Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming creative fields, and songwriting is no exception. In this post, I’ll explore how AI can assist with lyric writing, provide creativity-boosting tips, and introduce free AI tools that you can start using today. Whether you need inspiration, help overcoming writer’s block, or assistance with quick brainstorming and editing, AI can be a valuable resource.

Free AI Tools for Lyric Writing

There are several free AI tools available for lyric generation, brainstorming, and refinement. Here are some of the most accessible options:

  • ChatGPT – A versatile tool excellent for brainstorming and lyric generation. You can converse with it just as you would with other AI chatbots.
  • Google Bard – A free competitor to ChatGPT, offering a different approach to AI-generated lyrics. It’s worth exploring to see which tool best suits your needs.
  • DeepSeek – The newest player in AI songwriting tools. It excels in generating lyrics in specific styles and emotional tones.

Each of these tools has its own strengths and “personality,” so experimenting with different platforms can help you find the best fit for your creative process.

For those interested in paid options, tools like Jasper and PSE Sudowrite offer additional features, though I won’t be covering them in detail here. If you’re curious, they provide 7-day free trials to explore their capabilities.

How AI Can Help Songwriters

My introduction to this topic came from Ben Camp’s article How AI Can Help Songwriters. Ben, a fellow Berklee Online instructor, conducted an excellent training session last year on using AI for songwriting. His approach follows the CREATE formula, which provides a structured way to prompt AI:

  1. Character – Define the perspective or voice of the lyrics.
  2. Request – Specify the desired outcome.
  3. Examples – Provide reference material or inspiration.
  4. Adjustments – Fine-tune the results as needed.
  5. Type of Output – Choose a lyrical structure or format.
  6. Extras – Add any additional context or parameters.

This method helps guide AI-generated content toward more meaningful and customized results.

A Songwriting Experiment with ChatGPT

To demonstrate AI-assisted lyric writing, I started with a simple prompt in ChatGPT:

Write me song lyrics about my beloved cat Earl. He is getting old and doesn’t come for scratches anymore. Write it in the style of the song You Don’t Bring Me Flowers Anymore.

ChatGPT instantly generated lyrics based on my request. While the initial result was impressive, I wanted to refine it further. My first revision request was to shorten the lyrics, condensing them to just two verses, a bridge, and an outro. The AI handled this adjustment well, producing a concise and emotionally resonant version.

Further refinements could involve tweaking specific lines, adjusting the rhyme scheme, or changing the song’s emotional tone—all with simple AI prompts. Link to the results of these prompts.

Using AI for Music Notation Software

Beyond lyric writing, AI can assist with music notation software workflows. For instance, I prompted ChatGPT to:

Break the syllables for entering into music notation software.

The AI quickly generated syllable breaks, making it easier to input lyrics into Sibelius or Dorico. This kind of automation can save significant time when preparing scores for vocalists or choirs.

Further Learning: AI for Songwriters

For those looking to dive deeper into AI-assisted songwriting, Berklee Online offers a 4-week course taught by Ben Camp, AI for Songwriters. This course explores AI-driven songwriting techniques in more depth and provides hands-on exercises to refine your skills.

Final Thoughts

AI is not here to replace human creativity—it’s a tool that can enhance and accelerate the songwriting process. Whether you need help getting started, refining your lyrics, or preparing them for notation software, AI offers powerful capabilities for modern musicians and composers.

If you found this post helpful, consider subscribing to my blog for more tips on music notation software and AI-assisted music creation. Feel free to share your experiences using AI for songwriting in the comments.

Watch the full video below for a step-by-step demonstration of these AI tools in action.