Exercise

Step 1: Identify your song’s story and main emotion. Write down in one sentence what your song is about and identify the main emotion you want to communicate.

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Step 2: Create your song plot. For each song section, write down in one sentence maximum what happens or what you want to communicate. Focus on the purpose of each section rather than writing the lyrics. This is a good source to find ten different song plots: https://speedsongwriting.com/10-song-plots/ (Speedsongwriting, 2023). ​

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Theory

A song plot is an outline of your song’s story. It helps you decide what information belongs in each song section and gives your lyrics a clear sense of direction. By creating a song plot before writing the lyrics, you can make sure that the different sections connect logically, avoid drifting away from the story, and communicate your message clearly to the listener.

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Sources

• Gomakemusic (2022) How To Write A Pop Song Songplot. Available at: https://gomakemusic.net/how-to-write-a-pop-song-song-plots/ (Accessed: 20 September 2025).

• Keith, G. (2021) The Plot Thickens: Focusing Your Songwriting Story Ideas. (Available at: https://successmusicstudio.com/the-plot-thickens-focusing-your-songwriting-story-ideas/ (Accessed: 20 September 2025).

• Speedsongwriting (2023) 10 Amazing Song Plots To Inspire Your Songwriting Right Now. Available at: https://speedsongwriting.com/10-song-plots/ (Accessed: 20 September 2025).

• Speedsongwriting (2023) Song Plots. Available at: https://speedsongwriting.com/song-plots/ (Accessed: 20 September 2025).

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