How Great Titles Shape Memorable Lyrics

Hey r/Songwriting fam!

I wanted to share some thoughts on something I’ve found can make or break a song: the song title. So often, titles get tossed in at the end, like a last-minute “what should we call it?” moment, but honestly, they can be a goldmine for inspiration and impact.

Think of your song title as your first hook. It can be the doorway to the whole vibe of the track and set up a unique story before a listener even hits play. A lot of writers tend to build their title from the hook or chorus, but if you start with a title that already has a vibe, you’ve got a huge jump on creating a memorable song. One of my favorites I came up with recently was “Soul of the Summer”—and instantly, it sparked this nostalgic, beachy love story.

Another approach? The title flip. Ever notice how some song titles mess with expectations? Billie Eilish’s “Happier Than Ever” sounds like a joy anthem, but it’s a twist—you realize the happiness only comes when she’s alone. That twist alone can hook listeners to find out “what’s the story here?”

So here’s the takeaway: try working with title-first inspiration. Build your song backward:
Title -> Hook Line -> Chorus
Starting with a killer title might just give you the angle you need to make the song way more memorable.

Here’s a sample of some titles I’ve brainstormed:

Catchy Titles:

  • Soul of the Summer
  • Dancing on Broken Hearts
  • Cardiac Arrest
  • Reach Into My Heart
  • Woman Don’t Take Me Down

...And, yeah, some “meh” titles that I’d probably avoid:

  • Feel You
  • Alone
  • Lost Tonight
  • Until We Break

Not saying these “meh” titles can’t work, but think of how much more potential you get with unique, punchy titles that make listeners curious. Oh, and for a little twist: try playing with the title as a lyric break. Like in Drew Barrymore’s “You’re the next Drew Barry, and I want more” or Kacey Musgraves’ “Space Cowboy” (where “space” and “cowboy” get separated, making it feel fresh).

Anyway, I’ve got a lot more thoughts on this in a big Google Doc if anyone’s interested—just DM me. There’s way more to dig into if this resonates with you! ✌️