This blog is dedicated to all the songwriters out there who often grapple with the notion of a “finished” song. It begs the question: Does such a thing as a “finished” song truly exist, or is it merely the version we ultimately decide to stop scrutinizing and release into the world?
In my personal experience, I have found that songwriters are not so different from writers in other forms. Many talented writers I have known have a “drawer” filled with half-finished drafts, or even completed drafts in need of further “editing.” Songwriters share a similar journey. We all have those songs that we started writing, only to hit a creative block or lose interest, leaving them to gather dust for months or even years. Then, at some point, we rediscover them and breathe new life into these musical ideas, turning them into something entirely different from our initial vision.
I have had my fair share of half-finished songs that I set aside, either due to a change of creative direction or feeling stuck at a specific point, only to return months later and find the inspiration to complete them. I have also finished songs but didn’t think they were good enough for live performances, so they remained unheard and unused, until later when I replayed them and wondered, “Why did I hate this again?”
As creators, we are often our own worst critics, and sometimes it takes a step back to truly recognize a song’s potential. What is interesting is that, at times, a song we may have disliked might resonate deeply with others. This highlights how the music market is primarily driven by the audience, as songwriter-driven decisions could result in perpetual refinement and a lack of releases. It is also important to note that because of trends, a song could not be popular now, but be a hit song in ten years. Even if we do not like the song we wrote now, we may like it in a few years. I have written many songs I hate and pushed aside, but revisit them a few years later and wondered why I was so hard on myself because it was a great song! You grow a lot through the years as a songwriter and a person, so I have also revisited those songs I hated and went in a completely different direction and I loved it!
This leads us to the question: Does the perfect song even exist? In theory, most songwriters would say no. Personally, I struggle with perfectionism and often find it challenging to step away and be content with my work. I may still make minor tweaks when performing live, but eventually, I must decide on a definitive version. The beauty of original songs is the fact that no one has a copy of your songbook when performing, so you can make changes during a performance and the audience will never know.
My writing process usually follows a pattern: I get inspired, whether it’s in a dream (I’ve even woken up in the middle of the night to groggily jot down lyrics on my phone) or while doing everyday tasks when a melody suddenly strikes me. I can’t focus on anything else until I’ve written it down! Then, I will sit down with my guitar, and write a complete song. After, I play each section repeatedly, experimenting with different phrases each time. By the end, my songbook is a chaotic array of ideas that only I can decipher until I select the lyrics that mesh best with the melody.
I will perform the song repeatedly, adjusting it until I reach a combination of words and music that flows the best. Just when I believe I’ve achieved perfection, I’ll inevitably go back and make further edits, repeating this vicious cycle. Performing the song live helps solidify it, setting it in stone, but more like a pencil…with an eraser. Eventually, I have to settle on a version I’m most satisfied with. I’ve learned that in songwriting, as in writing in general, there will always be room for improvement and things you will want to change. As a songwriter, you are never truly done with your work. There is always something to change and perfect so sometimes it is good to know when to stop.
At some point, you must take a step back and be content with your creation. There is such a thing as over editing! The perfect song may never exist, but that is because people have different ideas of perfection, especially when it comes to music. The beauty of writing music lies in its subjectivity. Your song may carry one meaning for you, but someone else may interpret it entirely different. That is where the magic lies!
So, my advice is this: There is no such thing as perfection. Perfection is subjective, and because everyone interprets and applies their own emotions and meanings to your song, perfection becomes an elusive concept. Pick a version you are most satisfied and confident with, and just roll with it. And remember, if you change it along the way, the only person who will notice is you—unless it’s already been released on Spotify and millions of people have heard it, in which case, stick with that version!
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