Every songwriter knows the feeling—the blank page, the silent guitar, the pen that just won’t move. Writer’s block can sneak up when you least expect it, leaving you stuck and second-guessing every word and chord. But what if I told you there’s a way to break through that mental barrier? A way to let the ideas flow naturally without judgment? In this first part of my series on songwriting, I want to talk about one of the simplest, yet most powerful tools I’ve used—stream-of-consciousness writing.
What Is Stream-of-Consciousness Writing?
Stream-of-consciousness writing is exactly what it sounds like. It’s writing whatever comes into your head without stopping to analyze, edit, or make sense of it. You don’t need to worry about rhyme schemes, choruses, or whether the words fit a melody. You just write.
I’ve found this method to be incredibly freeing. As a songwriter who’s been at it for over two decades, I’ve learned that trying too hard to create the perfect line or the perfect rhyme can sometimes shut the creative door rather than open it. But when I let go of expectations and simply write, the ideas start to flow—sometimes faster than I can keep up with.
Why Does It Work?
At first glance, what comes out might look like complete nonsense. Random thoughts, half-formed ideas, and jumbled words might fill the page. But here’s the funny thing—given time, patterns start to emerge. Themes develop, and what seemed like chaos begins to reveal its own kind of logic. It’s like fishing in deep waters. You’re casting a wide net, and while you’ll bring up some weeds, you’ll also catch a few keepers.
This process taps into your subconscious mind, where emotions and memories are stored. Instead of forcing ideas, you’re letting them rise naturally. For me, this often leads to surprising insights and lyrical ideas that I never would have come up with if I’d sat down and tried to write something “good” on purpose.
How to Get Started
- Set a Timer – Start with 10-15 minutes. It’s just enough time to get your brain moving without overthinking it.
- Write Without Stopping – Don’t lift your pen or pause to reread what you’ve written. Keep going, even if it feels ridiculous.
- Ignore Grammar and Spelling – This isn’t about perfection; it’s about flow.
- Don’t Judge the Content – Let the words tumble out, no matter how random or silly they seem.
- Revisit Later – After some time away, read through what you wrote. Highlight any phrases, images, or ideas that stand out.
Real Results From Random Thoughts
Some of my favorite lyrics started as a jumbled mess of words that didn’t make sense at first glance. I remember one session where I wrote about rivers, shadows, and broken clocks—things that seemed disconnected. But as I pieced through it later, it became clear that I was really writing about time, change, and longing. Those scattered thoughts turned into verses that resonated deeply, not just with me but with listeners too.
Final Thoughts
If you’re staring at a blank page, wondering where to start, try this technique. It might feel strange at first, but give it time. Writing without pressure allows your creativity to stretch its legs, and you might just find that the ideas you’ve been searching for were already there, waiting to be let out.
Stay tuned for Part 2, where I’ll talk about taking those raw ideas and shaping them into verses and choruses that tell a story.
Until then—keep writing, and let the words flow.
Ian