Journal prompt: Song lyrics

I love music. I can’t drive anywhere without my music in the car, I can’t clean the house without music, and I don’t feel like myself if I go for 24 hours without listening to some kind of music.

I’m very careful about the music I choose to listen to – I only listen to that which uplifts or inspires me. I avoid songs that have unpleasant themes or are related to sad memories. I avoid music that I find too loud, offensive, or just plain devoid of meaning.

I’m not a snob, I’m just a sensitive and emotional person who likes to listen to music with meaning.

Lyrics are of great importance to me. I guess as an English teacher I tend to read into language and meanings more than most.

So often I will be listening to a song and a particular song lyric will stand out to me and get me thinking. I thought this could make a great journal prompt.

>>> Prompt:

Either choose a song you love, or choose lyrics you especially love, or just keep an ear out next time you are listening to music.

Take the line or verse that most stands out to you. Write it in your journal.

Then, write whatever comes to mind. Use the lyrics to spark your imagination, or inspiration, or to dig deeper with your own feelings and thoughts. There is no right or wrong answer. Write as long as you feel like it.

If it’s from a song you really love, consider what it is that really speaks to you about the lyric. Or if it’s something you’ve just picked up today, think about why it has caught your attention at this time.

The great thing about music is that there is so much you will never run out of inspiration!

Some of my favourite lyrics and musicians that have inspired me:

• ‘Sometimes I hear my voice and it’s been here, silent all these years’ – Silent all These Years – Tori Amos
• ‘You must pick a side. Will you choose fear, will you choose love?’ – Flavor – Tori Amos
• ‘Because you never know where life is gonna take you and you can’t change where you’ve been, but today I have the opportunity to choose’ – I Choose – India Arie
• ‘I heard a voice that told me I’m essential, that all my fears are limiting my potential’ – Just Do You – India Arie (so many of her songs have great lyrics for this!)
• ‘People find where they belong, or keep on’ – The Wolves and The Ravens – Rogue Valley
• ‘Finding out wherever there is comfort there is pain’ – Four Seasons in One Day – Crowded House