Forcing ones self to write lyrics is a good thing. I think that's the whole point of this February songwriting month thing that many folks do.

Let's equate song writing to anything else you want to do at a professional level. You can't just study and work your craft when you feel like it or when the muse hits. You will never be more than mediocre if you approach it like that. The very same principles apply to songwriting. Yet so many writers of songs take that very approach. They turn out one song a year and have a few that they started but never finished.

I guess it all depends on the goals you set for yourself. How badly do you want it?

Every professional songwriter I have ever met who had chart topping songs said that they set down to write every single day....and work at it for 6 to 8 hours. One of those guys had (at that time) around a dozen #1 songs and the other I'm referring to had 24 #1 country songs to his credit. Both said they have to push through the dry spells and force themselves to write.

Not only do you have to be writing, and writing a lot, you have to be learning and studying and working with other writers to sharpen your skills and hone your craft.

For many of us, we don't have the luxury or the option to spend several days and many hours writing songs. I'm one of those. I run a business and simply do not have the time. That's where my choices in life have taken me. I'm not complaining, because life is good. But writing songs to me is a fun hobby and a great release from the sometimes hectic pace of my daily life.

That said.... there's still an imperative that I operate under. I want to write music and lyrics to the best of my ability. I want to record the songs so they sound professional, again to the best of my ability. I want to help others by sharing what I have learned over the years. And if any of my music is ever received by the public as worthy to listen too, well that, my friends, is the icing on the proverbial cake.

As some of you are aware, some of the music I have written is being used in film & TV. While it's not exactly the same as having a country superstar belting out my song to millions of fans, it's still quite cool and quite a nice accomplishment. Set your goals, aim for the stars, and if you simply end up flying above the clouds for a time, it sure beats standing on the ground wondering what could have been.

You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add nothing that adds nothing to the music.
You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.

The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.