10 Mistakes that Peg You as an Amateur Songwriter

[@charliemcgrain]

Top Tips: Listen to the songs you love. Work out why you love them. Study them. Feel them. Stop listening and start studying, then go back to feeling. If you cannot feel you cannot write. Try to open your heart and absorb, what does it feel like to be that homeless woman in a bus stop, to be a teenager without words for the pure joy of love. Try to really understand how you feel. Find words of your own for how you feel. If you have heard it before put it aside. Being 'clever' with a lyric can be impressive- but it will never beat being authentic. People want to know how you feel, coz they're all trying to understand how 'they' feel...on this road, this journey. Films are the same, we want to hear someone say something or do something and we all go 'shit, that's it right there,' that's how I feel, or that's what I want, or that's what I was afraid of. Stories. It does not start with how well you play guitar, it starts with a will to feel and explore something about who you are and then try to tell everyone else...the music is second.

[@SongTownUSA]

Great approach. Write on! CM

[@LHB57]

Best comment yet

[@charliemcgrain]

@@LHB57 Thank you. It is good of you to be so kind.

[@justinaskins2156]

Brb gonna go re-write all my songs now

[@orchidwave2574]

About contrast... a fellow songwriter I met and jammed with (musician's ad, didn't know him) played me a home recording of one of his tunes, saying there was something that bothered him about it and he couldn't figure it out as he thought he sang it fine, and played the acoustic guitar and mandolin accompaniment fine (that's all the instrumentation he used, which is ok by me). It was basically one decent 5 second melodic idea stretched into a 5 minute song. The guitar and mandolin just strummed unchangingly from start to finish - cleanly, no mistakes etc, but zero variation. No little runs or leads or adornments, no dynamic rises or falls, no deviation from the one chord progression. When you heard the first 10 seconds of the song, you'd heard all there was ever going to be. That really taught me about contrast and I became more watchful about any lack of contrast in my own writing.

[@SongTownUSA]

Write on! ~CM

[@Skiddoo42]

@@SongTownUSA I suspect that contrast is also depicted through call-and-response. I believe that all interesting music depends on call-and-response of instrumentation and ideas in order to create a narrative in the mind of the listener consisting of different voices in dialog be it intellectually, emotionally, rhythmically or melodically. This has a profound effect on the listener who relates most instinctively to dialog as a contradiction to isolation.

[@benwrong6855]

Yeah he needs to work with a producer or learn production. That 5 sec can be all you need as the basis of a great tune

[@PCPInvestigations]

Dynamics, transitions and key changes. ‘Nuff said 👍

[@stevenhanson6057]

Once heard songwriters saying, if you use the word “baby,” it better sound like never before. A couple of days later, Amy Grant “Vaby Vaby!”

[@wellens_artist]

Humm, I love lyrics that are somewhat unclear as to what is the exact meaning of the song. So much so that people can understand the story totally differently. So I tend to do the same things and I purposely keep things a little cryptic.

[@ktrock77]

Then you would like my songs LOL

[@davidhurley5032]

Agree. That's the art. If you write very literally, you may as well just write a book or something. No need to try to set literal information to music.

[@wellens_artist]

@@davidhurley5032 Bingo! my thoughts exactly.

[@Walter-f3w]

That's what made Lennon so great. Ambiguity. The less specific you are, the more people can relate.

[@realheadphonecandy]

I tend to yo in this direction too instead of telling a story.

[@PaulSchwarz]

"Cuervo Gold" made me instantly think of "Hey Nineteen" by Steely Dan...that's how you have furniture AND tell a story! Thanks for a great video!

[@SongTownUSA]

Great song! CM

[@davidjohnson1654]

"Hey Nineteen, that's 'Retha Franklin..."

[@suites.74]

The verses have furniture but the chorus has the thesis statement. We can't dance together - we've got nothing in common - no we can't talk at all.

[@chrisjaybecker4395]

Craig Wiseman has made a career out of furniture. "Summertime" recorded by Kenny Chesney comes to mind. But the storyline is there as well.

[@sub-jec-tiv]

@@suites.74 And the hilariously painful line, "she thinks i’m crazy, but i’m just growin’ old" 😂

[@christopherhudson3551]

I play at open mics all the time, so I'll give you some of my pet peeves about original songs I hear: 1. No understanding of how to construct a song ... no coherent chord construction. 2. No sense of melody .... just noodling. 3. Waaaaay too long: trying to write their life story. I'd say 1 in 50 that I hear gets my interest. Now, I will admit, I don't write songs because I've never come up with anything better than the zillion great songs that are already out there ... I look for obscure songs that are cool and cover them in my own way. I hear all the time "hey, did you write that?" I just smile, non-commitally ... no, I always give credit to the song writer.

[@SongTownUSA]

Awesome points! Great songs that are a little more unique do tend to get more notice! CM

[@JamieR]

I see good songwriting as a snapshot of time. Where you can even taste the air and experience the story with many senses. We get transported to the writers experience.

[@eyetalic]

You’d probably be a good producer. Too bad it’s hard to give advice to open mic songwriters.

[@ActingAndy]

@@JamieRyou’re so handsome

[@DavidMGides]

😊😊😊😅😅😅

[@BrentBeaver68]

Great video, lots of great songwriting advice! Two words, in my opinion, that will bring people back to listen to your song over and over: Vocal Melody. Especially in pop/rock music. If it's memorable and they can hum or song along to it, you have a winner. The Beatles were the kings of catchy vocal melodies. You can take away the backing music from their songs and the vocal melodies still pull you in. The music surrounding their vocal melodies and the intruments used in the songs were just the icing on the cake. Again, just my opinion. 😊🎵🎶

[@mariovillalobosmusic5288]

Had a great time hearing what you both had to say. I've been writing nearly 50 years now. I do it out of habit more then just because I want to. Meaning if I sit down and try to write something, I;m wasting my time. But I just pick up my guitar and start playing without intention, well that's how it happens for me. Even after all these years. It's fun to go back 30 or 40 years and listen to songs I've written and compare myself to what I write now. Big changes but at the same time, those early 3 chord songs were some of the most fun times! Appreciate you Dudes and your stories!

[@SongTownUSA]

Thanks for sharing! Write on! CM

[@lumberpilot]

I can relate. After writing hundreds of songs, I don't believe I actually tried to write more than two or three. They just come out and say here I am I guess.

[@CavyWheek]

A big pet peeve of mine in songwriting is by no means exclusive to amateurs, and maybe that's why it wasn't included here. It's when the lyric has the emphasis on the wrong syllable of a word or on the wrong word in a line. It is a connection killer. All of a sudden the listener (or me at least,) stops paying attention to the lyrics and thinks did she just sing "gor-GEOUS wo-MAN?" (That's an example from Alanis Morissette.) Now and then it can squeak by and be fine, but most of the time it's like a neon light and so easily fixed.

[@SongTownUSA]

Lyrics that flow and are natural or music are important! Thx for bringing it up! CM

[@MarvelNotMusic]

I understand what you mean. That used to bother me too, but then I realized it's a rule that gets broken _constantly_ by the biggest hit songs, including many songs that move me deeply. I'm glad you brought up Alanis as she does this often, yet Jagged Little Pill is considered a masterpiece by many. I still notice it all the time (once you see it, you can't un-see it), but I try not to judge it so harshly.

[@SongTownUSA]

I like to say we have tools, not rules. Write on! ~CM

[@MarvelNotMusic]

@@SongTownUSA I like it!

[@krispy2669]

that’s prosodic dissonance

[@julianwilsonsongwritermusi9413]

Gentlemen, thank you so much for reinforcing things that needed reinforcing, and getting me right back on track. I spent so many years writing lyrics for others (because I didn't have the recording skills) and neglected my own full songwriting. Now, I'm just going to press on and do my best with my solo songs. Your observations have been very helpful indeed. Good to know that even those who have managed to make a bigger success have faced the same obstacles and overcame them. Big respect to you guys, Jules (Julian Wilson UK)

[@SongTownUSA]

Glad to help! Write on! Marty and I are in the UK this weekend if you're around this event, stop by and say hello! songmasters.co.uk/

[@scottslater7704]

I've been writing songs for 30 years and this is great advice for any song smiths out there. It's a great reminder for me also! subscribed thanks!

[@SongTownUSA]

Apreciate ya! Write on! CM

[@Hexxecutioner]

I've seen some seriously mind blowing songwriting mistakes among local and indie artists. 1. Not writing the proper amount of lyrics to fit the music. As in, the verse riff is played 4x times. . . But the lyrics are 2 lines, 3 lines, 5 or 7 lines in a verse. 2. Similarly, there is no consistency nor pattern to the number of words or syllables in each line. One line might be 5 words, the next may be 10, the next may be 7, the next after that is like 14. . . .so you ask, "How does that fit over the music?". It doesn't. Yet a singer gets handed a sheet of lyrics written by the drummer that's literally that problematic. When the issue is pointed out, the singer is told to "make it work". Why? Because it's the drummer's house, and the drummer's band. 3. No concept of rhyme scheme. Out of a bloated verse 11 lines long... .there are rhymes in there somewhere, like between lines 5&6, and a bit later between lines 9&10. The simple idea of AA/BB or AB/AB rhyme patterns is evidently quite unknown to many a would-be lyricist. 4. Finally, no clear concept of what a song is even about. A lot of extreme metal is guilty of this- even signed bands releasing albums and touring. Maybe its because the vocals are growled and indecipherable, so they figure, who cares? But you read the lyric sheet, and its just a jumble of violent, spooky, or gory words tossed together in brief phrases. There's no narrative, point of view, or protagonist. If you read this and came to the conclusion that there are a lot of people out there trying to write songs who probably shouldn't be. . . You would be correct.

[@misplacedspirit6162]

Even after writing hundreds of songs I quite often struggle to be satisfied with the final product, I've never really thought about being better than anyone's songs as we all relate to different stories & styles, I'm happy if I manage to portray the moment/story and feeling I want my song to tell. I've found if I come back to songs I've written a few weeks later with a fresh perspective, there are plenty I think are average of even crap which often makes the better ones stand out and seem to have better flow and tell the songs story the way I want. Out of all the songs I've written there are only about a dozen or so that I'm close to being completely satisfied with.

[@jwmeirose]

This is a great interview not just for song writing but any kind of writing. Great video, great advice- all creatives can benefit from these tips.

[@SongTownUSA]

Write on! Thanks for letting us know. CM

[@enriquebarrios]

I write music as a hobby and I particularly like that tip about making the song reflect one idea. Normally I do that and have been slogging through a recent song of mine, wrestling a chorus. As soon as I heard you say that my brain went “that’s why it’s a struggle!” Too many ideas and I need to distill further.

[@shorthop65]

I had the same reaction!! Nailed it.

[@SongTownUSA]

Once we figure that out, a lot of doors open up for our writing. Write on! ~CM

[@gregwork49]

Yes. When I took up songwriting I found a new respect for hit writers from all backgrounds, and their skill at telling stories in three verses and a chorus. Sometimes even less.

[@SongTownUSA]

@@gregwork49 Write on! ~CM

[@effthegop]

This is a great video. It's two experienced musicians/writers in polite, casual conversation. The good news for me is that I never had too much furniture, just like in my everyday life. More good news is that I NEVER thought highly of what I had written. I only put them out in the world very sparingly. I knew they were just sketches and was very hesitant to share them. I have had people ask me what I thought of their music and felt awkward when I didn't like it. I don't think I pronoun jumped. I'd have to go back and listen, which I rarely do. When I do listed I get ready to cringe but usually end up thinking, "not bad for a first effort". One thing I do notice is that I never got around to writing a decent drum track even though that's the only instrument I can actually play :) That's how much of a sketch they are :) I don't think I time jumped but my stuff wasn't complicated enough to travel through time. I learned by myself not to be slave to the rhyme. Even though it was prevalent, I knew that I had learn to stay away. I didn't want to make the mistake the early Beatles made :) Was I too rhymie? Again, I'd have to check. Songtown seems like a win win situation. If there was a place to drop off sketches I'd do it in a heartbeat with zero expectations. A one in a million chance is still a chance and there would be no down side because they probably suck anyway. :) As far as 'same old' it could be. I probably lifted every riff from something I heard. I find myself thinking of a melody after leaving a restaurant where I probably unconsciously hear it playing in the background. My songs have no guitar in them because I only had rudimentary instrument samples to work with. Too many ideas in one song? Heh heh. I'm not that deep :) The lyrical contrast reminded me of Missing You. You knew how it was going to end but he made you wait until the end :) I believe I used some contrast. If not, I will be sure to apply it on my next album. Again, great video. I'm glad I watched it.

[@brooklynboy1000]

I think a great song is more than just a great lyric. I know Nashville is all about the story. But so much country sounds kinda the same. Same 4 chords. Same kind of solos. Same kind of big chorus I’m concentrating on just being myself and finding my own sound and style. Not writing in a genre. Just writing from the heart and being honest. Also today many of us have home studios where we can really craft and sculpt our own tracks the way we hear them and not hiring the same Nashville studio guys who play on thousands of songs. Thanks for this list !

[@SongTownUSA]

I couldn’t agree more, that great songs are definitely more than just lyrics. And if you’ve listened to Country over the last couple years, there are all styles of music represented in the top 10. And the majority of songs no longer have the incredible session players that used to play on all the records. There are a ton of guys building tracks on computers now in Nashville. ( I actually started doing that in NYC in the 90's so I can relate). It’s a great mix right now of tracks and players. As someone who’s been fortunate to have hits and has worked in multiple genres over the years, it’s good seeing things opening up. -CM

[@brooklynboy1000]

@ very cool. Hey I grew up in NYC too. Early midi studios in the 80s. Thought about moving to Nashville to open up a studio as I’m a one man band multi instrumentalist. Singer songwriter producer engineer and picker! I’m up in Vancouver though. Love doing roots and country Good to hear it’s not the same old down there.

[@SongTownUSA]

@@brooklynboy1000 Yes, I had an Atari 1040 computer with a midi port and a room full of synths in the 80's. I worked at Manny's music on 48th and then opened my own studio. Those were those days. Technology was so new and we were riding the wave! Love Vacouver! ~CM

[@brooklynboy1000]

@ I had the Commodore 64 and the 1040 Too. Dr T. Which became Notator. Eventually emagic and Logic. I Bought a Korg M1 from Sam Ash on 48th. Had many other synths and drum machines too. Was a good time to learn all that I used to go to Mannys, Rudy’s and 48th St Guitars. Do you remember the Electro Harmonix store? That was like 1977. Those were the days !

[@SongTownUSA]

@@brooklynboy1000 I used Notator as well. I don't remember Electro Harmonix. I got to the City in '81. Good times! ~CM

[@mikegrossman4039]

Thx guys. Good stuff. I felt hope and then some dispair. I had it in my hands only to discover it was running through my fingers. 😉

[@adalos1953]

Good stuff. I think the whole radio thing is that there is a lot of really good music that will never make it onto radio for whatever reason (length, audience, complexity, etc.). You might be writing better quality songs that what you're hearing on the radio, but your music needs to be marketable and interesting to a fairly wide swath of the populace. I don't think radio should be used as the bar for good songwriting though.

[@JordanMillsTracks]

I think the point is more if your saying "my songs are better than whats on tge radio and the radio's only not playing it yet because tghey dont know about it or the right person ahant heard it yet"

[@basscase78]

I really enjoyed point 9. The idea of lyrical contrast is a really strong concept for crafting a song that keeps the listener engaged

[@SongTownUSA]

Yes! Contrast is huge in songs, art, and life :) CM

[@GMS8201]

Wow. This is really great! I think this is a good list for even naturally talented songwriters that do have a gift, to be able to see what they're doing wrong. Many times list can be obvious, but this had really good ones for even seasoned writers.

[@tonysebo9010]

Number one s so correct. I remember John Lennon saying how 'In my life' was intended to be an homage to all the things that held significance for him regarding his city as he took the bus from home going downtown. The first results were precisely as you explained. Everything was there, but it was a soulless list.

[@AdamHumburg]

I’m new to writing. It’s daunting and amazing and a rush. I just found your channel and have been chewing on all of the wisdom and experience that you two are sharing in this video. Especially the “furniture” comments. Thank you! I’m leaving inspired… and I’ll be back!

[@SongTownUSA]

Write on! CM

[@brianknight8195]

You guys are obviously very focussed and expert on songwriting and speaking to my soul🤣😂❤️ about the mistake I make. I need to watch this channel as therapy! I’ve been an engineer, producer, and songwriter and performer for 45 years. I learn more very day and I recognize your genius! ❤️❤️❤️

[@SongTownUSA]

Write on! CM

[@TheHowardSinclair]

Kudos for the That Pedal Show Hoodie! This is really helpful advice. As a songwriter who is trying to build material for my next album this is key :)

[@SongTownUSA]

Always love supporting the TPS show. Glad you found us. Write on! ~CM

[@shorthop65]

One thought I had, and maybe it's well known so doesn't need to be mentioned, but if you have an idea for a song...write it all the way out...even if you don't know all the words yet, but get the whole "idea" onto a recording or paper, or whatever. Then, you've at least got a complete idea, and you can go back and fine-tune it from there. For me, this has been the hardest part of my songwriting journey, getting a great idea, singing into a recording device. Then walking away. Not finishing anything. I don't know if my song-writing skills are decent at all because I complete a verse and a chorus, and I'm spent!! :)

[@tailgunner6948]

I believe that if you can say what needs to be felt AND 12:23 rhyme at the same time youre really doing something special...usig false rhymes...sound alikes..whatever are all an indication that you have an above level ability...its a teal feat of syllable magic when it occurs...the English language is well suited for this exercise!

[@mintonmiller]

I really love the last point the most. I am an amateur gospel song writer. When I get chances to play at various churches I never start out by saying, "I wrote this song". I just get up and do my thing and let the song speak for itself. When people comment later on the song (they almost always do), that's when I will say sometthing about my writing.

[@SongTownUSA]

Write on! Appreciate you sharing your journey. CM

[@JohnStarliper]

Thank you SO much, guys. I had never heard of Gene Cotton or the song Me & The Elephant. But I’m embarrassed to say I have listened to it at least 10 times today. What a touching little song. I know when a song is well written because, when it is, a little voice inside me says, “God, I wish I had written that.” That’s my yardstick. Anyways, there is nothing better than finding a new favorite song that makes you obsess over it for a little while. Shame that this one is virtually forgotten and not on Apple Music. Anyways, thank you, guys. You blessed me today.

[@SongTownUSA]

Thanks for sharing that with us! CM

[@therickgeorgeband876]

Good stuff, thanks for the tips!

[@SongTownUSA]

You bet! Write on! CM

[@OliseForel]

These tips seem obvious, once you know them. But you don't know what you don't know until you know it! Cheers for the awesome tips! Subbed!

[@SongTownUSA]

Appreciate it! Write in! CM

[@benmalone6139]

Id say learning to construct a song is paramount. In regards to general arrangement I think when you originally start out the first rule is the old one...'Don't bore us get to the chorus ' and then I found just get to work on looking for new music and copy your way to originality lol

[@misterguitargeek]

I feel uncomfortable with the notion that "currently marketable" = "great" I don't think this was really what you're saying - but I just feel that the venn diagram of "Great songs" and "songs I hear on the radio" doesn't have a whole lot of overlap. I suppose if you play something for 10 people whose tastes you respect or who represent the sensibility you're going after... and they tell you back to the drawing board, the point makes sense.

[@Walter-f3w]

Nailed it.

[@imisspoke]

I love all the great singing, playing and overall the musical demonstrations in this video.

[@tonycampbell4982]

Great info as always. Maybe in a furure video could touch on performing songwriter vs non-performing singwriter.. Thanks

[@SongTownUSA]

Great suggestion!

[@JohnLaConte]

Good tips thanks fellas. Since you’re doing video, I’ll suggest one mistake that pegs you as an amateur videographer - putting the “look space” on the wrong side. If your body is angled to the left, you shouldn’t have more room over your right shoulder. In your case it’s tricky because your bodies are facing one way and your heads are turning the other way. So when you’re addressing each other it looks ok, but at rest it looks amateur.

[@SongTownUSA]

They will literally let anyone have a camera these days 😂. Good thing we write songs! Seriously, any suggestions for dealing with the tiny square box room we are sert up it, is appreciated. Cheers, CM

[@mediocrephil]

I love the idea of "too much furniture" ruining a song. A lot of great nuggets of wisdom here. I'm glad I found y'alls channel!

[@SongTownUSA]

Good to have ya here. Write on! CM

[@samcoffeymusic]

Great stuff. "Too much furniture. What makes me wanna give a crap. It's about the song's story." Except how many hit songs currently on Spotify have a good storyline? Or any storyline at all?

[@SongTownUSA]

Yes. Not all songs have to be stories but definitely need to make you feel :) CM

[@mr.funnyman9765]

There's a clear difference between writing to tell and writing to sell. I don't believe these guys are discussing the latter

[@SongTownUSA]

I've always made it a point to try and write great songs that are still commercial. Commercial just means a lot of people have heard it... I don't think you have to choose one or another. Writing to sell was definitely never the driving factor. I'm thankful it's worked out well for me in my career. ~CM

[@tbone805]

Thanks very much for the enlightening discussion! I’m a fan of the circled word (clustering) exercise you mentioned. Though I feel it can go deeper than just generating furniture. The way the word cluster develops and the stories that are suggested through the window of the cluster can be a very liberating approach. In my experience it requires seeing beyond the ‘list’ and letting the list suggest a story through word relationships. The book “writing the natural way” goes deep into this method.

[@SongTownUSA]

Thanks for sharing your strategy! Write on! CM

[@jacobeminger]

this is the best songwriting video i’ve seen on youtube. not simple tips, but tangible things you can take away that fit in everybody’s senario. thank you🤙🏼

[@SongTownUSA]

Glad it was helpful! We share what we do everyday n writing rooms. Write on! CM

[@freemansgarage]

When I work on a song, I often feel like every line could be its own song. I don’t want to waste all those ideas on just one song. I could turn it into a song like "Like A Rolling Stone" where new versus just keeping or split it into several songs, but they might end up sounding too similar. Maybe the best approach is to focus on picking only the best lines to create one great song, rather than ending up with a bunch of mediocre ones.

[@SongTownUSA]

Nothing wrong with experimenting with different approaches to find what works best for ya. Write on! CM

[@celsoch]

The lyric contrast advice is gold!!!

[@SongTownUSA]

Thanks for letting us know. Write on! CM

[@Rolanoid]

Don' t be a rhyme slave was my big takeaway but all the points were great advice too thanks.

[@SongTownUSA]

Write on! CM

[@ChannelofRichPierik]

The camera on the right, capturing the guy on the left, is really great!

[@SongTownUSA]

Sony A7S iii. With a yongnuo 85mm lens 👍

[@barrycarroll1]

Really enjoyed this convo. thanks guys!

[@SongTownUSA]

Our pleasure! Write on! CM

[@bjarnyg]

rhyming (and synonym) dictionaries can be a great tool as long as you don't let it get in the way of what you're trying to say.

[@lumberpilot]

A lot of times, I find that when a line ends with a word that does not rhyme, it has more impact.

[@snickpickle]

@@lumberpilot I'm even dispensing with any rhyming at all for most of my songs in the last ten years or so! I want to tell a story, not a nursery rhyme most of the time. I'm not totally going "free-verse," but if nothing else, I just want to get my raw emotion down for later on, to see if I can boil it down into a more manageable piece. At least I have a start, even if it's not a very good start.

[@lumberpilot]

@@snickpickle Internal rhymes are sometimes better than end-of-line rhymes.

[@Newfoundmike]

I noticed many people can't stay with the Basic theme . It starts one way and then they go off into all directions ( lyrically) .

[@GaryMeadowsMusic]

I keep trying to write better songs and love doing it. I'm always working on my next song.

[@SongTownUSA]

Write on!

[@iamhunterreece]

As a songwriter, how I have never seen this podcast before? LOVE THIS VIDEO!

[@SongTownUSA]

Good to have you in town! Write on! CM

[@CommonSenseTipsAndTricks]

Good points. I heard of Clay Mills through a collaborating friend of mine. And he told me Clay knows his stuff. One common thing as a failure I have found with many many songwriters is bad bad grammar! These days with rap or hip hop being so in demand, people seem to have lost the focus of grammar. I know there's one thing to have a two particular about it. I know lots of country songs have the word ain't and that's fine. But some of the grammar is just so juvenile and tarnishing to what might be a good song. These days it looks like the game has changed. Which is detrimental. But there are some popular song writers who are in the right place at the right time and by the grace of God, some would say a quirk in the universe who could be considered less than to the standards. And in the industry if there's anything that even remotely seems to be a possibility, by the process of over promotion and bombardment to the general public, the people will love the song and make it great on their own. I'm a very very serious songwriting lyricist who became a poet at first with around 100 collaborations. But until they are in the right hands, I'm a nobody.

[@Connie-Medeiros]

Right! The song that comes to mind is Landslide by Fleetwood Mac. The snow-covered hills can produce an avalanche, but she calls it a Landslide and the song is a classic.

[@CommonSenseTipsAndTricks]

@mommy-conmed I agree even though personally I was more partial to Christine's writings and music. And I thought she had the most beautifully sincere voice.

[@dvp39]

Nah, English sux. Instead of pronouns, omit subjects as well. The more vague and disjointed it is the more interpretive it is. Then just refuse to use English. HOWEVER, latin is good, we need more grammatically proper Gregorian chants in edm.

[@ktrock77]

Some of the rap is terribly written.

[@CommonSenseTipsAndTricks]

@ktrock77 I agree. Probably by people who don't respect the English language!

[@connierunyon7838]

Home run as usual, here! It looks like the majority of pages in my personal songwriting instructional handbook are being filled with my notes from these SongTown gems. It may be time to join! Many thanks, from CJ Runyon in Southern Illinois!

[@SongTownUSA]

Awesome. We’d love to have ya in town. Write on! Clay

[@palsheldon6520]

The Contrast point is Gold. :)

[@SongTownUSA]

It should be #1 for sure! CM

[@sdoggingsworth]

"Lucky Ball and Chain" by They Might Be Giants has probably the best contrast I've ever heard.

[@kingsponge]

Great advice Clay and Marty!!! You guys KNOW!!!

[@SongTownUSA]

Thanks! Appreciate you watching and letting us know! Write on! CM

[@beandog100]

I bet that guy's songs are actually better than what's on the radio now.

[@PCPInvestigations]

Funny thing, when you mentioned the ‘beach song’ example, I couldn’t help think of a tune I have been working off and on about the Jersey Boardwalk in the off season. Always view it as a Bruce or more retrospective turn for Bon Jovi piece. Interesting. More recently, I went out for a second hip op. Prior to, I gave myself a music project. I studied early Beatles pieces then came up with a chord structure and list of criteria which I felt defined songs of the early Beatles era. I then set out to write and record an original intent on capturing the ‘early Beatles vibe’. Sans The Weeklings. As of this writing (12-6-24) a rough demo of the arrangement has been recorded. A project like this is a great way to develop song writing tools geared to a more succinct product overall. Yeah, length and lack of dynamic pressence is always a quick track to the ‘blahs’. Interesting video! Tapping the subscribe tab for sure!

[@SongTownUSA]

Glad the video is helpful, write on! CM

[@Mississippi_Martian]

Excellent info here. Thanks. \m/

[@SongTownUSA]

Write on! CM

[@heavymaskinen]

Not having an ending! I once saw a singer-songwriter open for a major act, and he talked about how he had just written ten songs the day before, so that’s all he played. And NONE of them had a proper ending - they just stopped.

[@SongTownUSA]

That's always awkward! ~CM

[@triconcert]

Really valuable advice here. Thanks guys.

[@aleolejnik7015]

Great stuff guys!

[@John-Lorraine]

Clay is 100% right. You should be confident in your own style/voice or you are just hoping to get lucky by writing yesterday's news.

[@SongTownUSA]

Yes! If you're not the lead dog, the scenery never changes!

[@John-Lorraine]

@@SongTownUSA I have learned a lot from you, Clay. I may take you up on a critique of a couple of my songs if by Nashville contact doesn't do something on my behalf soon. You guys are awesome!

[@SongTownUSA]

@@John-Lorraine awww.. appreciate it John. ~CM

[@sosinati3358]

Drake knows how to zoom in on the emotion and describe what triggers it for him in a situation that most people can relate to. The melodies and choice of sounds are also perfect for the subject matter. Good beatmakers or producers choose their sounds meticulously. That's what makes a good song writer for me. Kxllstation is another one that can take you through specific types of pain and help you ride it out like he did.

[@SongTownUSA]

Yes 💯

[@BrenQ99]

Much respect for that TPS sweatshirt.

[@SongTownUSA]

Love those guys! CM

[@tomcoryell]

Good eye! Yeah that’s a great channel!

[@BarryOdom63]

Love Kenny’s Blue chair. Plenty of emotion in my opinion

[@SongTownUSA]

Very real song for Kenny!

[@effthegop]

I'm not sure I want to watch this video because I undoubtedly have made all of them ;) When I first learned to use technology to write (I'm just a drummer) I went on a spree for about a year. Writing a song is simple but writing a good song is elusive. I just wrote because I could. Using midi to write a bass line seemed simple. Adding midi layer on top of it was also simple. Sometimes I'd start with a lyrical melody and use the same approach. I don't have a great vocal range so the beauty of writing my own stuff is that I could sing it and add backing. I stopped writing a few years ago after about a dozen songs. I never finalized anything as I didn't see the need. Good or bad, I just wanted to see if I could write a song.

[@SongTownUSA]

Sounds like you had a good start. Did you enjoy it? CM

[@effthegop]

@@SongTownUSA Oh hell yeah! I have always had ideas for melodies, chord progressions and lyrics in my mind but was always dependent on instrument players to do their parts. When I had too much time on my hands after retirement and was able to learn to record, it opened up a whole new world. I will watch the video new. Im not scared :)

[@SongTownUSA]

@ write on! CM

[@chris-4566]

I’m an amateur songwriter and like most songwriters I’m still waiting for my first hit. Only kidding! I’m 65 now, so I’m definitely not in tune with what’s current but I really enjoy writing and fortunately, I like the blues so it’s never not current. I think the old saying “the more songs you write, the better you get” is true and thanks to KZbin and streaming sites, I get my songs out there for people to listen to which is satisfying, if not profitable.

[@SongTownUSA]

Write on! Cm

[@ChadwickRider]

One of my favorite songs 'right now' ... "Middle Of It" by Lainey Wilson. It's filled with relatable metaphors.

[@SongTownUSA]

Write on! CM

[@danarcotta1283]

I attended a seminar and I submitted a " new" song that I wrote. It was a well produced demo that said Nothing! I was quickly humbled and went back to my roots. I've written some good stuff that I've played in public and they were well received. I'm almost finished with a project, looking for a publisher. How do I properly go about doing this.

[@SongTownUSA]

Congrats on discovering that it all starts with a great song. Is your project your own artist project?

[@danarcotta1283]

@SongTownUSA yes , jazz, rock, ballads . I'd call some of them timeless

[@SongTownUSA]

Write on! CM

[@amhoody]

Loving your videos! I love the art of songwriting and hearing your stories about what it's like behind the curtain is fascinating. Thank you!

[@SongTownUSA]

Thanks a lot! We're stoked you’re loving the vids. Write on! CM

[@yunggshh858]

Love the honesty

[@rorypotatochip1373]

I never think my songs are better, but I do wonder, if people heard this in a playlist, genre dependent of course, would it catch someone’s interest to stand on its own merit?? Ultimately, I like writing and producing what I want to hear. But like J Mascis said, surely someone else out there wants to listen to what I’m creating. (Not a direct quote) But it does make you think.

[@SongTownUSA]

I always think if you write it well, communicate well, and come from a real place, a song can move a lot of people. Write on! CM

[@DropAnchor1978]

One of my pet peeves is when I hear weak syllables accented in a phrase or word. For example, the second syllable of the word "baby" is stressed.

[@krispy2669]

it’s called prosodic dissonance

[@FiGNewtonWilliamsJr]

On rhyming, sometimes it doesn't HAVE to always rhyme. I have read fellow aspiring songwriters' lyrics before that just come off like a Dr Seuss book. I'd say what's more important is the flow, because if you can make it flow well without rhyming every. single. stanza..., it shows a whole next level of creativity. just my opinion.

[@SongTownUSA]

Thx for sharing your take on it... For me, it's not usually the rhyming words that create that problem or have the biggest impact on the listener, it's what happens in the lines before them. Bob Dylan used 85% perfect rhymes but his songs were brilliant. He wasn't writing Dr. Seuss at all. Between the rhymes is where the brilliance can take place. Dylan was both memorable and creatively interesting.

[@stevesaltered]

Gonna write out that list and compare it to that tunes I'm proud of. Pretty sure it'll be back to the drawing board on alot of them:) Great clip guys.

[@raphaelward1711]

When i write a good one the audience is singing along from the second chorus the first time it is gigged, they think they've heard it before when i know they haven't

[@SongTownUSA]

Write on! CM

[@AndrewNeilMusic]

How can I talk to a publisher? I’ve tried to contact them but never get a reply

[@SongTownUSA]

Songtown connects writers when your songs are truly ready, to work monthly with publishers in our SongTown Edge groups: songtown.com/edge-groups/

[@futatorius]

Regarding "Slave to the Rhyme," some of the best songwriters aren't afraid to use half-rhymes or even non-rhymes when it serves the song.

[@SongTownUSA]

Write on! CM

[@rumblehat4357]

In addition, I’m not a big fan of rhyming a word with the same word, like rhyming “guy” with “guy.”

[@SongTownUSA]

I have heard it done well. Where you rhyme the 3rd from last word of each line and the last word is the same. For me, it depends on the context and how well the song is written, or not.

[@BronsonBragg]

I always wonder what the pros would say to me. On my 2nd and 3rd draft, i try to find the parts i hate the most and act as my own critic to make each line more important. Lots of ironing, but it doesn't take too long, at least.

[@SongTownUSA]

Sounds like you have a process that’s working for ya. Write on! CM

[@BronsonBragg]

@SongTownUSA It gets the songs done, that's for sure. Lol! I do feel like I'm flailing wildly as I get closer to a bullseye by accident. XD My primary goal is just to put in reps.

[@prettyOP]

Hahaha I know he didn't just come up with "Beer Never Broke My Heart" on the spot like that 😆 A+ Title

[@SongTownUSA]

Yes! Throwing out an example. Write on! CM

[@jasongraham4425]

Nope that was the cocaine 😂

[@dominusfornax]

Good advice. I guess I will just have to start writing differently. Would you advise that? What I once considered "selling out" I guess I need to start doing a little bit of. I mean, I still have to like it myself, but I can "relax my boundaries" a little in order to garner more attention. Is that wrong? I guess it would also help if I got off of my ass and started working harder at promotion.

[@SongTownUSA]

I’ve never approach it as heart vs commercial. I’ve always aimed to figure out how to put my heart and soul into my songs in a framework where others feel that same emotion when they hear it. It’s served me well in my career. I teach a masterclass on this every January -CM

[@dominusfornax]

@@SongTownUSA 🙂

[@CollinMacCaulley]

Where do I get good advice on being a good lyric writer and how to get my lyrics published?

[@SongTownUSA]

Www.songtown.com we help lyricists write better and get connected to the industry when your songs are ready.

[@havable]

That guy with the tape at the festival: "why write more?" Because writing songs is FUN!!!!

[@SongTownUSA]

100%! Write on!~CM

[@BobBeckley-by2sy]

Another great one, guys!

[@oyesuken]

Some things drop together in an evening, and other stuff takes 10 years for the right matching concept to come to be. Should I be concerned about that, or just let it come together naturally?

[@SongTownUSA]

Songs can take what they take as far as time. There are things you can do like writing a little everyday, to improve and train your creativity to show up more on demand. But if you are enjoying your process, that is ultimately all that matters. Write on! CM

[@NoCoverCharge]

As a band guy who has written all the songs for a band and trying to have a band identity and sound be cool to hear how you would go about writing within the context of a band and not for just some artist you hopes cut the songs .. but in the context of writing for the band with no interest in having other people cut it

[@SongTownUSA]

Interesting, my focus was never on "hoping an artist would cut it." I am focused on doing two things, 1) pull the listener out of their busy world and into your song. 2) Keep them listening throughout the song. Tht's know different for a band member writing for their band and for their audience. The better you are at writing, the better your chances of that happening are. Cheers, CM

[@davedem4107]

I write songs and poems all the time, and have for years. Sometimes I go back through them and I cringe. But I always make a decision. Some, I jettison, some I rewrite, some of them I look over to see if they need polishing up. But, most of them used to be personal narratives or studies of emotions. Now I tend to write political protest/racial injustice songs.

[@SongTownUSA]

Write on! CM

[@martinnewtonholmes]

Have you ever earned off of them ?

[@michaelnorris2522]

"California Dreamin'" is a song in which the present and past tenses are mixed up ("I got down on my knees and I pretend to pray", "The preacher liked the cold; he knows I'm gonna stay"). Still, it sold millions and is remembered as a classic by a whole generation sixty years later. I'm not saying that it's good to be imprecise, but it doesn't necessarily get a song rejected. Good tips -- I enjoyed the video.

[@JohnMichaudAnimation]

I think the lyrics are “I began to pray”, and “the preacher likes the cold”. But I hear you.

[@Newfoundmike]

​@@JohnMichaudAnimation nope it's pretend to Pray . ❣️🤜🤛

[@JohnMichaudAnimation]

@@Newfoundmike All these decades, I’ve been misunderstanding both of those lines 😲!!

[@stevenswisher4339]

I actually work with ashley gorley's brother here in lexington ky. He's a Cool, hopefully ill get to meet ashley one day 😂

[@garyvancamp3115]

A friend of mine once told me the chances of writing a HIT song are equal to winning the lottery. He wrote and submitted over 500 songs. Married a country star, then he won the lottery. His advise. Don't write songs because you want to be some kind of star. Write songs because that is simply what you love to do. If it's meant to happen, it will.

[@SongTownUSA]

Good advise... Always for the love of it first! Write on! CM

[@nevillehiatt]

these 10 points are 10/10.

[@SongTownUSA]

Thanks for watching! Write on! CM

[@nevillehiatt]

@@SongTownUSA Thank you, I finished a song last night that I started writing over 5 years ago.

[@SongTownUSA]

That’s awesome!

[@KitBasher1]

Curious what you guys think about sets of songs, like the underlying narrative across a collection of songs of an album.

[@SongTownUSA]

Concept albums used to be a thing. Maybe you can bring that genre back!

[@WorkingOnThatSong]

Have your book and love it. I PURPOSELY am uploading my crap and sketches on KZbin so one day anyone can see where I started. I will be successful and just watch 2025 you’re gonna hear great things. . My current list on my channel is simply learning a daw, how to play keys, how to sing, and already played guitar a little. . I’m not arrogant. I lost my life in 2015 when k was paralyzed and I’ve turned every rock over to gain some health back and music has helped and now I’m committed to being successful in music. Stay tuned. And anyone struggling with life right now, don’t give up, please, find your center and find good people to be around. Best luck to everyone trying!!

[@SongTownUSA]

So glad music has helped you back! Write on! CM

[@joshuasummers6109]

The best "time jumping" song I've ever heard is Bird Hunters by the Turnpike Troubadours. That's a Steinbeck novel in a 3 minute song.

[@SongTownUSA]

Write on! CM

[@marcusfrombespokeaudio5372]

Love this video; would love it even more if the audio was flipped L/R!

[@SongTownUSA]

You and us both! CM

[@marcusfrombespokeaudio5372]

@SongTownUSA 😅

[@Bfordandafter]

There are lots of great written songs that never get on the radio... and are better than many radio hits in many way..... radio songs today are often pretty weak.... not great story telling... BUT the ones on the radio are always well done.... and will have a great hook or marketable artist pushing them

[@SongTownUSA]

Absolutely. Not every great songs fits the radio format. But are still great songs! CM

[@rbailey294]

This was just SO excellent! Thank you!

[@SongTownUSA]

You’re welcome. Thanks for letting us know. Write on! CM

[@jessesguitars6316]

Just found you guys. Great content!

[@SongTownUSA]

Awww thank you! Write on! CM

[@johntanner3122]

As a long time lyricist, but new to promotion. How could I go about promoting myself?

[@SongTownUSA]

We help lyricists find cowriters and after that, connections in the industry when their songs are ready. Songtown.com

[@tedtalksstamps]

I thnk the great God, Algo, for putting this video in front of my eyes (perhaps it's because of all the Rick Beato and Dead Wax videos I watch 😄). Anyway, I'm not a songwriter; I'm into short stories and novels, but I could see how a lot of what you went over applies to that. Great video.

[@SongTownUSA]

Good to hear! Write on! Clay

[@SongTownUSA]

The all knowing Algo 😂