As U2 said: It's all about DESIRE.

Just like in any good story, your song's main character needs to have a conscious goal that drives the narrative forward.

After all, the audience needs to know what the character wants to be able to root for them.

This is an external goal. Something tangible. Something we can picture. It needs to be something the listener can relate to and root for.

These can be simple things or the grandest of needs.

The subject of a repetitive dance track expressing the need for a cup of coffee could represent a simple desire that isn't relevant at all.

The broken-down kid in the indie track pining for his lost love certainly is.

Objects of desire act as a focus point.

They can be expressed in one simple line, form the crucial hook in the form of a chorus or the song's first line, or take up the whole song.

The main thing is there's something that the song's main character wants.

Otherwise, why should we follow them through the song's journey if nothing makes them want to get started on it?

A goal state is a failsafe way to kick your song's main character's butt and make them deal with what's going on in their life (get them to MOVE) - because, ultimately, all they want relates to universal human needs, like Survival, Safety, Love, Esteem, and Self-Actualization.

We all want to survive, feel safe, experience love, and have friends and family around us, look for recognition, and we want to grow.

That's human.

So pick one of those needs, make it specific, and use it as your song's main character's goal.

You can also think about some of your favorite songs.

What is the character's desire? What are they trying to achieve?

And then, there is the more oblique way of using the Object of Desire.

Remember, U2 wrote a whole song about Desire, which sold millions!

It is also worth remembering that just because a character has an Object of Desire doesn't mean they get it.

Sometimes stories about not getting the girl, not achieving your dreams, and not ending up in a better place are even more exciting than those about a winner.

So, when you're writing your next song, think about what your character wants.

What is their goal?

Is it to find love, conquer their fears, or achieve success?

Remember, the goal doesn't have to be grandiose or complex.

It could be as simple as wanting to dance all night with someone special or taking a long drive to find some peace.

The key is to make it relatable and give your character something to work towards.

So, give it a try and see how it impacts your songwriting.