Bad Songwriting Advice That HURTS Aspiring Writers

In this episode of the SongTown Podcast, Multi-hit songwriters Clay Mills and Marty Dodson BAD songwriting advice floating around that you’l have to un-learn if you want to be a great writer. C & M will help you cut through the noise and focus on what is important on your songwriting journey.

Transcript:

Bad Songwriting Advice That Hurts Aspiring Writers

Welcome to SongTown! I’m Clay Mills, and I’m here with Marty Dodson to discuss bad songwriting advice that can hold back aspiring writers. We’ve seen a lot of this over the years, and it’s time to set the record straight.

1. Write Only When You’re Inspired

One of the most common pieces of bad advice is to wait for inspiration to write. I’ve heard artists say things like, “I only write when I have an album coming up,” or “I waited two years to write this song.” While that may sound romantic, it’s not how you become a professional songwriter. The truth is, if you want to improve and succeed, you need to put in the time and effort consistently—whether you feel inspired or not. Desmond Child, for example, has written over 4,000 songs. Imagine showing up to a writing session with a hit artist and saying, “Sorry, I’m not inspired today.” You’d never get asked back!

2. Good Songs Must Have a Bridge

Another myth we hear often is that every song needs a bridge. That’s simply not true. My first publisher had a great line: “Don’t build a bridge if there’s no river to cross.” In other words, if there’s nothing new to add lyrically or musically, you don’t need a bridge. Sometimes, a solo or a chorus variation is all you need. Listeners can only handle so many sections of a song before it becomes overwhelming. A bridge should serve a purpose—otherwise, leave it out.

3. You Must Count Syllables

Some believe you must religiously count syllables in every line to make a song work. While it’s important that your lyrics fit the melody, focusing solely on syllables can make your song feel robotic. Songwriting is about conveying emotion and meaning. Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” is a great example. Her verse follows a five-note pattern, but some lines have six or seven notes due to pickup notes. It keeps the melody intact while adding meaning to the lyrics. The takeaway? Keep patterns strong but allow flexibility when needed.

4. Great Writers Don’t Need Co-Writers

There’s a belief out there that real songwriters don’t need co-writers, and if there are multiple writers on a song, it’s somehow less valid. This is far from the truth. Co-writing can bring fresh ideas and perspectives, and many hit songs are co-written. Yes, it’s important to write alone at times to stay in touch with your voice. But don’t let the myth of the solitary songwriter hold you back from collaboration, which is often where magic happens.

5. You Have to Play Live to Be a Hit Songwriter

Some say you must play live shows to be a successful songwriter. While playing live may be beneficial for some, it’s not the only path. Everyone’s journey is different. When I first moved to Nashville, I tried playing songwriter rounds but quickly realized that wasn’t for me. Instead, I focused on writing songs that mattered to me and the world. Don’t feel pressured to perform if that’s not where your strength lies. Focus on what works for you.

In summary, there’s a lot of bad advice out there, but the most important thing is to stay true to your process. Whether you write alone or with others, include a bridge or skip it, count syllables or allow for flexibility, find the approach that works for you and stick with it.

Thanks for reading! Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to our YouTube channel, and check out our sponsor, Sweetwater, for all your music gear needs. See you next time!

Clay & Marty’s 10-day video series:

This video series will help you level-up your songs and finish them faster. CLICK HERE to begin! 

SongTown Press Books:

Mastering Melody Writing : Check It Out

The Songwriter’s Guide To Mastering Co-Writing : Check It Out

Song Building: Mastering Lyric Writing : Check It Out

Hosts: 

Clay Mills : Facebook   :   Instagram

Marty Dodson :   Facebook   :   Instagram

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