I Second That Emotion

To write a successful song you need to move the listener in some way emotionally. You need to make them laugh, cry, shout “Hell Yea” or think about the idea so it changes them in some way. Think about your favorite songs. Ask yourself why you like them and how they moved you emotionally. There is an answer there somewhere.

You can write “fun” songs about anything, but let’s talk about great songs, the ones that move you emotionally. If you are like me and love story songs which are usually but not always “Country” songs, I look for story ideas that move me in the idea alone, before it’s a song. One of my very favorite songs is “Independence Day” recorded by Martina McBride. This is a very moving story about a woman whose husband abused her so much that she finally blew the house up with him in it. Murder? Maybe, but the story is so moving and the title fits so well that when she sings the hook “Independence day” the listener is shouting “YEA YEA YEA” because the woman is vindicated and wins. That’s the kind of story that makes a great song.

Think of people you know that are full of stories. Your parents and/or their friends. Maybe old people were that were in the Army, Navy or outfit. I'll bet they could tell you lots of stories. Spend some time talking to there people. Talk to anyone and everyone you meet even those in line with you at McDonalds. Makd new friends and get to know as many people as you can.

When you are talking to people look for the emotion in their stories. The stories that make you laugh or cry are your best ideas for songs.