by Clay Mills
May 1, 2025
Publisher Ronna Reeves shares the real keys to writing songs that get noticed—and get cut—in today’s music world.
When it comes to writing songs that actually get cut, there’s a secret many writers miss: it’s not about being the cleverest or the flashiest—it’s about being the most real!
In today’s music world, artists (and their fans) are craving songs that feel authentic, natural, and believable.
Top song plugger and publisher Ronna Reeves (ShoBiz Ro) recently spoke with SongTown’s StaffWriter group, offering her thoughts on what makes a song truly pitchable. As someone who works daily with artists and A&R teams, she sees what lands—and what falls flat. Here are a few of her key insights to help you craft songs that connect and get results.
Keep It Conversational
The most important rule? Write like people actually talk.
If a lyric sounds like something nobody would ever say, it’s probably going to miss the mark. Great songs today feel like real conversations, not polished poetry contests.
Ask yourself:
- Would I say this line to a friend?
- Would an artist naturally say this onstage?
If not, it’s time to rethink.
Understand What ‘Provocative’ Really Means
When artists say they want something ‘provocative,’ they don’t mean shocking for shock’s sake. They mean they’re ready to explore deeper emotions or more honest storytelling—still within their own authentic brand.
Push boundaries, yes. But do it thoughtfully. Keep the artist’s voice and truth front and center.
Big Melodies Still Matter
Even the best lyric will fall flat without the right melody. Artists like Cody Johnson deliver big, emotional choruses that lift the entire song.
Make sure your songs:
- Build from verse to chorus dynamically
- Allow the singer to soar vocally
- Create emotional highs listeners can feel
Story Songs Still Have a Place
Yes, story songs can still land—if they’re done right.
Keys to writing artist-friendly story songs:
- Focus on third-person perspective (not first-person confessions)
- Keep it emotional and universal
- Make it easy for the artist to ‘step into’ the story and make it their own
Study What’s Working Right Now
If you listen to today’s Top 10 songs, you’ll notice a pattern:
- Lyrics are straightforward and believable
- Clever twists exist but don’t overpower the emotion
- Songs feel emotionally accessible and natural
Study the charts with a songwriter’s ear. Notice how simplicity and emotional honesty lead.
Authenticity Over Cleverness
It’s tempting to chase clever wordplay. But today’s industry favors heart over head.
If a song tries too hard to show how smart the writer is, it usually misses the emotional mark. Realness resonates. Cleverness alone rarely does.
When in doubt, strip it back to the truth.
Quick Checklist: Is Your Song Cut-Ready?
- ✅ Would a real person actually say these lines?
- ✅ Does the chorus lift emotionally and melodically?
- ✅ Am I pushing boundaries without losing authenticity?
- ✅ Can the artist step naturally into this story or lyric?
- ✅ Does the song feel like a real conversation, not a writing exercise?
Final Thoughts
The songs that get cut—the ones that truly move people—aren’t about showing off clever tricks. They’re about telling the truth. They’re about making people feel seen, understood, and moved.
Write from that place, and you’ll always be ahead of the game.
Write on,
Clay Mills
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