Block Buster

Ideas To Thwart Writer’s Block

Sing Me A Story

Hello everyone, it’s time for another Block Buster – a fun writing exercise to either bust that writer’s block or just enjoy yourself.

Music and writing have long been partners. Lots of writers I know use favourite playlists to get them in the right mood for whatever scene they are writing.

But what if the song itself inspired the story? Sure, lots of pop songs (especially those from the 80s!) are basically rhyming gibberish if you listen too carefully to the lyrics. But even the most nonsensical drunken party ballad often has a single line that could form the basis of a story.

For example, why in Black Lace’s Agadoo do they feel the need to push pineapple shake a tree?
Perhaps more promisingly, who was the man killed by Mama in Bohemian Rhapsody? Why did she put a gun against his head? What does the singer mean by pulled my trigger?
And what sort of bizarre, drug-addled social event found Procol Harum skipping the light fandango and turning cartwheels? And who is this vestal virgin, whose face turned a Whiter Shade Of Pale?

All you need to do is find an interesting song, then look up the lyrics (Google is your friend here) and search for inspiration!

Legal Disclaimer

Be careful if you decide to incorporate the actual lyrics into your piece. It’s fine if it is just for your own amusement, or to share with your writers group, however commercial use in a published piece may require you to pay a licence fee to the songwriter/music company. This can cost a pretty penny, and even more if you don’t and they sue you. Perhaps just allude to the lyrics as I have above?

Good luck!

Remember the rules: