Songs on a Frontline
7 Ways to Write Fearless Songs in Uncertain Times
More Dangerous
So, three years on from the start of Russia starting a brutal and aggressive war against Ukraine, last Friday Trump changed everything and the whole world feels more dangerous.
Six weeks ago, we took so much for granted. Now, we’re all trying to figure out what this means, wherever we are, and how to keep ourselves afloat in this new world, both militarily and economically. And if you’re like me—a songwriter—you’re also trying to process it all through your music.
Songwriting has always been a way to help make sense of uncertainty. It’s a way to speak truth, to comfort, to inspire action, or simply to scream into the void. I’ve spent years studying how great songs are built, which led to writing Song Maps and The Organized Songwriter, books designed to help songwriters craft songs with meaning and impact. And now, in times like these, we need that more than ever.
So, how do we write fearless lyrics in uncertain times in our own frontline, whatever that looks like? How do we create songs that matter when the world feels like it’s on fire? Here are three ways.
7 Ways to Write Fearless Songs in Uncertain Times
1. Write the Truth—Even When It’s Uncomfortable
The best songs don’t shy away from reality. Whether it’s Dylan’s protest songs, Lennon’s Imagine, or contemporary anthems calling for change, fearless songwriting means telling the truth—even when it’s painful.
Instead of writing what’s easy, write what’s real. What are you afraid to say? What are people afraid to hear? That’s where the real power is. Your audience doesn’t need another love song (unless love itself is a battleground right now). They need songs that make them feel seen, that articulate the unease they can’t put into words.
Try this:
Write a lyric starting with the phrase “I never thought I’d say this, but…” and see where it takes you.
2. Give Chaos a Melody
One of the most powerful things music does is bring structure to chaos. A well-crafted melody can make even the heaviest lyrics feel accessible. Think about the catchiest protest songs—they don’t just shout into the void; they invite you to sing along.
Even in uncertainty, people crave something to hold onto. Your song’s melody can be that anchor. Play with contrast: pair a hopeful melody with heartbreaking lyrics, or use dissonance to create tension in a way that mirrors the instability around you.
Try this:
Take a sad, reflective lyric and set it to an unexpectedly upbeat melody. See how it changes the emotional impact.
3. Use Specific, Vivid Imagery
Fearless songwriting isn’t about vague statements—it’s about painting a picture so vivid that your listener can’t look away. Instead of writing, “The world is broken,” show us how: “Smoke curls from the rooftops / Flags hang like heavy ghosts.”
Imagery makes emotions tangible. If you want your listener to feel the weight of uncertainty, show them what it looks like, smells like, feels like. Be their eyes in the dark. See more about writing lyrics with imagery here.
Try this:
Write a verse using only sensory details—no abstract concepts or emotions. Let the images do the talking.
4. Dare to Be Personal
When the world is in turmoil, it’s tempting to write from a distance—to commentate instead of participate. But the most powerful songs are personal. They don’t just say, “War is bad.” They say, “My brother’s gone, and the dinner table is quieter now.”
Your personal story is what makes your song unique. It’s what turns a generic message into something unforgettable. Don’t be afraid to let your own fears, frustrations, and hopes seep into your writing. Find out more about mining your stuff here.
Try this:
Write about a global issue through the lens of a single person’s experience—maybe even your own.
5. Ask the Hard Questions (Without Answering Them All)
Fearless lyrics don’t always have to provide solutions. Some of the best songs leave the listener unsettled, asking their own questions. What’s happening in the world that doesn’t make sense? What contradictions are you struggling with? Write about those.
It’s okay to leave things unresolved. In fact, sometimes, that’s the most honest thing you can do. See more about the new Song Map: Questions/Answers here.
Try this:
Write a chorus that ends with a question rather than a statement. See how that shifts the emotional weight of the song.
6. Find the Light—Even in the Dark
Songs don’t just document history; they shape it. Fearless songwriting doesn’t mean only focusing on the pain. It also means finding hope, resilience, and moments of beauty even in the darkest times.
Hope doesn’t have to be loud. It can be a quiet, persistent pulse beneath the chaos. It can be the sound of a child laughing in a war zone, the flicker of a streetlight still shining after the bombs have fallen.
Try this:
Write a verse full of darkness—but let the chorus be the light. See how that dynamic affects the listener.
7. Keep Writing—Even When It Feels Pointless
When the world feels uncertain, it’s easy to wonder if songwriting even matters. But history tells us that music has always played a role in shaping culture, lifting spirits, and giving people the words they didn’t know they needed.
Your songs might not stop a war, but they might help someone get through the night. And that’s worth writing for. See why it’s important to have practice like this here.
Try this:
Commit to writing one song a week for the next month—no matter what. See what comes out when you show up consistently.
In Summary
The world feels different today. More fragile, more unpredictable. But that’s exactly why fearless songwriting matters. Whether you’re telling the truth no one wants to hear, giving chaos a melody, or offering a small flicker of hope in the darkness, your songs have power.
So keep writing. Keep singing. The world needs your voice.
If you want to dive deeper into crafting songs with impact, check out my books Song Maps and The Organized Songwriter. You can find them here.
Questions
Here’s a few questions you might want to ask -
What’s a song that helped you through a difficult time?
How do you personally process world events through songwriting?
What’s one fearless lyric you’ve written—or want to write?
Hope this helps!
Simon.