CREATE YOUR NEXT SONG FROM A NURSERY RHYME?!
How Nursery Rhymes Can Unlock Your Songwriting Potential
Wait, what? You want me to use a Nursery Rhyme as inspiration for a song idea?? GET OUTTA HEEEREEE!!!
Is it really ok for you to use nursery rhymes as inspiration for your next song? My answer is an emphatic YES!
Nursery rhymes. Whether you're 4 or 84, you know them. Right now, you can sing Mary Had a Little Lamb, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, and Happy Birthday without missing a note. These songs are so deeply ingrained in us that they're practically part of our DNA. But here's the thing—most of us never stop to realize the incredible songwriting lessons hidden within these childhood classics.
Think about it: nursery rhymes are the first songs we hear, the first melodies we hum, and often the first songs we play when learning an instrument. They’re simple, memorable, and universally loved—qualities that all great songs share. In fact, nursery rhymes have inspired countless hits in popular music, acting as the foundation for melodies that stick with us for a lifetime.
Actual image of me singing the most heartfelt rendition of “Mary Had A Little Lamb” that I could muster up! ;)
But what if you could take this simplicity and turn it into a powerful creative tool? What if nursery rhymes could be the spark that ignites your next great song?
Let’s do a quick exercise. Grab your instrument and sing Mary Had a Little Lamb. Sing it as straightforwardly as possible, just like you did as a kid. Fun, right? Now here’s where the magic happens:
Deconstruct and reconstruct. Keep the lyrics and rhythm but completely rearrange the melody. Make it different—unique.
Rewrite the lyrics. Use your imagination and come up with entirely new words. There are no rules here—just let it flow.
And just like that, you’ve created something entirely new. A song born out of a song.
What you just experienced is the essence of creativity—taking something familiar and turning it into something fresh and original. Nursery rhymes aren’t just for kids; they’re a masterclass in melody, structure, and creativity waiting to be unlocked.
I go deeper into this process and show you how to take it even further in my latest YouTube video. Together, we’ll explore how simple exercises like this can unlock your creativity and transform the way you approach songwriting:
How to Turn a Nursery Rhyme into Your Next Original Song
If you’re ready to take your songwriting journey to the next level, I’ve recently started to offer one-on-one songwriting coaching via Zoom. Whether you’re stuck in a rut or just want to sharpen your skills, I’ll work with you directly to develop your voice, hone your process, and help to guide you in your songwriting journey. Get in touch with me and we can talk about your goals and how I can help!
What tools do you use to unlock your creativity? Hit reply and let me know—I’d love to hear your thoughts. And don’t forget to check out the video for a step-by-step walkthrough of this nursery rhyme technique.
Let’s rewrite the rules of songwriting together.
Follow Me and Stay Connected:
YouTube: Thousand Echoes Channel – Watch the full video and more creative tips.
Instagram: @thousandechoes – Daily inspiration, songwriting tips, and behind-the-scenes content.
Twitter: @thousandechoes – Quick tips and creative insights.
Website: www.thousandechoes.com – Learn more about my coaching services and e-courses.
Email: josh@thousandechoes.com – Contact me directly for coaching inquiries or collaborations.
Stay inspired everyone!
Josh Schroeder
Founder, Thousand Echoes