7 Myths About Songwriting

In today's article we'll look at popular myths surrounding the process of song creation.  In the examination of of these misconceptions we will attempt to unravel some of the song writing process as a whole and the self imposed barriers beginning  songwriters place upon themselves. In essence,  debunking falsehoods and finding a more reasonable and clearer path to writing songs.

Myth 1 - Worlds Greatest Songwriter. 

A common label used to describe successful songwriters.  Unfortunately, this can put the novice songwriter's mindset at  an imposed disadvantage.  Songwriting should be at best an expression of individualistic ideas and to compare to others who are successful is a unwelcome burden and hindrance.

Myth 2 -  I Don' Have a Good Singing Voice.

Many beginning songwriters claim this barrier. But the truth is if you can develop a reasonable relative pitch quality you will be able to use your voice to sing the songs you've written. The voice quality of the songwriter need only be a functional part in song creation. Performance can always be carried out by others if need be.

Myth 3  - I Have No idea How to Start.

Another common barrier. Songs are so common  in a musician's experience the understanding of the song as a whole already exists. Only the desire to break down the components  or mechanics of a song into a simpler format is needed. 

Myth 4 - Writers Block

Probably the biggest myth of all. An extension of the aforementioned myth. There are so many avenues to resolving the problem of writing a song  it would seem to be an unlikely postulate.  Simplifying the process  and  looking toward the resources in writing would be an eventual cure.

Myth 5 - I'm Waiting for Just the Right Inspiration.

Admittedly a really good excuse. It makes you sound artistic while allowing procrastination for a higher cause. Most of an individuals "inspiration" is the result of coalescing songwriting ideas through time and effort trial and error until they form in your mind as inspiration.  

Myth  6  - I Don' t Have A Good Understanding Of Music Theory.

While a knowledge of music in terms of theoretical aspect is important is not a prerequisite to writing songs. Finding your own path may in fact be more of help than theory can provide.  Besides,  as It is usually taught, theory follows composition and for the sake of creativity does not need to be a prerequisite.

Myth 7 - I Don't Think My Songs Are Any Good.

Novice songwriters do suffer from a lack of experience. Rarely is an artist's first attempt at songwriting his or hers best effort. Time and the desire to compose will solve your inexperience and will lead to better compositions. It is important to be critical of your song only in so far as finding a more interesting solution to a poor lyric, a lackluster melody or awkward passage. Moreover, continue to compose and let others decide how satisfying your songs are

In conclusion, we have looked at some of the blockades and myths to songwriting and providing at least a beginning to overcome those barriers real or self imposed. In understanding myths they must give way allowing knowledge to eventually rise above such confusion.  Good composing.