15 Things to Write Songs About Besides Love!

When it comes to writing songs, a lot of people think that love is the only thing worth writing about. But what about all of the other things that life has to offer? There are so many things that you can write about, and love isn't one of them!

In this blog post, we will discuss 15 things that you can write songs about besides love. Are you ready to explore new territory?

1. Happiness

2. Memories

3. Sadness

4. Anger

5. Despair

6. Joy

7. Success

8. Hate

9. Loneliness

10. Contentment

11. Bitterness

12 Confusion

13 Fear

14 Triumph

15 Hope

Happiness

Happiness

Everyone has their own definition of happiness. For some, it might be spending time with loved ones, while others find joy in simple pleasures like a sunny day or a good cup of coffee.

No matter what brings you happiness, there's sure to be a song out there that captures that feeling.

Here are just a few ideas and writing prompts to get you started:

  • A song about finding happiness in the little things
  • A song about finally reaching your goals
  • A song about being in a happy place, mentally
  • A song about a childhood memory that always makes you smile

Memories

Memories

Good or bad, our memories shape who we are. They can be happy and nostalgic, or they can be painful reminders of things we wish we could forget.

Whether you want to write a song about a specific memory, or about the idea of memory in general, there are plenty of ways to approach the topic.

Here are a few ideas and writing prompts to get you started:

  • A song about a memory that you can't forget
  • A song about trying to forget a bad memory
  • A song about someone who has passed away and the memories you have of them
  • A song about how memories can be both good and bad

Sadness

Sadness

Sadness is a universal emotion that everyone experiences at some point in their lives.

While sadness can be difficult to deal with, it can also be cathartic to express those feelings through song.

Below are some ideas and writing prompts for songs about sadness:

  • A song about wanting to stay in bed all day and never face the world
  • A song about a relationship that ended and the feeling of loneliness that follows
  • A song about regretting something that was said or done
  • A song about missing someone who is no longer in your life
  • A song about feeling lost and not knowing where to turn

These are just a few of the many possibilities when it comes to writing a sad song. The important thing is to be honest and genuine in your lyrics, and allow yourself to feel the emotions that you're singing about.

Sadness can be painful, but it can also be healing. By channeling your sadness into a song, you may just find yourself feeling better in the end.

Anger

Anger

Anger is a powerful emotion, and one that can often be difficult to express. Music can be a great outlet for anger, allowing us to express our feelings in a healthy and creative way. If you're looking for some ideas for songs about anger, here are a few prompts to get you started.

One popular topic for songs about anger is betrayal. Whether it's a friend who has stabbed you in the back, or a lover who has been unfaithful, betrayal can leave us feeling hurt and enraged.

Songs about betrayal can be cathartic to write, and can help us to process our feelings and move on.

Another common source of anger is frustration. We all experience times when things don't go as planned, or when we feel like we're stuck in a rut. Frustration can quickly turn to anger, and writing a song about it can be a great way to release that pent-up frustration.

Whether you're angry at the world, or just feeling frustrated with your current situation, writing a song about it can be therapeutic.

Use these prompts as inspiration, and let your anger flow onto the page (or the screen).

Despair

Despair

Despair is a powerful emotion that can fuel some of the greatest songs ever written. Whether it's the pain of a break-up, the loss of a loved one, or the fear of failure, despair can be a source of great creativity.

If you're looking for some ideas for songs about despair, here are a few prompts to get you started:

  • A song about feeling lost and alone even when surrounded
  • A song about struggling to find hope after a tragedy
  • A song about being afraid to face the future
  • A song about feeling like you're not good enough
  • A song about feeling like the world is against you
  • A song about feeling like there's no way out

These are just a few ideas to get you started. If you're struggling to write a song about despair, try thinking about a time when you've felt that emotion most powerfully.

What were the circumstances?

What was going through your mind?

What did it feel like in your body?

Capturing those details in your lyrics can help to create an emotionally powerful song.

Joy

Joy

What is joy?

Is it the sound of laughter?

The warmth of a sunny day?

The simple pleasure of a good cup of coffee?

Or is it something deeper, something that comes from a place of peace and contentment?

No matter what joy means to you, there's no doubt that it's a feeling worth celebrating. And what better way to do that than through music?

Here are a few ideas and writing prompts to get you started on your journey to Joy:

  • Write about a time when you felt really happy and carefree. What were you doing? who were you with? What made the moment so special?
  • Think of something that always brings a smile to your face. It could be a memory, a person, or even a place. Now, write a song about that thing and how it makes you feel. 
  • What does happiness sound like? close your eyes and try to imagine the perfect song for a sunny day. What instruments would be playing? What kind of melody would it have? Would the lyrics be upbeat and positive?

Once you have an idea of what happiness sounds like to you, start writing your own joyful song.

Success

Success

Success is one of the most popular topics in songs. Many people can relate to striving for success and the feeling of accomplishment that comes with achieving it.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to writing a song about success. Here are a few ideas and prompts to get you started:

  • Write about what success means to you. What do you want to achieve? How will you know when you've succeeded?
  • Write about the hard work and dedication it takes to achieve success. What sacrifices have you made in pursuit of your goals?
  • Write about the feeling of finally achieving success after a long and difficult journey. What does it feel like to reach your goals?
  • Write about the setbacks and challenges you've faced on your way to success. What didn't go according to plan? How did you overcome those obstacles?

These are just a few ideas to get you started writing a song about success. There are no limits when it comes to creativity, so let your imagination run wild!

Hate

Hate

Well, you asked for things to write songs about besides love!

Here are some ideas for songs about hate:

  • The person who seems to always bring out the worst in you
  • How society tells you to conform
  • How people can be so close-minded
  • The bullies from your childhood or present day
  • That one person who just gets under your skin
  • How love can turn to hate
  • How some people are just plain evil
  • The things that make you mad on a daily basis

Songs and lyrics are very powerful, and while hate is not a topic that I particularly like to write about, I can understand why some people would want to use their music as a way of venting their frustrations.

If you do choose to write a song about hate, just be sure to channel that negative energy into something creative and positive!

Loneliness

Loneliness

Loneliness comes in all forms and does not just stem from a romantic relationship.

You can feel lonely when you move to a new city, when all your friends are busy, or even when you're surrounded by people.

Some other things that can contribute to loneliness are:

-The feeling of not belonging

-Not having anyone to confide in

-Having differences that make it hard to connect with others

– feeling like your voice doesn't matter or will never be heard

If you've ever felt lonely, then you know how it can be such a powerful emotion.

Writing about it can help you to process those feelings and hopefully provide some relief or solace to others who might be going through the same thing.

Contentment

10. Contentment

Contentment is feeling satisfied with what you have.

It's a feeling of happiness and peace, despite not having everything you want in life.

Some things that can contribute to feelings of contentment are:

  • Being grateful for what you have instead of dwelling
  • on what you don't haveFocusing on the positive things in your life
  • Choosing happiness instead of letting your circumstances dictate your moodRealizing that things can always be worse

Bitterness

Bitterness

Bitterness can be a powerful emotion. It can be born out of hurt, betrayal, or disappointment. It can be directed at someone who has wronged us, or it can be a general feeling towards the world.

Regardless of its source, bitterness can be a very difficult emotion to deal with.

It can overpower our positive emotions and cause us to act in ways we might not otherwise. However, it can also be a source of strength and resolve

Writing prompts:

  • A song about holding on to bitterness as a way of coping with pain
  • A song about how bitterness has made someone stronger
  • A song about trying to let go of bitterness
  • A song from the perspective of someone who has caused pain and resentment
  • A song about how bitterness can poison relationships

Confusion

Confusion

Confusion is a topic that can be explored in many different ways through song. It can be about feeling lost and unsure of yourself, or it can be about feeling overwhelmed by the choices and options before you.

  • A song about feeling like you're in over your head and don't know which way to turn. 
  • A song about feeling lost in your own life and not knowing who you are anymore. 
  • A song about two people who are confused about their feelings for each other. 
  • A song about a relationship that's full of confusing mixed signals. 
  • A song about a moment of intense confusion or frustration.

Fear

Fear

Everyone experiences fear at some point in their lives. Fear can be a useful emotion, helping us to avoid danger and stay alive. However, it can also be debilitating, preventing us from living our lives to the fullest.

Fear is a common theme in music, and many songwriters have found ways to express their own fears and anxieties through their songs.

If you're looking for some ideas for songs about fear, consider writing about a time when you were afraid, what caused that fear, and how you coped with it. Alternatively, you could write about a fear that is holding you back from doing something you really want to do.

Whatever approach you take, writing about fear can be a cathartic experience and may even help you to overcome your fears.

Triumph

Triumph

Triumph can mean different things to different people. It could be overcoming a difficult situation, reaching a goal, or simply feeling proud of oneself. No matter what it means to you, triumph is a powerful emotion that can make for great songwriting material. Here are a few ideas and writing prompts to get you started:

  • How does it feel to achieve something you've been working towards? Is it everything you thought it would be?
  • What is the best part about triumph? The sense of accomplishment? The relief of finally achieving something?
  • What does triumph mean to you on a personal level? What are some of the things you've triumphed over in your life?
  • What is the worst part about triumph? Is there such a thing? Or is it all positive?

These are just a few ideas to get you started writing songs about triumph. Use them as inspiration for your own songs, and see where your creativity takes you!

Hope

Hope

Hope is a powerful emotion. It can give us the strength to keep going when everything else seems insurmountable. And, in a world that often feels dark and full of despair, hope can be a beacon of light. For songwriters, hope is a rich source of inspiration. Here are a few ideas and prompts to get you started:

Think about a time when you were feeling lost or uncertain. What gave you hope in that situation? Was it something someone said to you? A memory or moment that you held onto? Write about that experience and what hope meant to you at that moment.

What does hope mean to you in general? What are some of the things that you hope for in life? Write a song about your hopes and dreams for the future.

Think about someone who has inspired you with their strength and resilience in the face of adversity. Write a song about their journey and how they never gave up hope, even in the darkest of times.

About Author

Arielle P

Arielle P

Songwriter | Music Producer | Engineer.

With a background in music production and a strong passion for education, Arielle is dedicated to helping emerging artists navigate the music industry. She has worked with a diverse range of artists, from indie rock bands to well-known hip-hop and grime artists. Arielle's unique approach to teaching focuses on empowering artists to take control of their brand, ensuring they retain creative ownership throughout their journey. In her free time, she enjoys experimenting with new sounds in her home studio and sharing her insights through music production tutorials and workshops.

📧 Email Arielle