Songwriting: Letting Go Of The Wheel
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iDoCoach.com Blog
Let go of the wheel
You might consider a whole lot of things when you start putting a song together. Can I suggest one that might not enter your mind while you’re making choices? Choose to let go of the wheel and let the song dictate the structure at some point.
This is a good time to mention, once again, that there are no rules in songwriting, only tools. This one is as valuable as any other in your toolbox.
There is so much information out there for songwriters, online and in person. So many valuable tools and methods being taught that it can get easier and easier to lose yourself in the song structure. Along with having two songwriting books out, conducting and speaking at international workshops and coaching songwriters for the past 12 years, it may sound funny coming from someone like me but there comes a point when you have to put all that information in the trunk and just drive.
Same goes for when it’s time to bring some structure to your idea. If you find yourself totally relying on what you’ve been taught, read or heard, you might find yourself painting by numbers. Sure there are common denominators when you look at the charts. Maybe it’s a trend to have only one verse before the chorus, no bridge, a post chorus and breakdown chorus. All good to be aware of if you’re aiming for the charts but it’s so important that somewhere in there you just get out of the way and see where the song wants to take you.
The “information into inspiration” line…
There’s a great John Mayer quote while speaking to students at Berklee when he cautions them that while information is great, they need to turn all the information they’re receiving into inspiration. Fantastic advice. It's great to discover how hit songs are put together, get’s in your writer DNA. We all learn from what’s come before but then trusting what you’ve learned enough to let go of the wheel gives you a shot at real originality.
I would even take this idea further as it pertains to co-writing. Knowing when to inject something and when to get out of the way can make for some magic that might not have appeared if everyone in the room is trying to drive.
Next time you come up with a song idea and are tempted to stick to a tried and true route, think about just throwing away the map, letting go of the wheel and just enjoy the ride!
P.S. Update on July 11, 2021. Just to say I’ve received a ton of emails and messages from writers saying they feel restricted by rules and formats right now. Don’t lose yourself !!
Mark Cawley
Nashville, Tennessee
Image: Shutterstock
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Mark Cawley iDoCoach.com
Mark Cawley is a hit songwriter, best-selling author, in demand speaker, songwriting coach, and popular blogger. As a songwriter his songs have been on more than 16 million records to date with cuts ranging from Tina Turner, Joe Cocker, Chaka Khan and Diana Ross to Wynonna Judd, Taylor Dayne, Paul Carrack, The Spice Girls and many more. Through his coaching service iDoCoach.com, he has coached thousands of songwriters worldwide.
His book, Song Journey, was released in April 2019 and went to #1 in 6 categories on Amazon. Mark is a past judge for the UK Songwriting Contest, Nashville Rising Star, Belmont University’s Commercial Music program, and West Coast Songwriter events. He’s also a contributing author to USA Songwriting, InTune Magazine, Songwriter Magazine, a sponsor for the Australian Songwriting Association, and a past mentor for The Songwriting Academy UK. Born in Syracuse, New York, Mark has lived in Boston, Los Angeles, Indianapolis and London. Mark now resides in Nashville, Tennessee. The Daily Song Journal is his second book.
THE DAILY SONG JOURNAL
Here is a link to “ The Daily Song Journal” on Amazon
