Turning Emotions into Lyrics: My Songwriting Process

Songwriting helps me process life—the highs, lows, and everything in between. Every song begins with a feeling, whether it's a quiet ache, a rush of joy, or something unspoken. Once that emotion takes hold, I put pen to paper.

Inspiration comes from everywhere—places I visit, movies, conversations, and personal experiences. A single phrase or a film scene can spark an entire verse. Some emotions demand immediate expression, while others take time to reveal themselves. I journal, record my thoughts, or experiment with melodies to guide the process.

One example is my song “Shine Bright” from my upcoming album. The music, produced by 800 the Jewell, immediately drew me in. I could hear the chorus and feel its powerful energy, but I didn’t have any verses yet. I could just hear “shine bright”.  One day at church, my pastor preached about marching forward and not letting anything hold you back. Right there in church, lyrics started flowing, and I wrote most of the song that day.

Once I understand the emotion, I find words and imagery that match its depth. Metaphors bring feelings to life—turning heartbreak into a storm or love into sunlight. Melody is just as crucial, sometimes coming first or shaping itself around the lyrics. Each song needs movement, evolving through verses, choruses, and a bridge that deepens the story.

Some songs come quickly, while others require revisiting and refining. Trusting the process allows the music to take shape naturally. Songwriting is about connection—

Writing "Let me be"

turning emotions into something others can feel too.

What’s a song that really speaks to you or makes you feel a certain way? Let’s talk in the comments.