I came up with this list as a tool for kick-starting the songwriting process. It was made by listening to a Beach Boys best of, a David Bowie best of, and my favourite couple of Beatles albums, and trying to reduce the concept of the lyric for each song down to a one word kernel (you’ll notice I didn’t always succeed with the one word thing). Each one is an abstract although hopefully emotive starting point from which to begin brainstorming lyrics.
Alienation
Being in love
Worry
Hope
Escape
Defiance
Fear
Fragility
Nostalgia
Paranoia
Helplessness
Fate
Wonder
Shock
Altered perspective
Fantasy
Seduction
Idolatry
Betrayal
Jealousy
Pride
Flirtation
Tragedy
Breaking the rules
Desperation
Need
Loss of control
Obstinancy
Feeling lost
Confusion
Being at a loss
Obsolescence
Commodification
Greed
Excess
Time
Ageing
Contempt
Loss
Conspiracy
Having the answer
Sexual politics
Rejoicing
Shame
Heartbreak
Melancholy
Toughness
Irony
Memory
Reminiscence
Desire
Gratitude
Protection
Loneliness
Joy
Giving
Universality
Be careful what you wish for
Dashed hope
Outrage
Searching
Submission
Devotion
Contentment
Showing off
Reassurance
Refuge
Lecherousness
Change
Communication
Excitement
Mystery
Danger
A journey
Regret
Growing up
Elation
