Writing Great Songs

We often imagine the world of songwriting as a domain filled with spontaneous sparks of creativity and divine inspiration. A songwriter sits in the quiet of the night, and as if by magic, an entire song comes to them, pouring out like a torrent of emotive, expressive art. And yes, there are indeed moments of magic in the songwriting journey. However, the often overlooked yet vitally important part of this process lies not in these flashes of brilliance but in the persistent effort of showing up and doing the work.

The idea of an “overnight success” is a myth. Even for those songwriters who seem to have ascended to stardom in the blink of an eye, there are years of hard work, experimentation, and countless moments of trial-and-error lurking behind their seemingly instantaneous success. So, if you’re aiming to cultivate your own songwriting prowess, it’s crucial to keep in mind that the secret ingredient is dedication, commitment, and showing up every day.

Creating a Songwriting Ritual
A crucial aspect of showing up lies in establishing a consistent songwriting routine. This routine, or ritual, should involve setting aside dedicated time for songwriting each day. This doesn’t mean forcing creativity; instead, it’s about creating an environment where creativity is welcome and can freely emerge.
This ritual could involve sitting down at your instrument, or with your notebook, and experimenting with chords, melodies, or lyrical phrases. It’s about exploration and letting your mind wander, knowing that not every session will result in a finished song. Sometimes, the purpose of these sessions is merely to stay connected with your craft and to keep the creative channels open.

Nurturing Discipline Over Inspiration
While inspiration is undeniably a valuable part of songwriting, it’s not always reliable. Relying solely on the whims of inspiration is akin to waiting for a train that may or may not come. On the other hand, discipline is the vehicle that’s always available, ready to take you to your destination.
Like any other form of artistic expression, songwriting involves significant craftsmanship. Every great songwriter has spent countless hours honing their craft, understanding the nuances of melody, harmony, and rhythm, and exploring the intricate dance of words and music. This level of mastery comes from practice and repetition — from showing up every day.

Embracing the Challenges
Songwriting is often a process of solving puzzles. How do you fit a particular lyrical phrase into a melody? How do you convey a specific emotion through chord progressions? How do you turn a vague idea into a concrete song?
Showing up means being there to wrestle with these puzzles. It means not being afraid to write a bad song or create a melody that doesn’t quite work. It’s about understanding that mistakes and challenges are stepping stones toward growth and better songs.

The Beauty of Persistence
Finally, remember that you’re making progress every day you show up, even if it doesn’t feel like it. Songwriting is a journey, and every journey is made up of countless small steps.

The act of picking up your instrument or opening your notebook is a step forward. Each chord you play, each word you write, brings you closer to your next song. It’s the accumulative power of these seemingly small actions that bring about significant results in the long term.

In the grand scheme of things, showing up may not seem as glamorous as those lightning bolt moments of inspiration, but it’s undoubtedly the backbone of any successful songwriting journey. It’s the bridge that connects the realms of inspiration and creation, carrying ideas from the ether of potentiality into the tangible realm of music.

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Songwriting isn’t just about divine moments of inspiration; it’s about the courage to show up every day, embracing the process and letting your music evolve note by note, word by word.

Remember, songwriting is an art; like any other art, it requires practice and persistence. It’s not about waiting for the muse to show up but about diligently showing up at your creative altar. This commitment to the craft of songwriting, to be there with your instrument or your notebook day in and day out, is the true journey of a songwriter.

When you show up and work it, not floating around, you’re cultivating the fertile ground from which beautiful songs grow. It’s in this dedicated space where the magic happens, those dazzling moments of inspiration find a home, and songs that resonate and touch people’s hearts are born.

So, continue showing up, and continue doing the work. Your music is waiting to come to life, one note, one word, one song at a time. Embrace the process and let your persistent effort be the soundtrack of your songwriting journey.