Find a starting point. Build a song around a single phrase, a poignant moment or the combination of a few chords.
Play your guitar or piano idly while a movie or casual conversation "distracts" you. New melodies may appear when you're not under pressure to write them.
Listen to the radio or music by favorite artists. Build off their themes or lyrics. Continue a story they've only begun. Rearrange their notes to create your own combinations.
Read old letters, cards, emails or your journal and planner entries to trigger new ideas.
Fill in the blanks by generating a list of prompts like, "I love it when you," "Why do I," "I'm writing this song because" or "I want to." Complete the sentence and use it as a theme or opening lyric.
Spend 10 minutes writing freestyle to uncover emotions and ideas. Study a photo, consider a problem in your life or recall a favorite movie, for example. Write about the topic without stopping to think or edit.
Eat an unusual food, explore a city you've never seen or listen to an artist you haven't heard before. Your senses awaken whenever you try something new, putting you in a creative state.