If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a blank page, wondering if your idea is too familiar or if it’s been done to death, take a seat. I’m about to lay down some hard truths about storytelling, and I’m using kids’ songs as my weapon of choice. Yes, nursery rhymes. Because if there’s one thing that proves the power of structure and still being able to make it your own, it’s Twinkle, Twinkle, ABC, and Baa Baa Black Sheep. So let’s talk about how writers shouldn’t be afraid of borrowing (ahem, “stealing”) ideas. Just look at kids’ songs—they’ve been doing it for centuries, and they’re still managing to be fresh.
The Melody of Repetition: Why It Works and How It Always Works
Now, stay with me here. We all know those annoying nursery rhymes that somehow never leave your head. Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, ABC, Baa Baa Black Sheep—they’ve all been passed down from generation to generation like some weird oral tradition. And here’s the kicker: they all have the same melody. Yep, that’s right. The same friggin’ tune. And yet, despite this, each of them tells a different story. They have distinct purposes, different lyrics, and totally different vibes. And, somehow, they’re all stuck in our brains—echoing over and over like the theme song to your own personal childhood trauma.
So why does this work? Because there’s a little thing called structure. You’ve got your melody (the structure) and then your lyrics (the content). Just like a writer can take the same genre, the same trope, or even the same character archetypes, and still spin something completely unique. You’ve got the skeleton, now make it yours.
Let’s Break It Down: The Songs That All Use the Same Tune, But No One’s Complaining
1. Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star (The ‘I’m So Deep’ Version)
Lyrics:
Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are!
Up above the world so high,
Like a diamond in the sky.
Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are!
What It’s About:
You’re probably already yawning. I mean, we’ve all heard this one a million times, right? But let’s be honest: it’s a beautiful concept. We’re talking about the universe, the night sky, and the vast unknown. It’s like an early introduction to existentialism. You’re lying in your bed as a child, staring at the stars, thinking, “What’s out there? Is there life on other planets? Is this all some giant cosmic joke?” That’s real philosophy wrapped up in a sweet little rhyme.
Why Writers Should Care:
There’s no plot, really, but the idea is universal. You’ve got a simple framework, and the meaning is in the perspective. Your story, much like this song, doesn’t have to be groundbreaking. It can just take an existing idea and give it a unique spin. The universe is vast—so make your small part of it your own. Writers, don’t overthink it. It doesn’t have to be brand-new to make an impact.
2. Baa Baa Black Sheep (The ‘Sharing Is Caring’ Version)
Lyrics:
Baa, baa, black sheep,
Have you any wool?
Yes sir, yes sir,
Three bags full;
One for the master,
One for the dame,
And one for the little boy
Who lives down the lane.
What It’s About:
Ah, Baa Baa Black Sheep—the capitalism and inequality allegory. This rhyme teaches kids about sharing (but it also makes them aware that there’s always someone getting left out). The original version was likely a response to medieval wool taxation, but whatever, it works for teaching little ones about generosity—and maybe even how the world doesn’t always distribute resources fairly.
Why Writers Should Care:
The framework’s the same as Twinkle, Twinkle, but the message is totally different. You don’t need to invent something from scratch. Sometimes, it’s about repackaging an idea in a way that resonates with your audience. Don’t be afraid to tackle age-old themes like love, power, or greed. You can explore them again, just with your own twist, and it’ll feel brand new. Don’t fear the “overused”—make it your own.
3. The ABC Song (The ‘I’m Teaching You Stuff’ Version)
Lyrics:
ABCDEFG,
HIJK,
LMNOP,
QRSTUV,
WXYZ.
What It’s About:
And now, for the simplest, most utilitarian song of them all. It’s literally just the alphabet, but because it’s paired with a melody we’ve heard since we were toddlers, it becomes ingrained in our brains. And let’s be real—most of us are still singing it in our heads when we have to recite the alphabet as an adult. (Oh, come on—you know you do.) This song teaches us the ABC’s in the most memorable, catchy way possible.
Why Writers Should Care:
Here’s the thing: some stories don’t need to be complex or world-shattering. Sometimes, you just need a hook. A simple, repetitive pattern that gets stuck in people’s minds. Writers, embrace simplicity when you need it. An unforgettable character arc or emotional beat doesn’t need to be an intricate plot. Sometimes it’s the basic stuff that resonates hardest. Don’t be afraid to take a familiar structure and mold it into something uniquely you.
The Point: Writers, Don’t Be Afraid of ‘Copying’ Ideas
Look, Twinkle, Twinkle and Baa Baa Black Sheep are iconic songs because they resonate with different kinds of people in different ways. The melody is the same, but the meaning is entirely different. This is exactly how writers should think about structure: just because someone else used the same genre, trope, or framework doesn’t mean your version won’t be fresh, relevant, and uniquely yours.
If the melody is already out there—be it the chosen one trope, the love triangle, or the reluctant hero story—go ahead and use it. The trick is how you execute it. It’s about how you bring your voice to the table. Just like a song with the same melody can carry a totally different message depending on the lyrics, your story, even if it feels “familiar,” can have a new twist, new themes, and fresh characters that will set it apart.
Writers, borrow fearlessly. There’s no such thing as a new idea under the sun. Twinkle, Twinkle and Baa Baa Black Sheep have been around for centuries, and yet, every generation gets something new out of them. The structure works—because it’s timeless. And so does your story, even if it takes on a familiar format.
So, stop stressing about being “too similar” to others. You’re not. You’re taking something familiar, something comfortable, and giving it your personal flair. That’s what makes it unique. After all, Twinkle, Twinkle and ABC didn’t stop anyone from loving them, did they?
