Music has a way of reaching us that nothing else can. A single lyric or melody can stir memories, spark emotions, and open creative pathways we never knew existed. For writers, songs can serve as a powerful storytelling fuel, brimming with imagery, emotion, and meaning. Today at What We Writing, we’re curating a collection of song prompts designed to help you tap into that musical magic. Whether you’re stuck in a creative rut or simply on the hunt for fresh ways to explore your characters or plots, these prompts will guide you to new ideas, all inspired by lyrics, melodies, and mood. Ready to write something unforgettable? Let’s dive in.
Why Music Is A Great Source Of Writing Inspiration
Music isn’t just background noise. It’s a powerful storytelling tool in its own right. The right song can whisk you to another place, unlock forgotten memories, or even mirror emotions you didn’t have words for until that very moment. That’s what makes music such rich, creative fuel for writers.
Lyrics often hint at untold stories: a heartbreak just beginning, an ominous farewell, or a defiant stand. When you listen closely, you’re not just hearing a tune; you’re uncovering characters, conflicts, and themes that evolve into fully-fledged narratives. That’s the magic of writing inspiration from music.
If you’ve ever heard a lyric and thought, “There’s a story there,” you’re already well on your way to your next great idea. These song prompts are designed to take that spark and turn it into something incredible.
How To Use These Song Prompts
There’s no right way to use song prompts – that’s the beauty of them. You can take a single lyric and let it guide a journal entry, inspire a short story, or even help you mould a new character’s emotional arc. Here are a few ways to make the most of these prompts:
- Journal it out: Use the prompt as a launching point for a personal reflection or emotional free-write.
- Write a short story: Imagine a scene or plot inspired by the mood, message, or mystery behind the lyric.
- Develop a character: Ask yourself who might say (or hear) this lyric. What are they going through?
- Try different forms: Use the prompt to write a poem, a piece of flash fiction, a song of your own, or even a dialogue exchange between characters.
You can listen to the song first to soak in the vibe and emotion, or just use the lyrics as a standalone spark. Regardless, these prompts are here to help you shake up your routine and unlock something new on the page.
The Song Prompts
Here’s your playlist of creativity: a collection of song prompts drawn from powerful lyrics, memorable lines, and emotional moments in music. Use them to explore themes of love, loss, freedom, identity, and everything in between.
Allow the words to guide you, or surprise you. Below, each prompt comes with a suggested use and a possible theme to help you shape your writing journey.
Prompt #1: “I still haven’t found what I’m looking for” – U2
The prompt: Write a story about a character on a relentless search for a place, a person, a feeling – even if they can’t fully name what it is.
Use it for: Themes of longing, inner restlessness, spiritual journey.
Prompt #2: “Somebody that I used to know” – Gotye
The prompt: Write a scene between two characters who were once close, but are now strangers. One wants closure, the other wants to forget.
Use it for: Past relationships, shifting identities, unresolved emotions.
Prompt #3: “Tell me, did you sail across the sun?” – Train
The prompt: A character returns from a mysterious journey and is asked impossible questions. Explore where they went, why they left, and what has changed.
Use it for: Magical realism, surreal journeys, post-adventure introspection.
Prompt #4: “This is me trying” – Taylor Swift
The prompt: Write from the perspective of someone trying to rebuild their life or reconnect with someone after a fall from grace.
Use it for: Redemption arcs, mental health narratives, quiet resilience.
Prompt #5: “Hello from the other side” – Adele
The prompt: A character attempts to contact someone they once hurt, but too much time has passed. Will they be forgiven? Or even heard?
Use it for: Regret, second chances, distance, one-sided closure.
Prompt #6: “Let it be” – The Beatles
The prompt: A character learns to stop fighting what they can’t control, but not without resistance.
Use it for: Acceptance, grief, inner peace.
Prompt #7: “You said forever, now I drive alone past your street” – Olivia Rodrigo
The prompt: A character revisits a place tied to someone who left. What memory haunts them the most?
Use it for: Heartbreak, memory loops, and obsession.
Prompt #8: “I’m friends with the monster that’s under my bed” – Rihanna ft. Eminem
The prompt: Write about a character who has learned to live with their fears… or potentially even depend upon them.
Use it for: Inner demons, fantasy, psychological twists.
Prompt #9: “You only miss the sun when it starts to snow” – Passenger
The prompt: A character takes something, or someone, for granted – until it’s too late.
Use it for: Regret, nostalgia, epiphany.
Prompt #10: “I’m not a girl, not yet a woman” – Britney Spears
The prompt: Capture the voice of a character stuck between identity, age, roles, or worlds.
Use it for: Coming-of-age, transitional moments, identity.
Prompt #11: “Is this real life? Is this just fantasy?” – Queen
The prompt: A character questions their reality after a bizarre event – what’s true, and what’s imagined?
Use it for: Surrealism, unreliable narration, and magical realism.
Prompt #12: “Every little thing is gonna be alright” – Bob Marley
The prompt: Write about someone holding onto hope in the darkest moment.
Use it for: Optimism, resilience, overcoming adversity.
Prompt #13: “We don’t need no education” – Pink Floyd
The prompt: A rebellious youth challenges the system that tries to control them.
Use it for: Coming-of-age, resistance, dystopia.
Prompt #14: “Say my name, say my name” – Destiny’s Child
The prompt: Someone feels invisible or unacknowledged, yet demands recognition.
Use it for: Identity, empowerment, and conflict.
Prompt #15: “Take me to church, I’ll worship like a dog at the shrine of your lies” – Hozier
The prompt: Write about worship, devotion, and the dark side of faith or obsession.
Use it for: Intense relationships, spiritual conflict, and addiction.
Prompt #16: “Dancing in the dark, with you between my arms” – Bruce Springsteen
The prompt: Capture a tender, electric moment shared between two people in an unexpected place.
Use it for: Romance, fleeting moments, emotional intensity.
Check Out The Best Romance Writing Prompts
Prompt #17: “I heard it through the grapevine” – Marvin Gaye
The prompt: A character uncovers a secret through rumour and must decide what to do.
Use it for: Suspense, gossip, moral decisions.
Prompt #18: “I’m walking on sunshine” – Katrina & The Waves
The prompt: A character experiences pure, unfiltered joy after hardship.
Use it for: Triumph, happiness, release.
Prompt #19: “You’re gonna hear me roar” – Katy Perry
The prompt: Write about a character finding their voice after silence or suppression.
Use it for: Empowerment, breakthrough, self-expression.
Prompt #20: “Don’t stop believin’” – Journey
The prompt: Someone clings to hope against all odds after a gruelling journey.
Use it for: Persistence, adventure, faith.
Prompt #21: “I’m a believer, I couldn’t leave her if I tried” – The Monkees
The prompt: A character unexpectedly falls hard for someone who changes their worldview.
Use it for: Love, transformation, surprise.
Prompt #22: “I’m gonna pop some tags” – Macklemore
The prompt: A character finds unexpected freedom in an impulsive, rebellious act.
Use it for: Youth, rebellion, breaking norms.
Prompt #23: “Sweet dreams are made of this” – Eurythmics
The prompt: A dream or desire takes a strange or unexpected turn.
Use it for: Surrealism, fantasy, dark twists.
Prompt #24: “You shook me all night long” – AC/DC
The prompt: A wild night changes everything for a character, in good or bad ways.
Use it for: Adventure, romance, chaos.
Bonus: Create Your Own Song Prompts
Want to stretch your creativity even further? Learning how to craft your own song prompts can unlock a whole new world of inspiration.
Begin by picking an emotionally charged lyric – something that moves you, makes you curious, or sparks a feeling. It could be a line that’s mysterious, joyful, sad, or full of tension.
Next, ask yourself questions such as:
- Who is saying this?
- What happened right before the lyric?
- What might happen next?
These questions help you build a story or character from just a few words.
Don’t forget to use the mood, rhythm, or genre of the song as a springboard too. For example, a haunting ballad may inspire a moody, introspective piece, whereas an upbeat pop track could kickstart something fun and fast-paced.
Creating your own song prompts is a powerful way to keep your writing fresh and personal – and, who knows, you may just discover stories no one else has told yet!
Wrap Up
Whether you’re stuck in a creative rut or just want to explore something new, these song prompts are your perfect playlist for inspiration. Music taps into deep emotion, vivid memory, and powerful storylines, all waiting to be transformed into your next journal entry, short story, or poem.
What song inspires you to write? Share with us your favourite lyric in the comments – we’d love to see what sparks your imagination!
James has been passionate about storytelling ever since he could hold a pen. Inspired by the epic fantasy and historical dramas he devoured in his youth, his work now centers on dark, psychological tales featuring intense, introspective characters and atmospheric, gothic undertones. In 2025, he founded What We Writing to share his creative journey and the lessons he’s learned along the way with fellow writers and passionate storytellers.
