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Songwriting Prompt: Reach Out to a Listener

4748357966_3899e042c4_z by andrea.rose

Want to use your talents to help your listeners out with whatever’s going on in their lives?

Your own troubles–past or present–are key. This will involve exploring some uncomfortable territory, but we’ll immediately turn it into something positive. You may even find this process somewhat therapeutic.

The Low Five List

Set aside a few minutes to list the five worst moments of your life. I know, I know–this isn’t going to be pretty. Please do it anyway. It’s for a good cause, and it’s likely to make you feel better.

Once you’ve got your five worst life experiences down on paper, choose one to focus on. It may be a death, an abusive situation, getting fired, public embarrassment, a breakup… whatever once hurt or still hurts.

Now write a lyric as though you’re talking to somebody who’s in the middle of an equally desperate situation. You may offer advice, warnings, consolation, encouragement… anything you yourself needed to hear.

The goal doesn’t have to be fixing the problem. Most crises can’t be fixed in three verses. But perhaps you can offer a helpful perspective, compassionate encouragement, or general advice via a lyric.

One great side effect of this process is that it turns a negative memory into something positive and productive–and the responses you get may pleasantly surprise you.

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