“Three chords and the truth.” This phrase, famously coined by songwriter Harlan Howard, beautifully encapsulates the essence of songwriting. If you’re doubting your ability to write songs, remember that songwriting is about sharing your truth. You might not feel ready yet, but if you grasp the power of “three chords and your truth,” you may be more equipped than you think.
Your Truth Is My Truth
Great songwriters possess a remarkable ability to share their everyday experiences and emotions in ways that deeply resonate with their audience. We all have moments when we reflect on our lives, and these moments can profoundly touch the hearts of listeners. Your songs can bridge the gap between your personal experiences and those of your audience.
Here are some beautiful, truthful lyrics to inspire you:
Sara Bareilles, She Used To Be Mine:
“It’s not easy to know; I’m not anything like I used to be. Although it’s true I was never the center of attention, I still remember that girl. She’s imperfect, but she tries. She is good, but she lies. She is hard on herself. She is broken and won’t ask for help. She is messy, but she’s kind. She is lonely most of the time. She is all of this mixed up and baked in a beautiful pie. She is gone, but she used to be mine.”
Leonard Cohen, Hallelujah:
“Maybe there’s a God above, but all I’ve ever learned from love was how to shoot somebody who outdrew ya. And it’s not a cry that you hear at night. It’s not somebody who’s seen the light. It’s a cold and it’s a broken Hallelujah.”
Marvin Gaye, What’s Going On:
“Father, father, we don’t need to escalate. You see, war is not the answer. For only love can conquer hate. You know we’ve got to find a way to bring some lovin’ here today.”
Lana Del Rey, Shades of Cool:
“You are unfixable. I can’t break through your world. ‘Cause you live in shades of cool. Your heart is unbreakable.”
Kate Bush, Running Up That Hill:
“You don’t want to hurt me, but see how deep the bullet lies. Unaware, I’m tearing you asunder. There is thunder in our hearts.”
Ed Sheeran, The A Team:
“And they say she’s in the Class A Team. Stuck in her daydream, been this way since eighteen. But lately, her face seems slowly sinking, wasting. Crumbling like pastries. And they scream. The worst things in life come free to us.”
Radiohead, Street Spirit:
“Rows of houses all bearing down on me. I can feel their blue hands touching me. All these things into position. All these things we’ll one day swallow whole. And fade out again. And fade out again.”
The Beatles, In My Life:
“All these places have their moments, with lovers and friends I still can recall. Some are dead and some are living, in my life I’ve loved them all.”
Arctic Monkeys, Fluorescent Adolescent:
“You used to get it in your fishnets. Now you only get it in your night dress. Discarded all the naughty nights for niceness. Landed in a very common crisis.”
David Bowie, Life On Mars:
“It’s on America’s tortured brow. That Mickey Mouse has grown up a cow. Now the workers have struck for fame. ‘Cause Lennon’s on sale again.”
Stevie Nicks, Landslide:
“Well, I’ve been afraid of changing ’cause I’ve built my life around you. But time makes you bolder, even children get older. And I’m getting older too.”
Nine Inch Nails, Hurt:
“I hurt myself today, to see if I could feel.”
The Wide Spectrum of Songwriting
Your voice and your truth hold an important place in the rich tapestry of songwriting. From the introspective narratives of Laura Marling’s “Ghosts” to the profound emotional landscapes of The Rolling Stones’ “Wild Horses,” countless themes and styles await your exploration.
Songwriting can be a deeply therapeutic process. We’ve all felt the transformative power of music—how certain songs can soothe our hearts, make us feel less alone, ignite excitement, or resonate with our shared humanity. Each note and lyric has the potential to connect us in ways that words alone cannot.
No matter your musical proficiency, your unique perspective is invaluable. Your experiences and emotions are what will make your songs resonate.
Begin Your Songwriting Odyssey
Begin Your Songwriting Odyssey
If you’re feeling the pull to write from a truer, deeper place, I offer expressive voicework, songwriting support, and artist development in London and online worldwide. When you’re ready to explore your voice and your stories with more honesty and creative freedom, you’re welcome to reach out.
