There are many approaches to getting ideas for songs. Below are some that I use and recommend. The basic idea, in almost all of these approaches, is the free capture of ideas rather than starting by writing verses. Figure out what you’re going to say first, then use the structure of a song to express it. 

What I look for are ideas that trigger an emotional response in me. That could explain why there are so many love songs out there. If you’re not moved by your songs, how can you expect anyone else to be? Find something that stirs you and your soul.

Note taking

 – Carry a note pad or small recorder with you at all times. In the movie Michael, one character carries around a notebook and throughout the movie jots down lines. Eventually she writes a great song. Other folks I know carry a little recorder to capture a tune or idea when ever it occurs.

Daily practices

-         Journaling – Any process where you routinely write down your thoughts. It’s best if you have a set frequency.

-         Morning or evening pages. A large number of people are sold on Julie Cameron’s ideas that are expressed in her book, The Artist’s Way. The basic concept is that you write exactly three pages right after you wake up every day. You don’t critique or worry about form, just get it down. Often ideas emerge during your writing.

-         Mediation or other activities that clear your mind. For me physical activity is mediation. I come up with lot of ideas while swimming or hiking.

-         Morning playing – When I first wake up in the morning, I pick up the guitar and try a new melody. I get a lot of good melodies before that first cup of coffee.

Just in time practices

-         Object writing – Pick an object and then write for a time period (i.e. 5 minutes) about that object. Capture memories, smells, actions, etc. Read what you've written and circle lines or phrases for use in a song.

-         Scrambled eggs – Same concept, just write fast and furious about a topic, idea or line.

-         Just sing – Find a melody or chord changes and just sing whatever comes into your mind. Go for as long as you can and don’t worry if it makes sense. Don’t worry if the melody changes. Later on, judge which melody you like best. I often record my session (when I’m not self conscious) and go back later to mine for words.

My process

-         For me typically something will stir me (an event, a good line, a TV show…).

-         Then I sit down and write furiously. If a verse emerges, I put it on the side of the paper and keep going.

-         When I feel I have exhausted the subject, then I pick up my guitar.

-         When I get stuck, I stop playing and write again.

 Check out my songs