You Can Learn Songwriting (And Why “Born With It” Is a Myth)

The other day, I heard a hit songwriter say:

“You can’t teach songwriting. You’re either born with it or you’re not.”

I’ll be honest—that hit me wrong.

There’s a little ring of superiority in that, don’t you think? As if the people who’ve had hits were sprinkled with some kind of magic dust that everyone else missed out on. The idea that, because I’ve written hit songs, I’m somehow more gifted or more blessed than you… that’s not an attitude I ever want to carry.

Do I believe innate talent matters? Of course. Some people start out a little ahead of the curve. They pick things up faster, or they have a natural sense of melody or phrasing. But in my experience, talent is not the #1 predictor of success. Not even close.

I’ve watched people with some talent and an extraordinary work ethic fly right by people who started out with way more natural ability. Over and over again.

The Writer Who “Had Zero Talent”

I once talked to a writer who told me:

“I honestly feel like I have zero songwriting talent.”

Most folks would stop right there and talk themselves out of trying. But this guy didn’t. Instead, he doubled down on what he was great at:

He was incredible at bringing people together.

He could pull a room full of writers, artists, and track people together—folks with complementary strengths—and create a vibe where everybody brought their best ideas. He was a connector, a catalyst. The glue. Guess what? That “untalented” writer wound up being part of multiple #1 songs.

Not because he was secretly a melodic genius. Not because he had the best lines. But because he:

• Showed up consistently
• Put himself in the right rooms
• Added value in ways other people overlooked

He built a career on initiative, humility, and work ethic, not on some mythical level of “born talent.”

If You Heard My Early Songs…

Let me pull the curtain back on my own journey for a minute.

If you heard the songs I wrote early in my career, you probably wouldn’t bet a dime on my future as a songwriter. They were rough. The ideas were muddy, the structure was weak, and the lyrics were… well, let’s just say “learning experiences.”

Nothing in those first songs said:

“This guy is going to make it.”

So what changed?

1. I Found a Mentor

I met someone who believed in me before the evidence really justified it. They didn’t sugarcoat things. They told me what wasn’t working and why. But they also showed me what was working and gave me hope that I could improve.

2. I Became Coachable

I didn’t just hear feedback—I used it. Instead of defending every line, I started asking, “What would make this clearer? Stronger? More emotional? More singable?”

I learned to detach my ego from my songs. My motivation shifted from “Proving I’m talented” to “Writing better songs.” That shift changed everything.

3. I Worked My Tail Off

I wrote. A lot. I rewrote. A lot.

I studied songs that were working on the radio. I asked, “Why does this chorus hit so hard?” and “Why does this melody stick in my head?” I showed up, day after day, even when it felt like I was going nowhere.

Fast forward to now: I’m still in the songwriting business. Many of my more naturally gifted contemporaries… are not. They had the head start. But I kept running.

Stop Trying to Measure Your Talent

Songwriters waste so much energy trying to measure and compare their talent:

• “Am I as good as her?”
• “Will I ever write like him?”
• “Maybe I just don’t have it.”

The truth? You’re asking the wrong questions.

You don’t control how much “raw talent” you started with. None of us do. But you do control:

• How often you write
• Whether you learn the craft or avoid it
• Who you surround yourself with
• How you respond to feedback
• Whether you keep going when it’s hard

Those are the levers that move your career forward.

Build Your Own Winning Mix

Here’s what I’d challenge you to do:

1. Maximize Your Talents

Maybe you’re great with melodies but struggle with lyrics. Maybe you’re a storyteller but not a track producer. Maybe your superpower is people and energy, like the writer I mentioned earlier. Whatever you’ve got—even if it feels small—maximize it. Bring it fully to the table.

2. Find People Who Compliment You

Don’t try to be everything. Find co-writers who shine where you’re weaker. That doesn’t make you less of a songwriter; it makes you smart. Great songwriting is usually a team sport.

3. Outwork the Competition

You might not be able to out-talent everyone. But you can outwork them. You can:

• Write one more song this week
• Study one more hit
• Rewrite one more line
• Take one more small step today

Those small steps pile up. They turn into craft. Then opportunities. Then momentum.

You Don’t Need Magic Dust

So, can songwriting be taught? I believe absolutely yes.

You can learn structure, hooks, contrast, storytelling, how to make your words sit naturally on a melody, how to rewrite, how to collaborate, how to think like an artist or a listener. You can build those skills over time. You may never know exactly how much “natural talent” you started with—and honestly, it doesn’t matter.

What matters is this:

• Are you willing to learn?
• Are you willing to be honest about where you are?
• Are you willing to keep going when it feels slow?

If the answer is yes, then don’t let anyone’s “you’re either born with it or you’re not” stop you.

You’re not behind. You’re becoming. Now, go write—and keep writing.

-Marty