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