#23 - Finding Topics to Write about by Looking at Universal Human Values

Lyric Mastery - Storytelling in Songwriting

#Music #Melanie - Certified Story Grid Editor #Songwriting #Storytelling #Lyrics #Write Your Own Story #Musicians #Fan #Write Songs #Toplining

57:50

Alex (@alex_kamenca) and Carley (@carleymitus) are both members of our Action Academy Community that purchased TWO small businesses last thursday! Want To Quit Your Job In The Next 6-18 Months Through Buying Commercial Real Estate & Small Businesses? 👔🏝️ Schedule A Free 15 Minute Coaching Call With Our Team Here To Get "Unstuck" Want to know which investment strategy is best for you? Take our Free Asset-Selection Quiz Check Out Our Bestselling Book : From Passive To Passionate : How To Quit Your Job - Grow Your Wealth - And Turn Your Passions Into Profits Want A Free $100k+ Side Hustle Guide ? Follow Me As I Travel & Build: IG @brianluebben ActionAcademy.com…

3 years ago 23:52

MP3•Episode home

#023 - Not in the mood to write another song about love? Get inspired by other great topics to write about.
Let me ask you this:

Have you ever wondered if there’s anything other than writing a love song?

It seems every second song seems to be about love. So there’s a huge demand for love stories.

But still, can’t we write about something else for once?

But what else is there?

How can we define some other options of things to write about?
Where do we start? How can we come up with interesting ideas that really interest people?
Are there some overall possibilities we could use, like some overall categories that can inspire us to know what to write about?

Today’s bite-sized episode will give you the answer, and I’ll include song examples that help you see each of those different topic versions applied.
Episode Overview:

[00:01:28] Recap of Crucial Components of Storytelling

[00:03:00] Universal Human Values in Stories

[00:06:08] Love Spectrum

[00:07:18] Life and Death Spectrum

[00:11:13] Story Example: Gladiator

[00:13:56] Crucial Components in a Love Story

[00:16:47] Lyric topic ideas by looking at different Story Content Genres

[00:18:03] Action

[00:18:35] Crime

[00:19:20] Horror

[00:19:51] War

[00:20:24] Thriller

[00:20:57] Western

[00:21:07] Society

[00:21:30] Performance

[00:21:56] Summary of what we’ve learned about external content genres and universal human values

Visit ⁠⁠lyricmastery.com⁠⁠ for everything on storytelling in songwriting.

66 episodes

#23 - Finding Topics to Write about by Looking at Universal Human Values

Lyric Mastery - Storytelling in Songwriting

published 3 years ago

MP3•Episode home

#023 - Not in the mood to write another song about love? Get inspired by other great topics to write about.
Let me ask you this:

Have you ever wondered if there’s anything other than writing a love song?

It seems every second song seems to be about love. So there’s a huge demand for love stories.

But still, can’t we write about something else for once?

But what else is there?

How can we define some other options of things to write about?
Where do we start? How can we come up with interesting ideas that really interest people?
Are there some overall possibilities we could use, like some overall categories that can inspire us to know what to write about?

Today’s bite-sized episode will give you the answer, and I’ll include song examples that help you see each of those different topic versions applied.
Episode Overview:

[00:01:28] Recap of Crucial Components of Storytelling

[00:03:00] Universal Human Values in Stories

[00:06:08] Love Spectrum

[00:07:18] Life and Death Spectrum

[00:11:13] Story Example: Gladiator

[00:13:56] Crucial Components in a Love Story

[00:16:47] Lyric topic ideas by looking at different Story Content Genres

[00:18:03] Action

[00:18:35] Crime

[00:19:20] Horror

[00:19:51] War

[00:20:24] Thriller

[00:20:57] Western

[00:21:07] Society

[00:21:30] Performance

[00:21:56] Summary of what we’ve learned about external content genres and universal human values

Visit ⁠⁠lyricmastery.com⁠⁠ for everything on storytelling in songwriting.

66 episodes

#Music #Melanie - Certified Story Grid Editor #Songwriting #Storytelling #Lyrics #Write Your Own Story #Musicians #Fan #Write Songs #Toplining

All episodes

1
#66 How to Write A PRO- or ANTI WAR song 18:15

25 weeks ago18:15

18:15

✅ Tell Powerful Stories in Your Song Lyrics: https://www.lyricmastery.com/start --------------------------- Ready to write a song that hits hard and sticks with your listeners? In this video, we're diving into what it takes to create a pro- or anti-war song that really connects. We'll cover everything from the raw emotions war stirs up—sacrifice, hope, devastation—to the key message that makes your lyrics meaningful. I’ll share prompts for those powerful moments you can write about, like the intensity of battle or quiet moments of reflection. And we’ll go over the must-haves that will make your song abou this topic unforgettable. ⚡Grab the CHEATSHEET on writing songs about war: https://www.lyricmastery.com/war-songs-cheatsheet --------------------------- If you’re new to my channel, my name is Melanie Naumann. I’m the creator of LyricMastery.com. It’s the place where you can master the craft of storytelling in songwriting and discover how to craft your lyric's content. I've been a story editor since 2015, and a Story Grid Certified Editor since 2019. ► Don’t forget to like 👍, comment 👇, and subscribe 👆 if you want more in-depth breakdowns like this one!…

1
#65 How To Write A Chorus - Lyrics For An Empowering Song 16:23

26 weeks ago16:23

16:23

Michael Jackson knew the secret. A song can have incredible power over the audience. You’ve seen it—when the crowd sings along, especially during the chorus, something magical happens. ⚡Grab your CHECKLIST on Storytelling in Songwriting https://www.lyricmastery.com/storytelling-checklist ►Want to WRITE songs that tell a story? Go here: https://www.lyricmastery.com ►Online Course on Storytelling in Songwriting. Go here: https://www.lyricmastery.com/start According to Jackson, it’s more than just words. When people sing a chorus over and over, they enter the alpha state—where the subconscious mind kicks in. They start to internalize the lyrics, and in a way, become what they’re saying. But here's the exciting part: you can create that kind of power in your own songwriting! In this video, I’ll show you five powerful ways to write a chorus that doesn’t just sound good but actually empowers people. We’re talking about choruses that can impact your audience on a deep level, maybe even change how they see themselves or the world. And here’s the kicker—these five methods increase in power, depending on the level of impact you want to create. So, stick around, because we’re going to break down all five and get you writing choruses that really resonate! If you’re new to my channel, my name is Melanie Naumann. I’m the creator of LyricMastery.com. It’s the place where you can master the craft of storytelling in songwriting and discover how to craft your lyric's content. I've been a story editor since 2015, and a Story Grid Certified Editor since 2019. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe if you want more in-depth storytelling breakdowns like this one! 👇 Let me know in the comments: What’s your favorite empowering chorus?…

1
#64 Unpacking the Magic of "Nothing is Over" by Sunrise Avenue: A Powerful Love Story in Song 26:29

27 weeks ago26:29

26:29

✅ Tell Powerful Stories in Your Song Lyrics: https://www.lyricmastery.com/start --------------------------- Let's look at the lyrics of Sunrise Avenue’s "Nothing is Over" and discuss why it’s such a powerful song. We’ll see how the first and last lines tell a story about a struggling relationship that still holds on with strong emotions and relatable words. We’ll break down the simple but powerful language and how it helps tell a deep love story full of hope and strength. ⚡Get the Lyric Blueprint: https://www.lyricmastery.com/lyricblueprint-014 --------------------------- If you’re new to my channel, my name is Melanie Naumann. I’m the creator of LyricMastery.com. It’s the place where you can master the craft of storytelling in songwriting and discover how to craft your lyric's content. I've been a story editor since 2015, and a Story Grid Certified Editor since 2019. Given this is a YT channel, and anyone can claim anything, here's the link to my Story Grid Editor Profile: https://storygrid.com/editors/melanie-naumann/ ► Don’t forget to like 👍, comment 👇, and subscribe 👆 if you want more in-depth breakdowns like this one!…

1
#63 Taylor Swift's Storytelling and Songwriting Explored 26:06

29 weeks ago26:06

26:06

Is storytelling truly the thing that sets Taylor Swift apart from every other music artist? In this video, I analyze Taylor Swift’s storytelling craft by examining her 11 studio albums and over 160 songs. Using 75 different storytelling criteria, I’ll break down where she excels, where she surprisingly needs to improve, and what her special sauce is that makes her who she is. As a Story Grid Certified Editor, I’ve dissected her entire discography to uncover the truth behind her storytelling techniques. If you’re a songwriter or just a fan of Taylor’s music, you’ll get a detailed breakdown of her best practices and learn how to apply them to your own craft. And if you’ve ever wondered how Taylor’s songwriting has evolved over the years, we’ll explore that, too. Stick around to find out: Is Taylor Swift as good of a storyteller as we all think she is? ⚡Grab the list of how TAYLOR SWIFT included the place in her song lyrics https://www.lyricmastery.com/taylorswift-where If you’re new to my channel, my name is Melanie Naumann. I’m the creator of LyricMastery.com. It’s the place where you can master the craft of storytelling in songwriting and discover how to craft your lyric's content. I've been a story editor since 2015, and a Story Grid Certified Editor since 2019. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe if you want more in-depth storytelling breakdowns like this one! 👇 Let me know in the comments: What’s your favorite Taylor Swift song, and do you think she’s a great storyteller? ⚡Grab your CHECKLIST on Storytelling in Songwriting https://www.lyricmastery.com/storytelling-checklist ►Want to WRITE songs that tell a story? Go here: https://www.lyricmastery.com ►Online Course on Storytelling in Songwriting. Go here: https://www.lyricmastery.com/start ► Subscribe to see a new video each week, and a breakdown of the 5 key story moments in a popular song each day.…

1
#62 Lyric Breakdown of a Crime Story - The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia 31:13

30 weeks ago31:13

31:13

In this video, we dive deep into Vicki Lawrence's classic hit, breaking down its gripping story of betrayal, murder, and shocking twists. ⚡Get the Lyric Blueprint: https://www.lyricmastery.com/lyricblueprint-011 We'll cover everything from how the song begins and introduces its characters, to the hidden layers within the lyrics. Why are names important? What’s the impact of the narrator's relationship to the main character? And how does the song masterfully mislead the listener with its chorus? With key story moments dissected—from foreshadowing to a jaw-dropping climax—you'll see why this track’s storytelling is still unmatched. We’ll also explore the song’s clever use of an unreliable narrator and how it delivers a surprising yet inevitable ending. 💡 What you'll learn: Using Red Herrings: Learn how to craft misleading clues in your story, like the song’s chorus, to keep your audience guessing until the very end—creating a more engaging, suspenseful experience. Telling a Gripping Story: Discover techniques for weaving character relationships and narrative tension into your storytelling—making your audience emotionally invested and eager for the resolution. Masterful Setup for a Payoff: Understand how to foreshadow and build towards an unexpected yet inevitable conclusion—leaving your audience satisfied with a clever, memorable twist. If you’re new to my channel, my name is Melanie Naumanni. I’m the creator of LyricMastery.com. It’s the place where you can master the craft of storytelling in songwriting and discover how to craft your lyric's content. I've been a story editor since 2015, and a Story Grid Certified Editor since 2019. Leave your thoughts and questions in the comments below – I love hearing from you and I will read / reply to every comment. ⚡Grab your CHECKLIST on Storytelling in Songwriting https://www.lyricmastery.com/storytelling-checklist ►Want to WRITE songs that tell a story? Go here: https://www.lyricmastery.com ►Online Course on Storytelling in Songwriting. Go here: https://www.lyricmastery.com/start Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:48 Song's Beginning, 03:18 Naming Characters in a Song 04:21 Establishing Relationship between characters 05:36 Narrative Distance 06:36 Key Story Moment 1 - Inciting Interaction and Progressive Complication 08:30 Using the Chorus as a Red Herring to Mislead the Audience 09:48 Foreshadowing the ending 10:22 3rd Verse, Resolution Andy's story 12:33 Revealing the relationship between Main Character and the Narrator 13:32 Progressive Complication as an Affordance 15:19 Prepring for the story's climax 18:28 Key Story Moment 2 - The Turning Point 19:28 Key Story Moment 3 - The Crisis 20:58 Key Story Moment 4 - The Climax 21:27 Key Story Moment 5 - The Resolution 23:01 Should a heroic choice lead to a bad outcome? 25:31 How to deliver a surprising but inevitable payoff 28:27 Using an unreliable narrator 29:48 How great is that song…

1
#61 - 3 Ways to Include the Location in the Lyrics 19:50

31 weeks ago19:50

19:50

Discover the 3 powerful ways to express the setting in your lyrics. Whether you want to hint at a place or make it central to your song’s story, I'll show you how to weave the setting into your song in a way that truly resonates. 💡 What you'll learn: - the only three ways to express the place in your song lyrics - lots of examples to see what option might be best for the song you're working on - why including the place can make your song so much stronger ⚡Grab the list of how TAYLOR SWIFT included the place in her song lyrics https://www.lyricmastery.com/taylorswift-where If you’re new to my channel, my name is Melanie Naumann. I’m the creator of LyricMastery.com. It’s the place where you can master the craft of storytelling in songwriting and discover how to craft your lyric's content. I've been a story editor since 2015, and a Story Grid Certified Editor since 2019. Leave your thoughts and questions in the comments below – I love hearing from you and I will read / reply to every comment. ⚡Grab your CHECKLIST on Storytelling in Songwriting https://www.lyricmastery.com/storytelling-checklist ►Want to WRITE songs that tell a story? Go here: https://www.lyricmastery.com ►Online Course on Storytelling in Songwriting. Go here: https://www.lyricmastery.com/start…

1
#60 How To Write A Song Based On A Story (Key Story Moments) 16:20

32 weeks ago16:20

16:20

Discover the five key story moments that allow you to hit every mark when telling a story - whether it's in your novel, your screenplay, or your song. In this video, we explore the 5 key moments for a cautionary and a prescriptive tale. Spoiler: They are the same, but there's one significant difference. And I show you in the video what that is. 💡 What you'll learn: - the powerful progression of a story that works so that you can tell a story that will keep your audience engaged - the progression of a prescriptive and a cautionary story - where to begin your story, where to end it, and what to put in the middle so that you are never lost and know exactly what to focus on If you’re new to my channel, my name is Melanie Naumanni. I’m the creator of LyricMastery.com. It’s the place where you can master the craft of storytelling in songwriting and discover how to craft your lyric's content. I've been a story editor since 2015, and a Story Grid Certified Editor since 2019. Leave your thoughts and questions in the comments below – I love hearing from you and I will read / reply to every comment. ⚡Grab your CHECKLIST on Storytelling in Songwriting https://www.lyricmastery.com/storytelling-checklist ►Want to WRITE songs that tell a story? Go here: https://www.lyricmastery.com ►Online Course on Storytelling in Songwriting. Go here: https://www.lyricmastery.com/start ► Subscribe to see a new video each week, and a breakdown of the 5 key story moments in a popular song each day.…

1
#59 - Quick Guide to Storytelling in Songwriting 10:52

33 weeks ago10:52

10:52

Do you want to write a song that tells a story, and you'd love to have a list of all the components that go into a working story? In this video, you will get a step-by-step list on how you can tell a story in a song. It's a five-step process that will allow you to outline your song, but also analyze the narrative structure of the songs you love. 💡 What you'll learn: - the V.E.R.S.E. framework to outline your song lyrics so you know what you can put in the chorus and in the verses - the five essential elements to include and the 5 key story moments to make for a strong narrative - what questions you need to ask yourself about your story's setting to make it feel real - how to bring it all together into a coherent outline If you’re new to my channel, my name is Melanie Naumanni. I’m the creator of LyricMastery.com. It’s the place where you can master the craft of storytelling in songwriting and discover how to craft your lyric's content. I've been a story editor since 2015, and a Story Grid Certified Editor since 2019. Leave your thoughts and questions in the comments below – I love hearing from you and I will read / reply to every comment. ⚡Grab your CHECKLIST on Storytelling in Songwriting https://www.lyricmastery.com/storytelling-checklist ►Want to WRITE songs that tell a story? Go here: https://www.lyricmastery.com ►Online Course on Storytelling in Songwriting. Go here: https://www.lyricmastery.com/start…

1
#58 - The Only 3 Ways To Include The PLACE In Your Song Lyrics 28:10

33 weeks ago28:10

28:10

If I tell you there are only three ways to include the place in your song lyrics, which one will you choose? In this video, you will discover how to answer the question of "Where does it happen?" in your song lyrics and how the answer can contribute to your song! It's all about creating the setting so the characters in the song do not float in an empty space. 💡 What you'll learn: - the only three ways to include the place in your song lyrics - lots of examples to see what option might be best for the song you're working on - why including the place can make your song so much stronger If you’re new to my channel , my name is Melanie Naumanni. I’m the creator of LyricMastery.com. It’s the place where you can master the craft of storytelling in songwriting and discover how to craft your lyric's content. I've been a story editor since 2015, and a Story Grid Certified Editor since 2019. Leave your thoughts and questions in the comments below – I love hearing from you and I will read / reply to every comment. ⚡Grab your CHECKLIST on Storytelling in Songwriting https://www.lyricmastery.com/storytelling-checklist ►Want to WRITE songs that tell a story? Go here: https://www.lyricmastery.com ►Online Course on Storytelling in Songwriting. Go here: https://www.lyricmastery.com/start…

1
#57 - Why Is "I'm Just Ken" So Good? 9:24

34 weeks ago9:24

9:24

"I'm Just Ken" has won the Critics Choice Awards for Best Song. And Ryan Gosling couldn't believe it! In this video, you discover what made the song so good that it won. This is a masterclass in how to write song lyrics about a specific person while making it relatable, keeping the audience engaged, and delivering a meaningful takeaway. ► Want to WRITE songs that tell a story? Go here: https://www.lyricmastery.com ► Online Course on Storytelling in Songwriting. Go here: https://www.lyricmastery.com/start If you’re new to my channel, my name is Melanie Naumanni. I’m the creator of LyricMastery.com. It’s the place where you can master the craft of storytelling in songwriting and discover how to craft your lyric's content. I've been a story editor since 2015, and a Story Grid Certified Editor since 2019. Given this is a YT channel, and anyone can claim anything, here's the link to my Story Grid Editor Profile: https://storygrid.com/editors/melanie-naumann/ Leave your thoughts and questions in the comments below – I love hearing from you and I will read / reply to every comment. This video contains copyrighted material under the fair use doctrine for purposes such as criticism, commentary, and educational use. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:48 Part 1: Relatability 01:44 Powerful Problem 02:12 Funnel 03:15 The Pendulum 03:43 Part 2: The Interest Problem 05:01 The Story 07:06 Part 3: The Mantra…

1
#56 - Best Song Topics To Write About (That People Love To Listen To) 28:28

35 weeks ago28:28

28:28

If I tell you, there are only six global topics of what your song can be about, would you like to see them? So no more wondering about what to write about, but getting a clear direction right from the start. 💡 What you'll learn: - the six global categories that promise universal appeal - see lots of song examples to get inspired - how to discover what topic/theme resonates the most with you If you’re new to my channel , my name is Melanie Naumanni. I’m the creator of LyricMastery.com. It’s the place where you can master the craft of storytelling in songwriting and discover how to craft your lyric's content. I've been a story editor since 2015, and a Story Grid Certified Editor since 2019. Leave your thoughts and questions in the comments below – I love hearing from you and I will read / reply to every comment. ⚡Grab your CHEATSHEET on Writing a Song's First Line using the Powerful Problem https://www.lyricmastery.com/first-line-powerful-problem ►Want to WRITE songs that tell a story? Go here: https://www.lyricmastery.com ►Online Course on Storytelling in Songwriting. Go here: https://www.lyricmastery.com/start ► Subscribe to listen to a new episode each week.…

1
#55 - How To Write The Beginning Of A Song So You Can Hook Your Audience (+Examples) 17:16

35 weeks ago17:16

17:16

No idea how you can start your song's first line? Discover how you can write a captivating start that will instantly hook your audience! 💡 What you'll learn: - the best way to create an emotional connection - how to write your song's first line as an intriguing hook - see lots of examples and techniques of this one powerful opening line device If you’re new to my channel , my name is Melanie Naumanni. I’m the creator of LyricMastery.com. It’s the place where you can master the craft of storytelling in songwriting and discover how to craft your lyric's content. I've been a story editor since 2015, and a Story Grid Certified Editor since 2019. Leave your thoughts and questions in the comments below – I love hearing from you and I will read / reply to every comment. ⚡Grab your CHEATSHEET on Writing a Song's First Line using the Powerful Problem https://www.lyricmastery.com/first-line-powerful-problem ►Want to WRITE songs that tell a story? Go here: https://www.lyricmastery.com ►Online Course on Storytelling in Songwriting. Go here: https://www.lyricmastery.com/start ► Subscribe to listen to a new episode each week.…

1
#54 - Your Song Has To Go Somewhere - Meaning Explained 26:56

36 weeks ago26:56

26:56

Have you ever been told the popular songwriting advice of "Your Song Has To Go Somewhere?", but you didn't know how to pull it off? Discover what it means and how you can apply it in this episode. 💡 What you'll learn: - Know where to start and where to end - Creating coherence in your lyrics - the two most important questions to ask yourself before you start writing - The two kinds of story (+song examples) If you’re new to my channel , my name is Melanie Naumanni. I’m the creator of LyricMastery.com. It’s the place where you can master the craft of storytelling in songwriting and discover how to craft your lyric's content. I've been a story editor since 2015, and a Story Grid Certified Editor since 2019. Leave your thoughts and questions in the comments below – I love hearing from you and I will read / reply to every comment. ⚡Grab your CHECKLIST on Storytelling in Songwriting https://www.lyricmastery.com/storytelling-checklist ►Want to WRITE songs that tell a story? Go here: https://www.lyricmastery.com ►Online Course on Storytelling in Songwriting. Go here: https://www.lyricmastery.com/start ► Subscribe to listen to a new episode each week.…

1
#53 - How To Write A Song That Tells A Story 54:40

37 weeks ago54:40

54:40

Unlock the secrets to storytelling in songwriting by knowing the exact moments that go into every story. In this episode on "How To Tell A Story In Song Lyrics," I show you how you can write song lyrics that tell a story that works so that you can hook, engage, and impact your audience. I will explain the concept of Narrative Songwriting in a step-by-step strategy to help you tell a captivating story in your lyrics, which can transform your songwriting. 💡 What you'll learn: - The Two Kinds of Story - The Key Moments of a Working Story - How to Write A Song That Tells A Story - Lots of Popular Song Examples to See the Concept applied - WATCH IT on YouTUBE: https://youtu.be/97BXHDZ_dzE If you’re new to my channel, my name is Melanie Naumanni. I’m the creator of LyricMastery.com. It’s the place where you can master the craft of storytelling in songwriting and discover how to craft your lyric's content. I've been a story editor since 2015, and a Story Grid Certified Editor since 2019. Leave your thoughts and questions in the comments below – I love hearing from you. ⚡Grab your CHECKLIST on how to tell a story in a song: https://www.lyricmastery.com/story-moments-checklist ►Want to WRITE songs that tell a story? Go here: https://www.lyricmastery.com ►Online Course on Storytelling in Songwriting. Go here: https://www.lyricmastery.com/start…

1
#52 - Lewis Capaldi - The Needless Struggle of a Successful Music Artist 19:12

2 years ago19:12