5 Signs Your Songwriting’s Improving – Even If It Doesn’t Feel Like It

By Marty Dodson – SongTown Co-Founder

Let’s be real—songwriting is a rollercoaster. One day you’re sure you’ve written your best song yet, and the next day you’re convinced you’ve lost the magic. I’ve been there more times than I can count. The truth is, growth as a songwriter is rarely obvious in the moment. It often feels like you’re standing still—or worse, going backward. But just because you don’t feel the progress doesn’t mean it’s not happening.

Here are 5 signs that you’re actually getting better—even if it doesn’t feel like it right now.

1. You’re more critical of your own songs (in a good way).

When you first started writing, maybe you thought every song was great. Now, you notice flaws you used to miss—awkward phrasing, weak melodies, clunky lines. That’s not a bad thing. It means your skills are getting sharper. You’re raising the bar for yourself—and that’s a huge sign of growth.

2. You rewrite more often—and with more purpose.

At first, rewriting might’ve felt like a failure. Now, you see it as part of the process. You’re willing to “Kill your darlings” and cut a line you love that doesn’t serve the story. You take time to experiment with better melodies or stronger hooks. If you’re rewriting strategically, not obsessively, you’re becoming a pro.

3. You’re finishing more songs.

Maybe you used to leave half-written verses in your notebook or bounce between ideas without wrapping anything up. Now, even if you don’t love every song, you finish them. Finishing teaches discipline and helps you sharpen your instincts. Every completed song is a step forward—even the imperfect ones. My first publisher, Kim Williams, always said “You have to write all the bad ones out.” He meant that it takes writing a lot of bad songs to get to the great ones.

4. Your co-writes are smoother and more productive.

If you’ve been writing with others, you might notice you’re more confident in the room. You contribute more clearly. You’re better at listening and building on others’ ideas. You’re more aware of song structure and flow in the room. That’s growth—and it’s huge in a collaborative songwriting room.

5. You’ve found more of your voice.

In the beginning, most of us mimic the writers we admire. Over time, you start to notice what you consistently bring to the table—whether it’s a unique perspective, emotional honesty, or a killer way with words. You’re discovering your songwriting identity, and that’s something no one else can replicate.

Here’s the big takeaway:

Progress doesn’t always look like cuts, chart positions, or viral moments. Sometimes, it looks like quiet, steady improvement behind the scenes. It’s in the late nights, the rewrites, the doubts you push through, and the courage it takes to keep going.

So if you’re feeling stuck or wondering if you’re actually getting anywhere—take heart. You might be growing in all the ways that matter most.

Keep showing up. Keep writing. You’re farther along than you think.

Stay the course!
-Marty Dodson