliche phrases can be a great song prompt starter. Whether you’re using in a song, or as your hook line, they can help you create interesting new songs that challenge you to come up with new song ideas.
The trick is to give it a twist by changing a word, using it in a way in a line, or taking a new perspective on the cliche by framing it in a unique way.
We’ll give you a list of cliches so you can write a song today (or at least get an idea in your notebook), and give you examples of cliches done well.
What’s A Cliche?
According to Dictionary.com, a cliche is a trite, stereotyped expression; a sentence or phrase, usually expressing a popular common thought or idea, that has lost originality, ingenuity, and impact by long overuse. E.g., older but wiser, strong as an ox.
Let’s have a go at using a cliche phrase to develop a song!
I’ll start you off with some phrases to choose from, and then give you a couple of examples of cliche’s done well in songs.
Pick A Cliche
| It’s water under the bridge | In the nick of time |
| Only time will tell | Not a care in the world |
| Fall head over heals | Brave as a lion |
| As old as the hills | A diamond in the rough |
| Fit as a fiddle | Without a care in the world |
| It’s only a matter of time | Laughter is the best medicine |
| At the speed of light | The calm before the storm |
| I love you more than life itself | They all lived happily ever after |
| Cat got your song? | The time of my life |
| What goes around comes around | The writing’s on the wall |
| Sent a shiver down my spine | Take it with a grain of salt |
| Opposites attract | No harm, no foul |
| Live and let die | All’s fair in love and war |
| Time heals all wounds | Haste makes waste |
| All’s well that ends well | Take it with a grain of salt |
| Every cloud has a silver lining | I wasn’t born yesterday |
| Woke up on the wrong side of the bed | That and a quarter will get you a cup of coffee |
| When life gives you lemons, make lemonade | We’re not laughing at you, we’re laughing with you |
Cliche Phrases Done Well
Charlie Puth “Look At Me Now”
If you just read the lyrics, it sounds a bit bitter, but the music completely offsets the tone! If you’re a country music fan, think Toby Keith’s “How Do You Like Me Now”. Keith’s song also uses takes an angry, bitter cliche phrase and turns it into a celebration song.
Adele “Water Under The Bridge”:
Uses a cliche as the central song idea and builds the verses around it.
Brad Paisley “Remind Me”
This cliche can be taken one of two ways, which is used to the fullest in this song.
Bonnie Raitt “Nick of Time”
Uses a cliche (also the title) only in the last version of the chorus to wrap up the story and message of the song.
Luke Combs “Houston, We Got A Problem”
The songwriters take an historic phrase used for the hook and turn it into a love song.
Now go out and find one to write!