How To Snatch A Song Title Out Of Thin Air
It’s important to train yourself in how to think of a song title; indeed, many good songwriters actually have difficulty writing a song without coming up with the title first! Experienced songwriters know that by choosing a title first, because of their training and songwriting experience, the song usually writes itself.
This is because a title reveals the angle or the flavor of what you intend to write about, and it becomes much easier to write your song with a laser-targeted idea or plot.
Therefore, once you have the name of the song in place, listen to the words of the title and start conjuring up images and options of what the song could be about.
For example, if you named your song something simple like, “I Think I Understand,” it could be a song about a lover who believes he or she understands the other doesn’t want them anymore, or it may be a song about finally understanding a big life’s lesson of some sort, etc. – possibilities are many!
Song titles are everywhere; the first thing you need to do is train yourself to listen for a great phrase or line from a variety of the following sources:
Television Shows and Movies
Many hit songs have been inspired from watching a television show and using phrases from their scripts – this is perfectly legit as long as you don’t swipe a few lines, obviously. Remember, what you’re looking for are phrases (between 2 to 6 words max).
The same goes for the watching movies, which is what I recommend highly. Here’s a simple one I heard the other day -”You Don’t Have To Do Anything” – sounds like a great title for a country song to me! Note this is a simple line we’ve probably heard a few times in our lives, but now, while you’re training your ears to pick out song titles, it sticks out at you for the first time!
Listening Intently To Conversation With Other People
You’ll find them either while you’re participating or just listening (try not to look like you’re eavesdropping). This is another great way to find song title gems; someone always says something that’ll cry to be part of a song!
Other Songs
These are also a great source for song titles; try to pick out words in the lines of the songs other than the actual titles themselves.
Books
They are a great resource – this should come easy to you if like to read novels especially, because the words tend to be more colorful.
Finally, make a list on a writing pad or database on your computer (I use a text file) every time you come up with a song title; this way, once you have a fairly long list, you can pick and choose a song title with ease.
The trick to training yourself to pick out song titles is to be in a dormant songwriting mode and be a good listener. For the first few times, don’t be afraid to shake someone’s hand, have a conversation with them, and in the back of your mind think; c’mon dude, I know you’re about to say something I can use as a song title! You’ll find one.
While watching TV or movies, sit there waiting for the darn title to pop out! It gets easier with practice.
