Wisdom For Writing Posts: Write Posts, Like Songs, That Truly Say Something

Many years ago, a tutor on a songwriting course shared a simple yet profound truth: all the best songs are written by people who have something to say and want to say it.

That wisdom has stayed with me.

Actually, I haven’t written lyrics or music since about 2004, but it did shape not just how I approached songwriting but also how I appreciate other people's songs.

There is one major difference between writing songs and posts other than whether your song lines need to rhyme or not; I will come to that!

In this post, I explore how the songwriting process can help in writing content for your website.

Start with a single message

Every great song begins with a purpose.

Before you pick up your pen or strum a chord, ask yourself: What do I want to communicate?

Is it about love, loss, joy, a social issue or something else?

Your message doesn’t have to be groundbreaking—but it does have to matter to your audience (hint-hint) and ideally, to yourself.

Take John Lennon’s “Imagine” for example.

Its simplicity and clarity convey a universal desire for peace.

Or consider Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car," a tale of longing and escape that’s both personal and relatable.

Both songs started with something the writer felt strongly about.

Before writing a song, it’s good practice to write down at least one sentence that captures your message before you start writing.

This works well with posts too. Write down all your thoughts first, then use them to guide the writing of your post.

Nowadays, I use AI assistance to create an outline from those thoughts.

Authenticity is Key

Listeners connect with songs that feel honest.

Your audience doesn’t need perfect grammar or polished verses; they need to feel your emotions.

Adele’s “Someone Like You” is a masterclass in vulnerability.

The rawness of her voice, paired with lyrics that almost feel like a private conversation, draws listeners in.

So, in your posts, don’t shy away from writing about your personal experiences or emotions. What’s specific to you can often be universal to others.

Show, Don’t Tell

Rather than explaining how you feel at first, use imagery to communicate emotion.

For example, instead of writing, “I’m lonely,” you could describe an empty chair across the table or a flickering streetlight on a deserted road.

Such images allow listeners or readers to feel the emotion rather than just hear about it.

Pick a single moment or detail from your experience and build your words around it. Think of it as painting a picture with words.

Less Can Be More

Sometimes, simplicity carries the most weight.

Filling up lyrics with details or metaphors can dilute an otherwise powerful message.

Consider “Let It Be” by The Beatles. The straightforward refrain—“Let it be”—carries immense emotional depth without excess.

After writing your first draft of a post, review it and remove any unnecessary words.

Let the Melody Match the Message

Your melody is the emotional engine of your song.

It should amplify the mood of your lyrics.

Think about how Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” matches its reflective melody with deeply poetic lyrics, or how the upbeat tune of “ Will Survive” contrasts with its defiant message.

Experiment by humming your lyrics before attaching them to chords. Does the melody match the feeling you want to convey?

Personally, I like to read my draft posts out loud which leads to me writing more like I speak, often delivering greater clarity without over-explaining.

Embrace the Imperfect

Great songs aren’t always perfect, and that’s okay. Imperfections can add character and authenticity.

Many of Bob Dylan’s lyrics defy traditional structure, yet they’re unforgettable because they feel real.

Focus on capturing the essence of your message. Don’t get bogged down trying to make every line of your post, “perfect.”

Seek Feedback, Then Refine

Sharing your work with others can be intimidating, but it’s one of the best ways to grow.

Feedback from trusted friends, mentors, or collaborators can help you identify what works and what doesn’t.

If you can, share your posts with someone who understands your style and ask specific questions, like, “Does it keep you reading?” or “How does it make you feel?”

FAQs

How do I find inspiration for writing posts? Inspiration can come from anything: personal experiences, stories you hear, or even small moments like a conversation or a view from your window. But your audience should always come first if you want them to read it! Keep a notebook handy to jot down ideas as they come.

What if I’m not confident in writing? Start by writing short, simple paragraphs focusing on one idea at a time. Confidence grows with practice. Don’t be afraid to write badly at first—it’s all part of the process.

How do I know when a post is finished? A post is finished when it feels complete to you. It’s okay to revisit and tweak over time, but don’t overthink it. If it communicates your message effectively, it’s ready.

Can I write posts even if I don’t think of myself as a writer? Absolutely. Many writers start with little or no experience. An aid to learning to build confidence in your writing is to read others posts. Focus on the words and melody—you can always work with someone to arrange the music.

Summary

The next time you sit down to write website content, you might want to remember my songwriting tutor’s advice: “have something to say and say it.”

Whether it’s a heartfelt message, or a joyful celebration, posts that stand the test of time are the ones that come from a place of meaning.

The biggest difference between a post and a song is your posts are more likely to answer a reader’s questions if you put time into understanding what your audience wants to know before you start.

Songs tend to be based more on something the lyricist wants to say, and feelings the writer wants to communicate, as opposed to what the audience wants to see hear or feel.

Play with it. You might just write your best post yet.

And what’s your favourite writing advice? Please share it in the comments!
;-)
Richard