The Secret to Writing Soulful Songs? Step Outside.

By Manda Marble

Rediscovering Inspiration Through Nature

The world can feel overwhelming at times. There is a lot going on out there. Overstimulation is common…and not just for the highly sensitive.

As an acoustic singer-songwriter, there are moments when the weight of words and melodies seem just out of reach. They are there, waiting for me. I feel them, but I can’t grab them. Recently, I had been working on a song for a while, but something wasn’t clicking. I left my studio, left my phone at home, and went for a walk in the woods nearby. As the trees swayed softly in the breeze and the light filtered through the leaves, something shifted inside of me.

There was no magic moment where the song just fell into place. But walking in the woods, I felt my mind begin to loosen, the tension easing as the sounds of the forest crept in. Later that evening, when I returned to my guitar, the song seemed to write itself. It was as if I needed to step outside, into nature’s embrace, to hear the melodies the world was offering. That’s when I realized: the secret to writing soulful songs isn’t always in the studio— often it’s in nature.

Why Nature Inspires Soulful Music

Nature as a Reflective Space

Nature invites contemplation. When I’m in a forest—whether walking along a wooded trail or sitting beside a quiet stream—I’m given the space to breathe. Things slow down. I let go a bit. Thoughts drift and settle. I believe this space is essential for songwriting. Melodies seem to dance effortlessly in these quiet spaces, almost as if they were born there.

I often find that my lyrics come more naturally when I’ve been in nature beforehand. There’s something grounding about being surrounded by trees, hearing the rhythmic flow of water, or listening to bird song. It mirrors the rhythms I seek in my music—the ebb and flow of life, love, and longing.

The Raw Emotion in Nature’s Cycles

Have you ever noticed how the changing seasons feel like a metaphor for our own lives? The slow dying of autumn leaves, the renewal in spring, the heat of summer—all of these cycles reflect the emotional landscapes we traverse as human beings. These raw, emotional experiences in nature offer endless inspiration for songwriting.

For me, the moon has also been a constant source of inspiration. I’m also a mixed media artist and you will find the moon in nearly all of my work. I’m a true selenophile! I’ve often written under its glow, its phases reflecting the waxing and waning of life’s emotions. Nature’s cycles are rich with metaphor, and if we listen closely, they can guide us toward deeper, more resonant music.

Stepping Away from the Studio: The Healing Power of Nature

Breaking Routine to Access New Ideas

Creativity thrives on novelty, and sometimes the same four walls of a studio can stifle that spark. When you hit a creative block, the best thing to try may be to just step away and get outside. I’ve found this to be helpful in my own experience.

Nature’s Ability to Soothe and Heal

For me, nature has always been a source of healing. When things feel too heavy, I head to my favorite spot in the woods or spend time in my garden. There’s something about the simplicity of being among trees or tending to plants that restores balance. I know that when I bring these elements into my music, that sense of calm and peace comes through.

Even science backs this up. Studies have shown that spending time in nature reduces stress and promotes mental well-being. For a songwriter, this is especially important. Creativity flows best when we’re relaxed and open.

Songwriting Techniques from Nature

Use Nature’s Sounds in Your Music

Nature isn’t just a passive muse—it’s an active participant in my creative process. Sometimes, when I’m outside, I’ll hear a certain sound—the rustling of leaves, the distant call of birds, the gentle rhythm of rain—and I’ll think, “How can I incorporate this into my song?”

When I was in the Blue Ridge Mountains a few years ago, there was this wood thrush singing away in the treetops. I fell in love with it’s mysterious and beautiful song and recorded it. I later used the recording in my song “Ancient Melodies”. It ended up being a very special way to remember that moment and to collaborate with a bird! Nature can add an organic, ethereal quality to acoustic music. It’s like bringing a piece of the forest into my music.

Grounding Your Lyrics in the Earth

When I’m writing lyrics, I often turn to the natural world for imagery. The earth, trees, rivers, and skies offer metaphors that feel timeless and universal. Take, for instance, a song I wrote last autumn after visiting some nature preserves in New York. I found myself surrounded by ancient willow trees, their brances heavy with luxurious green strands. I returned home and wrote a song about those willows and the wisdom the ancient trees share with us if we only listen.

Nature’s elements—fire, water, earth, air—each hold symbolic weight that can deepen the emotional impact of a song. They’re touchstones for the listener, grounding even the most personal lyrics in something familiar and universal.

Practical Steps for Indie Folk Songwriters

Set Time Aside for Outdoor Writing Sessions

If you’re an indie folk songwriter like me, I encourage you to make nature part of your creative practice. Set aside intentional time to write outdoors—whether it’s journaling under a tree in the park, strumming your guitar on a mountain trail, or simply sitting in your backyard with a notepad. These outdoor sessions often lead to unexpected breakthroughs. I’ve found that the songs I write outside have a certain energy that’s hard to replicate indoors.

Build a Nature-Based Playlist

Music itself can transport us to natural spaces. One of my favorite ways to get into the right headspace for writing is by creating a playlist of songs that evoke the natural world. Artists like Andy Aquarius and Ayla Nereo are masters of weaving the beauty of nature into their music. Listening to songs that reflect the earth’s rhythms helps me tap into that same energy when I sit down to write.

Finding Your Own Soulful Sound

In the end, the key to writing soulful songs is connection—connection to yourself, your surroundings, and the world around you. Nature offers us a direct path to that connection, reminding us of the beauty in simplicity and the rhythms that shape our lives. So, next time you’re struggling to find inspiration, remember: sometimes the most soulful music is waiting for you outside. Grab your guitar, step into the world, and listen. You might be surprised by what you hear.