5 songwriting lessons from Eurovision

This year I haven’t had time to enjoy the Eurovision mayhem.

Mostly because I’ve been heads down, gain up producing a bunch of demos for the songs I’ve written over the last little while.

Well… I snuck in a top 10 highlights reel.

It was enough to pull out some quick fire songwriting lessons for you:

(Start waving your flags.)

Whatever your style, there's a market for it. With all the different genres, voices and vibes covered, Eurovision is proof that your lane exists — even if one artist's lane apparently involved asking the audience to choke them.

If you've got the chops, use them. Not every song has to be singable by the punter. Some songs are all about how high and long your vocalist can hold a note. You have my full permission to show off melodically — every now and then.

Monotone isn't always a mistake. Some of Taylor Swift's most successful songs live almost entirely on one note. If the lyric is strong enough, the melody doesn't have to go anywhere.

Sometimes the song is written for the set. Eurovision has always prioritised spectacle over songwriting. Which isn't an excuse — it's a reminder. Know which game you're playing.

A skimpy dress doesn't fix an out-of-tune vocal. (Not really a songwriting lesson. Maybe a life lesson. You're welcome.)


But the biggest truth from the 2026 Eurovision?

You can put an average song on a world stage…

…wrap it in fancy lights

…surround it with barely dressed dancers

… use more fireworks than New Years in New York

But when the flags stop waving, it’s just an average song.

And as I said above, Eurovision isn’t the pinnacle of songwriting.

So it’s not an excuse for poor song writing.

If anything, it’s a warning.

The real inspiration is this:

Write songs that don't need the spectacle. Songs that connect with humans and have them singing your lyrics while they do the laundry or go for a run.

That's what the Mona Lisa Lyric Method is built for.

A proven method based on the processes and mindset of the successful songwriters I've worked with over the years — as a writer, guitarist, and Music Publishing A&R manager.

No fireworks or props from the Stranger Things set required.

Just a repeatable method for writing lyrics so complete, they practically sing themselves.

Here’s where to get it.

The winner takes it all…