When the Door Closes, Knock on Another One

By SongTown Co-founder Marty Dodson

Years ago, I was doing everything I could to level up my songwriting career. Like a lot of writers trying to break through, I was chasing every opportunity I could find. And there was one particular songwriter in town who was absolutely on fire—cut after cut, hit after hit. Everyone wanted to write with this guy, and I was no exception.

I spent months trying to get a writing appointment with him.

When I finally landed a date, I was pumped. This was it. The chance I’d been waiting for. But the day before our write, he canceled. No big deal—I figured stuff happens. So we rescheduled. And then he canceled again. And again. Three times in a row, he bailed the day before the write.

Now, I’m not someone who gives up easily, so I gave it one more try. We booked a write on a Monday several weeks out. I circled it on my calendar and told myself, “This one’s gonna happen.” Fast forward to the Friday before our write. I get a call from two of my songwriting friends. One of them had just signed a publishing deal—with the very company that had a piece of every Carrie Underwood song. They said, “Hey, we’re writing Monday. Want to join us? We’re writing specifically for Carrie.”

Now, this was a huge opportunity.

But I had that other write on the calendar. I told them I’d call to confirm and let them know. So I called the hit writer. “We still good for Monday?” “Absolutely,” he said. “I’ll be there. I promise.” So I called my friends back, told them I couldn’t make it, and turned down what could have been a big shot at getting a song cut by Carrie Underwood.

Monday morning rolls around. Ten o’clock sharp. I’ve got my guitar, my laptop, my coffee—ready to write. At 10:01 AM, my phone rings. It’s the hit writer. A groggy voice on the other end says, “Hey dude… I’m in LA. Won’t be able to make it this morning.”

I was furious.

Four times this guy had canceled on me. And now, because I’d trusted his word, I’d missed out on writing for one of the biggest artists in the world. I could’ve let that moment crush me. I could’ve sat there angry all day, blaming him, stewing in frustration. But instead, I picked up the phone and called my friends. “I know I turned you down,” I said, “but is there any chance I can still jump in on that Carrie write?”

They said yes. We wrote the song. And Carrie Underwood cut it.

Every time I walk past the double platinum plaque on my wall for that song, I stop and smile. As I thank God for unanswered prayers. What I thought I wanted that day didn’t work out. Something better did. That experience taught me one of the most valuable lessons in my songwriting career: Keep grinding. Keep pushing forward. Even when people cancel. Even when you feel disrespected. Even when disappointment hits hard. Because sometimes, the door that slams in your face is just redirecting you to the one that’s going to open wide.

Looking back, I could’ve let ego or anger take over. I could’ve refused to call my friends out of pride. I could’ve written the day off and missed one of the biggest songs of my career. But I didn’t. I stayed humble. I kept moving forward. And that made all the difference.

If you’re an aspiring songwriter and you’ve been let down—by co-writers, by industry people, or by the long road itself—don’t let that be the end of your story. Pick up the phone. Send the email. Show up again. The opportunity that changes your life might be waiting just on the other side of a canceled write.

Write on!
-Marty