10 Mistakes that Peg You as an Amateur Songwriter

[@SongTownUSA]

The "Write For Recording Artist" Program: Get your song ideas in front of artists and win co-writes with label artists. songtown.com/songwriting-course-writing-for-artists/

[@grizzlythief]

Writing for another artist must be difficult. I always thought music was a telling of a personals emotional story. I think it would be hard to tell someone else's story and tap into another's emotions.

[@monetedwards5673]

I wrote to you earlier, something to the point and clever , however when I pushed submit, it said there was soom issue, to tired to try again right now , will try again tomorrow, time to write

[@SongTownUSA]

​@@grizzlythief My approach when I am writing with an artist, is to find common experiences and emotions to write about. It's not really about writing someone else's story, but to find common ground we all feel as humans. If I am writing without the artist, I'm writing from my own experiences and pitch the song to artists I feel can relate and record it.

[@probusexcogitatoris736]

Really? The biggest problem is not access? You just have to write a good song? Then where are all these great songs? Can you honestly say that the Billboard, top 40 or the most popular Spotify lists are filled to the brink with great songs?

[@SongTownUSA]

Yes, exactly. For a songwriter to break through all the noise you’ll need to learn to write great songs. Writing as good as what’s out doesn’t move the needle to launch a career. Think of your fav artists and writers throughout history. They came along with a new sound and had skills. I work with up and coming writers every day. Publishers don’t want to sign average writers. Thanks for dropping in your opinion. Write on! CM

[@bassadelica]

@@SongTownUSAI think his point is the bulk of top songs are sub-par. Might be so however they are marketable. There is a difference

[@Bfordandafter]

@@bassadelica Yep.... there are some weak songs on the radio... BUT they hit something that is easy to market or sell.. or sometime they are just catchy with weak lyrics.

[@pickerman6344]

@@SongTownUSA I think this makes sense to me. As a writer starting out, you need a great song to break through... OR you can take a subpar song at the right time with the right "access", but that's the approach least likely to succeed...?

[@SongTownUSA]

@@pickerman6344 Really hard to break through with an average song. But a song that is uniquely you and different could stand out! CM

[@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..."

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@bradleystereoguitaramplifi9616]

I think you should write music that pleases yourself. There is no radio anymore. We're living in a wonderful day and age when we can produce our own music and promote and publish it ourselves. Excellent tips here. Thank you.

[@SongTownUSA]

Yes, always write what you love! And yes, artists today have more avenues than radio for sure…But radio absolutely does still exist and is still the biggest source of revenue for songwriters that are not the artist. -CM

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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/

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@BarryOdom63]

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

[@SongTownUSA]

Very real song for Kenny!

[@kevinmoores8603]

Interesting and all useful stuff. I write songs to have a voice, to say something. I don't write about me though. I know I've written a good song when the audience who haven't heard it before start singing along.

[@SongTownUSA]

Write on! CM

[@officialWWM]

I’m new here. I’ve been writing and recording songs for years but I have no idea how to market my work. Is it better to just present your lyrics or should I present my finished recordings as demos for other singers?

[@SongTownUSA]

Welcome! Depends on the specific situation. Both can work. Check out songtown.com … we train writers on the business side and most of our members collaborate. CM

[@tonycampbell4982]

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

[@SongTownUSA]

Great suggestion!

[@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

[@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

[@markguertin210]

Thanks for this ,it inspired me to start writing something about two lovers strolling on a predawn beach. Having the wet sand squishing between their toes as the sun starts to paint the water. .But that's me! Don't try to rhyme , try to.feel the gift of the song!

[@nevillehiatt]

does jaws make a cameo appearance?

[@rbailey294]

This was just SO excellent! Thank you!

[@SongTownUSA]

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

[@thesongwritersjourney]

Every time I do something amateur, my mind is going to see Marty say "amateur" doing this: \o/ (2:43) Great lessons. I have actually met a Mr "Better than the Radio" - that was a bit surreal. "Same ol' same" is my favorite part because I find myself wanting to write similar to what I have heard, instead of doing something "fresh." I constantly need to remember that one. Thanks!!

[@SongTownUSA]

Write in! Thanks for joining the conversation! CM

[@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

[@roberteismann1929]

I personally prefer instrumental music, lyric wise every story has probably been told a million times over, especially in Nashville song writing.

[@SongTownUSA]

I used to feel the same starting out in New York and being a melody person first. Then I started working with world class lyricists and saw the power of a great lyric sitting on top of a great melody. To me, the purpose of songs is expressing myself and sharing the human experience with others. I wouldn't stop talking because everything's been said before. I wouldn't stop writing music because every chord has been played before. I love finding the beauty and infinite possibilities between the melody and rhyme...I love the way you can touch someone's heart or change someone's life with a song. Cheers, CM :)

[@BrenQ99]

Much respect for that TPS sweatshirt.

[@SongTownUSA]

Love those guys! CM

[@tomcoryell]

Good eye! Yeah that’s a great channel!

[@BobBeckley-by2sy]

Another great one, guys!

[@FunsongsMusicByPeterRahill]

New subscriber. 680th LIKE posted.

[@SongTownUSA]

Welcome aboard!

[@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/

[@Seneca_creek]

I find a lot of music better than that on the radio, but I guess what you are talking about is how to write music that can be played on the radio? Success being the goal in itself.

[@SongTownUSA]

For me personally, the point was to stop comparing and write the best song I can. Music isn't a matter of being better or worse...it's not a competition, it's expression. CM :)

[@Seneca_creek]

@@SongTownUSA That seems like a healthy outlook :)

[@dandtintennessee7675]

Interesting.. there's been a song I've been working on for months and just can't get the rhythm guitar part to sound right.. I was sure it was the greatest song ever. I put it on the back burner to work on some others and when I came back to it one night last week and listened I though.. that's terrible 😄.. Guess it still needs some work ehh? Lol

[@SongTownUSA]

Songs can hit us differently on different days. I try to find the part that’s working and kept that. Toss the rest and build around the best bit. 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

[@lindamoorhead4131]

Thanks Guys! Very helpful as always!

[@SongTownUSA]

Our pleasure! CM

[@webstercat]

I’m so glad I found this channel. I have a most unusual way to express my ideas and personality with music and humor. I’d appreciate a look and listen. Thanks much

[@SongTownUSA]

Very different stuff! Write on!

[@fomoPhil]

Contrast! I’ve always thought about contrast being the thing that makes almost every form of art interesting. Thanks for the tips 🫡

[@SongTownUSA]

Write on! CM

[@dynamicalan]

Hi Clay and Marty, Great video!

[@SongTownUSA]

We Interviewed 100 Pro Songwriters (Here's What They ALL Said). kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZmbYf6arbMdln8k

[@RoryElis]

I generated a song using AI

[@palsheldon6520]

The Contrast point is Gold. :)

[@SongTownUSA]

It should be #1 for sure! CM

[@sammysokosammysoko]

The problem with comparing your songs to songs on the radio to determine greatness is that the overwhelming number of songs on the radio are absolute trash. They're derivative and follow a formulaic routine of chord progressions in which the next note, and often even the next lyric, are predictable to a point that it becomes homogenized. most artists' Best songs are not the songs on the radio. so the question boils down to whether you're trying to write a song that will make you money, or a song that will move somebody. in other words, what are you in it for?

[@SongTownUSA]

The good thing today, is no one has to listen to music they don't like. You can find artists you like on spotify, youtube, etc. We aren't locked into Radio. I've always spent zero percent of my time trashing other people's music, and instead 100% on creating music I want the world to hear. I need 100% of my energy growing my own skills. I strive to write music I love, that moves the hearts of others, and the money tends to follow. No need to write down or try to write to formula. It's not an either or proposition for me. That's worked well for me. Write on! ~CM

[@joeycovington4681]

True

[@WawakGuitar]

On the pronoun mixup, I wrote a song once that was first person and switched to third person. It was a Christian song and I was talking about Jesus in the First person and said You, but later in another verse I went to third person and said Him. I later fixed it.

[@SongTownUSA]

Write on!

[@jessesguitars6316]

Just found you guys. Great content!

[@SongTownUSA]

Awww thank you! Write on! CM

[@fishfisher1707]

Yalls smart af! Thx guys

[@SongTownUSA]

Thx! Write on! CM

[@webstercat]

I’m write lyrics for humor and personal pleasure. Udio is a tool that has given me immense pleasure. Patterson Tweed Presents….

[@SongTownUSA]

Write on! CM

[@seanlahm4826]

" Someone knocking at the door Somebody ringing the bell Someone's knocking at the door Somebody's ringing the bell Do me a favor Open the door, and let 'em in, ooh yeah" Let Em In - Wings Nah. you are over thinking it. If the song makes you FEEL something , its a successful song.

[@SongTownUSA]

Setup and payoff.. Sir Paul always used sound technique for sure; no matter how simple he got at times. 👍CM

[@MrDogonjon]

My songs are weirder than anything on the radio. Odd meter rhythm, extended tonality, lyrical content that is too personal or was written for personal reasons only played once. I once wrote a great song played it for the wrong person never played it again... it was about them...I didn't know.

[@SongTownUSA]

Cool! CM

[@jcmacmusic]

Thanks guys great stuff...

[@SongTownUSA]

Write on! CM

[@CJasonThwaites]

Respectfully, this video is about lyric writing. By no means do I disagree with any of the points, and this discussion is very valuable. But lyrics are not "songs" they are poems. (edit) To be fair, music got a mention in the Lack of Contrast bit!

[@SongTownUSA]

Ha! I see your point. But Im not sure lyrics make good poetry :) We have many videos on melody and music. Songs require lyrics and melody and we cover both in songtown in great detail. Write on! CM

[@CJasonThwaites]

@@SongTownUSA Fair points all

[@CJasonThwaites]

I am definitely not trying to troll in any way shape or form. I have been honestly cogitating on the notion that lyrics may not make good poetry. I've been trying to think of a good song with lyrics that don't work as poetry and I can't. I wonder if Dylan or Kendrick Lamar would agree with the premiss. I guess I feel like the realm of poetry is so vast and varied that song lyrics have to be inside that definition. All that said, I'm a jazz musician and even if a tune has lyrics I mostly ignore them (even if I am reimagining a current pop song), so my perspective is certainly skewed when it comes to lyrics. I''ve dived into many of your other videos and your content is excellent cats. Like I said I am not trolling. I'm honestly wondering about this.

[@SongTownUSA]

@@CJasonThwaites I started out studying Jazz at Berklee for a couple years. So I get where you're coming from. I was melody heavy first before delving into the lyric side more. For me, Dylan's lyrics were very poetic at times. Even Allen Ginsberg admired his lyrics. I was just referring to how the poetry form is usually very different from lyrics.. I know Dylan did write a couple dozen poems, I have never checked them out. Now I'm curious.

[@CJasonThwaites]

@@SongTownUSA I am chagrinned! I called one of my absolute best friends (bassist and excellent lyricist) and I fully 100% expected him to say "Oh yeah man, Lyrics are always a form of poetry." I had my arguments all in order. His actual response was "No man, lyrics are never poetry" He explained that lyrics as an art form absolutely depend on the musics emotional content for their meaning. He deems them completely separate from poetry. He pointed out, this is maybe why I am so terrible at writing lyrics, which I am.... When I try and write a lyric that embodies how beautiful that sunrise was I end up with "that was a beautiful sunrise" LOL. But I could evoke that sunrise with a melody all day long. I guess it takes a village. Thank you for this discussion. I consider myself educated!

[@aledojustajones]

Good stuff! 😊

[@SongTownUSA]

Appreciate ya joining in the conversation! CM

[@jz5005]

Pure Gold!

[@tjmitch57]

What was that 1st song as a youngster that pulled you guys into the world of popular music? And once hooked in who were and are some of the songwriters you most admire be they artist that write & perform or just songwriters. Much good advice here for aspiring songwriters especially getting hung up on a 'sing songy' rhyme scheme. With that being said the skill of molding aforementioned sing songy rhyme scheme to your will can be brilliant if done right. One last thing IMHO being a great (song) writer goes hand in hand with being a well read person dipping in to all styles and genres of literature.

[@SongTownUSA]

Great points! Reading is a power thing for a writer. And listening! I personally grew up in the 70's and 80's loving so many styles of music..from singer songwriters like Dan Fogleberg, Mac McAnnally, James Taylor.. to the rock bands like Steely Dan, Led Zeplin, Aerosmith, and Bad Company. Thanks for asking! What about you? ~CM

[@tjmitch57]

@@SongTownUSA The 1st song that hooked me in as a 8 or 9 year old was called 'Sunny' performer Bobby Hebb. Of course all of Motown from that era and AM radio classics(Raspberries, Tommy James & The Shondells,Todd Rudgren, ect ect ect). Fan of the Monkees & having older brothers was introduced to Van Morrison,Joni Mitchell (who is still at the top of my great song writer list) The Allman Brothers,Beatles. As an adult love it ALL especially Jazz Standards and writer like Cole Porter and writer of songs that Sinatra sang on all his albums. As a musician started playing piano after hearing Elton John and guitar after hearing Marquee Moon by the band television. Intelligent lyrics are important to me but also understand a fun song can have a silly lyric that's equally hard to craft right. The above is just scratching the surface of my interest. Thanks for asking.

[@SongTownUSA]

@@tjmitch57 Great music!

[@cibonthesaint8903]

It called a story…..with a beginning, middle and ending (resolution).

[@bryanwilliams3417]

Great advice!

[@SongTownUSA]

Glad it was helpful! ~CM

[@JeremyAndersonBoise]

Anyone who disrespects the work that goes into hit records does not have enough experience trying to write a great song. Doing the work results in mutual respect between professionals, not childish arrogance about one’s own greatness.

[@SongTownUSA]

Write on! CM

[@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

[@ChristopherClause]

Is it just me or is the panning of both mics reversed? Maybe the goal was to give the impression of how UK engineers would pan drums back in the day (POV of the drummer) lol. Thanks for the ideas.

[@SongTownUSA]

Haha! You are the first person to bring that up. We'll check it out. ~CM

[@ChristopherClause]

@@SongTownUSA I checked to see if I had reversed my channels and it was coming directly from my Universal Apollo interface and I was listening with my headphones. The audio recording WAS great by the way :)

[@SongTownUSA]

@@ChristopherClause Appreciate it! ~CM

[@jz5005]

‘Don’t get me wrong, but something here ain’t right’…. Contrast.

[@SongTownUSA]

Lyrical opposites! Classic contrast combo for titles. CM

[@webstercat]

The Former not the Latter or Farmer with the Ladder.

[@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!

[@JohnStefaniFI]

All Stats and No Story? - Is it like what they say in Texas, "Big Hat and No Cattle"

[@SongTownUSA]

@@JohnStefaniFI exactly! 👌

[@kenarmstrong7163]

"doctor doctor give me the news I've got a bad case of loving YOU" the doctor?

[@SongTownUSA]

Great song! ~Write on! ~CM

[@rcraigbateman]

great video

[@SongTownUSA]

Glad you enjoyed it! Write on! ~CM

[@1flat1sharp47]

You guys make such informative videos, but what's in it for you if I write a great song? Why do you spend the time giving out very practical, free songwriting advice?

[@SongTownUSA]

We love helping other writers improve and keeping the craft of songwriting thriving! We had mentors who helped us and we are passing that along. CM

[@1flat1sharp47]

@ well, it is much appreciated!

[@Doug-k1v]

that you do it in the 1`st place...can`t play a cover or even a 12 bar blues

[@ChuckEnsor-u3o]

Lots of the songs nowadays don't even have a bridge!!

[@jeffdixon847]

Or are a third verse. And the second verse is almost the same as the first verse sung by a featured artist. All streamlined for TikTok.

[@jMerkyJJ]

Do you think Cobain's lyrics are amateurish?

[@SongTownUSA]

Not at all. Love Nirvana! CM

[@jMerkyJJ]

@SongTownUSA curious how his words square with what you're saying. They aren't stories lots of the time. Take like All Apologies.

[@SongTownUSA]

Often old rock lyrics were like abstract art. That’s how I think of them. Those style of songs have a different beauty. We should do a future episode on that. Write on!

[@jMerkyJJ]

@SongTownUSA that's the thing, surreal lyrics come very easily to me. I've been studying the more story telling style ala Andrea Stople that I respect enormously, but working that craft has taken me away from what comes more naturally, sort of at a difficult passage...which to lean into when I've wtitten??? 100 songs with just music..the lyrics don't come as easily so my songs rot....

[@SongTownUSA]

@@jMerkyJJ I’ve always tried to find a balance between what I am natural at and what I’m excited about learning. Learning new techniques and areas of creativity keep your writing fresh. Even bands like ColdPlay who did abstract songs like Yellow… move into other areas of writing and develop o er time. It’s all good!-CM

[@kassandjohnbolles3522]

A lot of Brad Paisley's songs rhyme the vowel sound (assonance) and are not that concerned about rhyming the whole word.

[@SongTownUSA]

Yes, songs over the last couple decades in all genres are definitely a lot looser with rhyme!

[@robertrussell9336]

"A song is about one thing" Ummmmm........ What about 2 or 3 sections that give contrast ? "We're so sorry , Uncle Albert" There is a huge hit about 4 or 5 musical ideas.............

[@brooklynboy1000]

That’s a suite not a song. A collage. A great one for sure

[@DonnyRocker2012]

“The writing’s on the wall” cliché hell…

[@Wizardofvoz2]

Y’all REALLY don’t know The Time Jumpers? And you are in Nashville?

[@SongTownUSA]

Ha! I’ve seen them play many times. Know most of them personally. Incredible players. :) -CM

[@saganjamesfl]

It felt like it was getting long? it felt like you guys were just getting started

[@derekgusoff6768]

"My songs are better" points to a lack of self awareness.

[@Behnan]

Just heard Me and my elephant gene cotton...daaaammmmnn...its like an imaginary short movie in the head

[@SongTownUSA]

Write on! ~CM

[@imreh5588]

On some Led Zeppelin songs the title isn't in the lyric at all. D’yer Mak’er, Black Dog.

[@SongTownUSA]

Great songs for those times. Zeplin was one of my early influences. Write on! CM

[@NormanBradley]

🔥🤟

[@SongTownUSA]

Thanks for watching! ~CM

[@somedude-tr1mj]

What if you *are* an amateur? Besides, what's wrong with being an amateur? Doesn't it mean "done for love"? Using it as a pejorative term sucks the joy out of it. How about "10 Ways to Improve Your Songwriting"?

[@SongTownUSA]

Thanks for replying. I see where you’re coming from. It’s not a negative term in my mind. In Songtown we have tons of members who write purely for the Joy. Amateur just means you don’t do it for a living. I personally had many fun years of not doing it for a living. And I agree with you totally that now matter why you write songs, do it with love and heart. We have plenty of videos on improving your writing. Most of them in fact. This one is targeted for our members looking to go pro/ and looking to improve their skills :) CM

[@grizzlythief]

Why is radio still a measure of quality? Why is accommodating the lowest common denominator a creative standard?

[@SongTownUSA]

It’s one measure because millions of people like radio. The cool thing today is you have lots of other places to hear music. If you don’t like radio, you can find the music you like other places. I personally listen to a lot of styles of music that I like from jazz to rock to pop; and I don’t really have a lot of time for throwing shade on other's music. Write on! CM

[@jimmystuckeysongs3859]

💯

[@SongTownUSA]

Appreciate it! ~CM

[@BlainScholin]

Rob Thomas has written great songs that do not rhyme.

[@SongTownUSA]

Cool! Great writer. Drop a couple examples of no-rhyme songs of his in the comments. I'd love to check them out. ~CM

[@larryhagman3543]

What really screams amateur is not making money from making music. The question is. Does that make you a bad musician?

[@SongTownUSA]

Not at all. You can be a great writer and not do music for a living :) CM

[@larryhagman3543]

@ That would be my take. I feel like many people always feel a little less because they are not “professionals” in the strictest sense of the word. Which is sad to me. Nothing against people making money at all of course. :-)

[@eti313]

What’s a P.R.O.?

[@SongTownUSA]

Performance Rights Org… ASCAP, BMI and SESAC in the US. They collect monies from radio and streaming services and pay songwriters.

[@GuitarSorcery]

These are great, but please stop ending lines with prepositions!

[@SongTownUSA]

What did you say that for? 😂

[@GuitarSorcery]

It works sometimes, but rarely!

[@johnperkins2174]

The songs on country radio are by and large crap. The Cody Jinks, Whitey Morgans, Ryan Binghams, Whiskey Myers of the world have had to earn their way without radio play. If it weren’t for a tv show most people wouldn’t know who Ryan Bingham was

[@SongTownUSA]

Radio is its own thing and style… tens of millions of people love it and prefer it. To me, the cool thing about music today is that indie artists have a lot of other ways to build a loyal audience and have successful careers. That didn’t exist a short time ago-CM

[@dannycancino3614]

All the songs in the same genre DO sound the same.

[@gazzie12000]

Very interesting chat, but I feel the wrong video title. This should have been called "Mistakes that peg you as an Amateur LYRIC writer". There's pretty much zero about writing songs, here. ie no mention about the music. It's all about lyrics. If the song (music) is strong enough the lyrics can be absolute drivel. I've never ever once liked a song because it had great lyrics and terrible music. However I like tons of songs with great music and terrible (by your standards in this video) lyrics.

[@SongTownUSA]

Good point. We should do a part 2 in an upcoming episode where we cover the melody side. Write on! ~CM

[@gazzie12000]

@@SongTownUSA Yes that would be a great "Part 2" to help with the music side of songs. I look forward to it ! 😀

[@ChuckEnsor-u3o]

Hell, AI will write youa sure nuff number one 🙄

[@SongTownUSA]

Ha! Songwriting is the soul’s work. AI doesn’t have that yet :)

[@tomcoryell]

@@SongTownUSAIt never will.

[@MichaelQuintana-z2r]

Am so glad you said that. Am with you on that. ​@@SongTownUSA

[@TommyEdghill4]

Howdy - great video - TY! I am a songwriter: This is Death of a Lonely Man kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6C6YYZnqs1nl8U I have more on that page and more not on video. Just lost my job after 24+ years and hoping to lean on A song or some songs. Best days ahead

[@ChuckEnsor-u3o]

Lot's of song pirating !!!!

[@donknotts5625]

My latest song i wrote has 60 views, only took a month to get 60. Lol

[@SongTownUSA]

It’s definitely a process :)

[@donknotts5625]

@ well when you call anything in poker and catch it on the river your a donk notts