Examples of Songs That Tell A Story (includes Story Moments)
written by Melanie Naumann
In part 1, we reviewed the five waypoints of a narrative journey—the key moments that make a story work.
Now, let's see those story moments applied in different songs.
This is part 2 of the How You Can Write Song Lyrics That Tell a Story series.
For part 1, please click here.
All Song Lyrics are under copyright by their respective owners.
I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor
Inciting Interaction: “At first I was afraid, I was petrified. Kept thinking I could never live without you by my side.”
Turning Point: “I just walked in to find you here with that sad look upon your face”
Crisis: “Somebody new. I'm not that chained-up little person still in love with you.”
Climax: “Go on now, go, walk out the door. Just turn around now 'cause you're not welcome anymore”
Resolution: “And I've got all my love to give and I'll survive. I will survive.”
Lose Yourself by Eminem
Inciting Interaction: “The whole crowd goes so loud. He opens his mouth, but the words won't come out”
Turning Point: “I've got to formulate a plot or end up in jail or shot. Success is my only motherfuckin' option, failure's not.”
Crisis: “You better lose yourself in the music. The moment, you own it, you better never let it go. You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow. This opportunity comes once in a lifetime”
Climax: “So here I go, it's my shot; feet, fail me not. This may be the only opportunity that I got”
Resolution: “You can do anything you set your mind to, man”
Flowers by Miley Cyrus
Inciting Interaction: “We were right 'til we weren't. Built a home and watched it burn”
Turning Point: “I can buy myself flowers.”
Crisis: “I didn't wanna leave you, baby. I didn't wanna fight. Started to cry”
Climax: “No remorse, no regret. I forgive every word you said”
Resolution: “I can love me better, baby.”
It’s My Life by Bon Jovi
Inciting Interaction: “I ain't gonna be just a face in the crowd”
Turning Point: “Luck ain't enough. You've got to make your own breaks.”
Crisis: “You better stand tall when they're calling you out. Don't bend, don't break, baby, don't back down.”
Climax: “It's my life. It's now or never”
Resolution: “My heart is like the open highway”
I'm Just Ken by Ryan Gosling
Inciting Interaction: “Doesn't seem to matter what I do. I'm always number two”
Turning Point: “I'm no dreamer”
Crisis: “Can you feel the Kenergy?”
Climax: “I'm just Ken (and I'm enough)”
Resolution: “Put that manly hand in mine. So, hey, world, check me out, yeah, I'm just Ken”
Last Christmas by WHAM!
Inciting Interaction: “Tell me baby, do you recognize me? Well, it's been a year, it doesn't surprise me”
Turning Point: “My God, I thought you were someone to rely on Me? I guess I was a shoulder to cry on”
Crisis: “But if you kissed me now, I know you'd fool me again”
Climax: “Now I've found a real love”
Resolution: “So long”
Eye Of The Tiger by Survivor
Inciting Interaction: “Went the distance, now I'm back on my feet. Just a man and his will to survive”
Turning Point: “Don't lose your grip on the dreams of the past. You must fight just to keep them alive”
Crisis: “So many times, it happens too fast. You trade your passion for glory
Climax: “Risin' up to the challenge of our rival”
Resolution: “Risin' up, straight to the top. Had the guts, got the glory. Went the distance, now I'm not gonna stop. Just a man and his will to survive”
Want to see more Song Examples?
Get the FREE PDF cheat sheet on the most important moments that go into every story. It includes a list of lots of popular song examples to show how the moments are applied!
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Thanks for reading,
Melanie.
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