Song Plot Prompts

 

Here is a list of 100 command prompts for creating a country music song, categorized by theme, structure, and a heavy emphasis on storytelling.

1. Song Titles & Hooks

Prompts built around a central, clever phrase or title.

1. Write a song titled "She Got the Ring, I Got the Bar."

2. Write a song based on the hook: "My Truck's Got More Miles Than Your Alibis."

3. Use the title: "Learned More from Haggard Than I Did from Harvard."

4. Write a song called "This Beer Won't Drink Itself."

5. Base the song on the hook: "It's Not a Hangover, It's a Heartache."

6. Write a song called "One-Lane Town, Two-Way Street."

7. Use the hook: "The Only Thing Straight is the Whiskey."

8. Write a song titled "T-Shirt and a Faded Pair of Jeans."

9. Use the title: "Four-Wheel Drive and a Broken Heart."

10. Write a song based on the pun: "I'm Not Over You, I'm Just Under Someone New."

11. Use the hook: "We're a Saturday Night Sin and a Sunday Morning."

12. Write a song called "Her Goodbye Was My 'Hello, Freedom'."

13. Write a song titled "Another Song About a Truck" (and make it the best one yet).

14. Use the hook: "She left me on read, but the Bible's still on the nightstand."

15. Write a song called "We're Running on Fumes and Faith."

2. Themes & Concepts

Prompts based on the "big idea" of the song.

16. Write a song about the pride of a working-class job (calloused hands, long hours).

17. Write a song about being "country" in a big city.

18. Write a song about the first time you drove a truck on your own.

19. Write a song about the duality of Saturday night (partying) and Sunday morning (church).

20. Write a song about a specific lesson your mother or father taught you.

21. Write a song about finding God outside of a church (in a deer stand, on a boat, etc.).

22. Write a "list" song (e.g., "Things a Man Oughta Know," "Reasons I Drink").

23. Write a song about a first love that was tied to a specific summer.

24. Write a song about the difference between a "house" and a "home."

25. Write a song that is a direct, conversational prayer.

26. Write a song about the deep regret of "the one that got away."

27. Write a song celebrating a long-lasting, "old-school" love (50+ years).

28. Write a patriotic song from the perspective of the spouse left at home.

29. Write a song about a small town that is dying (boarded-up shops, no young people).

30. Write a song about how a guitar (or a truck) saved your life.

3. Story & Plot (The Narrative)

Prompts that tell a clear, linear story.

31. Tell the story of a first date, from picking her up to the front-porch kiss.

32. Tell the story of a breakup that happens *inside* a truck.

33. Tell the story of a family losing their farm.

34. Tell the story of a couple getting married with no money, just love and a borrowed suit.

35. Tell the story of a soldier's homecoming and how the town has (or hasn't) changed.

36. Tell the story of "the night that changed everything" (a party, a fight, a decision).

37. Tell the story of a man's life by listing the three or four trucks he's owned.

38. Tell the story of running into an ex (and their new partner) at the grocery store.

39. Tell the story of a wild night, pieced together from "evidence" the next morning.

40. Tell the story of a high school football hero, 20 years later, working at the gas station.

41. Tell the story of *why* a wedding ring is in a pawn shop.

42. Tell the story of the last conversation you had with someone before they passed away.

43. Tell the story of two people falling in love at a honky-tonk, with the band's songs as the backdrop.

44. Tell the story of a young person buying a one-way bus ticket *out* of their small town.

45. Tell the story of a young person buying a one-way bus ticket *back* to their small town.

4. Characters & Perspectives

Prompts written from a specific point of view.

46. Write a song from the perspective of the "other woman" or "other man."

47. Write a song from the perspective of a bartender listening to everyone's problems.

48. Write a song from the perspective of the *truck* (what has it seen?).

49. Write a song from the perspective of a grandfather giving life advice to his grandkid.

50. Write a song from the perspective of the "one who left" the small town (not the one who stayed).

51. Write a song from the perspective of the "black sheep" of the family.

52. Write a song as a duet between two ex-lovers arguing in a bar.

53. Write a song from the perspective of a guitar in a pawn shop, wondering who will play it next.

54. Write a song from the perspective of a single dad doing his best.

55. Write a song from the perspective of a small-town sheriff dealing with a local tragedy.

56. Write a song from the perspective of the high school valedictorian who ended up as a waitress in the local diner.

57. Write a song from the perspective of someone in jail, writing a letter home.

58. Write a song from the perspective of a "good girl" who wants to have a rebellious night.

59. Write a song from the perspective of a Nashville hopeful who's about to give up.

60. Write a song from the perspective of the *town itself*, watching people be born, leave, and come back.

5. Setting & Imagery

Prompts that start with a powerful, specific country image.

61. Start a song with the image of a "rusty barbed-wire fence."

62. Write a song that takes place entirely on a "front porch swing."

63. Use these three images in a song: "a dusty Bible," "an empty whiskey bottle," and "a picture on the dash."

64. Write a song about a specific "dirt road" and all the memories made on it.

65. Describe a small town by only describing its "local dive bar."

66. Write a song centered on a "bonfire."

67. Use the image of a "grain silo" as a central metaphor for the town, love, or a person.

68. Write a song about the "state line" and the feeling of crossing it (either leaving or coming home).

69. Use the image of "faded blue jeans" as a symbol for a long, comfortable relationship.

70. Write a song about "Sunday dinner at Mama's house."

71. Describe a "broken-down tractor" and make it a metaphor for a broken man.

72. Write a song that takes place under the "high school football stadium lights."

73. Write a song about "boots by the door" (who do they belong to? Are they coming or going?).

74. Write a song that takes place in a "Waffle House" at 2 AM.

75. Use the image of a "dog on the porch" as a symbol of loyalty and waiting.

6. Emotional & Tonal Prompts

Prompts based on a specific "feel" or emotion.

76. Write a song that feels like "pure, unapologetic regret."

77. Write a song that is a "bitter, angry, 'burn-the-house-down' goodbye."

78. Write a song that feels like "quiet, Sunday morning gratitude."

79. Write a song that's a "rowdy, beer-raising, Friday night party anthem."

80. Write a song that is "deeply nostalgic" for a childhood that was simpler.

81. Write a "take this job and shove it" song of defiant self-respect.

82. Write a "heartbroken but hopeful" song (e.g., "I'm sad, but I'm going to be okay").

83. Write a song that is 100% comedy or "redneck" humor.

84. Write a song that is a "humble, simple, 'I'm not good with words' love letter."

85. Write a song that captures the feeling of "stubborn, old-fashioned pride."

7. Structure & Songwriting (The Craft)

Prompts that challenge the song's construction.

86. Write a song where the hook/title is a **clever turn of phrase** (a pun or wordplay).

87. Write a song where the **last line of the chorus changes** every time it's sung.

88. Write a song where the **first verse and last verse are identical**, but the meaning has changed because of the chorus in between.

89. Write a song that is a **"letter"** to someone (e.g., "Dear [Name]...").

90. Use a specific, simple chord progression (e.g., G-C-D-G) and write a compelling story over it.

91. Write a song that tells a story **in reverse chronological order** (starting with the breakup, ending with the first hello).

92. Write a song where the **bridge is a spoken-word** story.

93. Write a song that starts **immediately with the chorus** before any verse.

94. Use "internal rhyme" (rhymes within a single line) to make the verses more rhythmic.

95. Use a "key change" in the final chorus for maximum emotional impact.

96. Write a song where the entire story is told through **dialogue between two people**.

97. Write a song where the verses describe different "scars" (physical or emotional) and the story behind each one.

98. Write a song where the "call and response" in the chorus is central (e.g., "She said [X], and I said [Y]").

99. Write a song with **no rhymes at all**, focusing purely on the story and melody.

100. Write a song that describes a photograph and tells the story behind it.

      

     Here are 50 more command prompts for creating a country music song, drilling down into more specific subgenres, advanced storytelling, and creative challenges.

     8. The "Legacy" Song (Tributes & Tradition)

101. Write a song paying tribute to a classic country artist (Waylon, Hank, Loretta, Dolly) by name-dropping their song titles.

102. Write a song about an "heirloom" object (a grandfather's watch, a mother's cast-iron skillet, a father's old guitar).

103. Write a song about the "ghosts" in your house (not literal ghosts, but the memories of the people who lived there before).

104. Write a song that is a "passing of the torch" from one generation to the next (e.g., teaching your son to drive stick).

105. Write a song titled "They Don't Make 'Em Like That Anymore."

106. Write a song about the "names on the wall" in the local VFW Hall.

107. Write a song from the perspective of the "Opry" stage itself, watching legends be born.

108. Write a song about a specific, old-fashioned value (e.g., "a man's word," "a handshake deal").

109. Write a song about the smell of your grandma's kitchen.

110. Write a song titled "My Last Name" and what it means to carry it.

9. Subgenres & Niche Themes

111. (Western) Write a "cowboy" song about the last night on a long cattle drive.

112. (Outlaw) Write a song from the perspective of someone on the run, writing a letter to the one they left behind.

113. (Trucker) Write a song about a truck driver who is "hauling angels" (a sad load, like a soldier's casket).

114. (Red Dirt/Texas) Write a song that feels like a specific place (e.g., Gruene Hall, Terlingua, the Panhandle).

115. (Bluegrass) Write a "murder ballad" from the perspective of the victim, the killer, or the town gossiping about it.

116. (Fishing/Boat) Write a song that uses fishing as a metaphor for love ("She's a KEEPER," "Gotta Let That One Go").

117. (Hunting) Write a song about the "father-son" bond that happens in a deer stand at dawn.

118. (Gothic/Appalachian) Write a dark, minor-key song about a family secret, a feuding family, or a "holler" no one goes into.

119. (Comedy) Write a "list" song of all the terrible things that happened this week (e.g., "The dog died, the truck broke down, the wife left...").

120. (Beach/Islands) Write a song about a "redneck" on a white-sand beach (e.g., "a six-pack of PBR on a fancy resort chair").

10. Advanced Storytelling & Cheating Songs

121. Tell the story of an affair from **three different perspectives**: the husband, the wife, and the "other person."

122. Write a "cheating" song where the protagonist is **caught in the act**.

123. Write a "cheating" song where the protagonist **finds the evidence** (a text, lipstick, a receipt).

124. Write a song where the "big reveal" is that the narrator is **cheating with the *listener's* partner**.

125. Tell a story where the **protagonist is mistaken**; they *think* their partner is cheating, but the surprise ending is innocent.

126. Write a song from the perspective of a **child watching their parents' marriage fall apart**.

127. Write a song about the **deep, cold regret** the morning after being unfaithful.

128. Write a song titled "We Look Good on Paper" about a perfect couple that is secretly miserable.

129. Write a "breakup" song where **no one is the bad guy**; they just fell out of love.

130. Tell a story where the **bridge of the song jumps forward 10 years** to show the consequences of the story in the verses.

11. "What If" & Creative Challenges

131. Write a song that is a **direct answer** to a classic country song (e.g., an answer to "Jolene" from Jolene's perspective).

132. Write a song that starts with a **911 call** (either spoken or described).

133. Write a song using only **two or three chords** (e.g., A, D, E) and make the *story* carry the song.

134. Write a song where the protagonist is **talking to a gravestone**.

135. Write a song that is a "to-do list" (e.g., "Fix the back porch, pay the bills, miss her").

136. Write a song about **"If This Truck Could Talk."** What secrets would it tell?

137. Write a song about **"If This Barstool Could Talk."** 1Good. Write a song about **praying for the opposite** of what you're supposed to (e.g., praying for a little trouble on a boring night).

138. Write a song where the **protagonist is a ghost**, watching their own funeral.

139. Write a song that is an **apology to your younger self**.

140. Write a song that is a **"bar-fight" anthem**, describing the scene in slow motion.

141. Write a song that **defends a "redneck" stereotype** as a point of pride.

142. Write a song about **"the one that got away"... but you're glad they did**.

143. Write a song about a **pawn shop guitar** and the stories of everyone who owned it before you.

144. Write a song where the **"bad guy" (e.g., the banker, the rival) gets to tell their side** of the story.

145. Write a song about **loving someone with an addiction**.

146. Write a song that is a **list of "firsts"** (first kiss, first beer, first heartbreak).

147. Write a song that is a **list of "lasts"** (the last time you spoke, the last dance, the last drive).

148. Write a song about **building a life from nothing** but "two-by-fours and a dream."

149. Write a song called **"The Only Time I Lie"** (e.g., when someone asks if I'm okay after the breakup).

     Research the essential elements such as structure, rhyme,rhythm, instrumentation and lyrics of a gospel hymn (SONG) Create 100 command prompts to create a gospel song with these elements.

      

     (1) Analyze the foundational characteristics and cultural context of gospel hymns to understand their purpose and evolution. (2) Research common song structures in gospel music, identifying patterns like verse-chorus, AABA, call-and-response, bridges, and the use of vamps or refrains for repetition and emphasis. (3) Investigate the rhythmic and metric elements characteristic of gospel songs, including common time signatures (e.g., 4/4, 6/8, 12/8), the use of syncopation, backbeats, and tempo variations from slow ballads to up-tempo praise. (4) Examine the role of rhyme and lyrical devices in gospel hymnody. Identify common rhyme schemes (e.g., AABB, ABAB) and the function of meter in the lyrics. (5) Research the typical instrumentation of both traditional and contemporary gospel music, detailing the roles of the piano, Hammond B3 organ, bass guitar, drums, and the function of the choir versus the lead vocalist. (6) Explore the common lyrical themes, motifs, and sources of imagery in gospel music, such as praise, worship, biblical narratives, personal testimony, deliverance, and spiritual struggle or triumph. (7) Synthesize the findings from steps (1)-(6) to create a framework for the 100 command prompts. This framework should categorize the prompts to ensure all elements are covered, including: (a) Prompts for generating lyrical themes, specific lines, and verses. (b) Prompts for defining song structure and arrangement. (c) Prompts for establishing rhythm, tempo, and mood. (d) Prompts for selecting instrumentation and vocal style. (e) Prompts that combine multiple elements to generate complex song sections or entire song concepts. (8) Compile the detailed research on the essential elements of a gospel hymn and then present the 100 categorized command prompts designed to guide the creative process. 

      

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