The sense of accomplishment when you finish writing is enough of a dopamine hit that it makes me wanna keep doing it. Even if it’s not good, just push through and close it out, and you might surprise yourself
I have always written lyrics in my notes app. I have never really taken them seriously though. With that said, I have just written a song with my guitar and built it by singing it out loud. I haven’t felt this creatively fulfilled in a while. It’s not a full song yet but it’s a solid chunk. It’ll probably never be heard by anyone but me but I feel so free right now.
Even if you think you’re bad at singing or bad at guitar, if you want to write a song, go and do it.
my dad was a signed songwriter in the 80’s who has now been teaching a songwriting class for 20 years and we have a family friend who became a very established songwriter in LA before he passed. the thing i remember them both saying is you have to just keep writing songs. sometimes it will take hundreds to get a few you like. also this applies to all artistic practices but figure out the things you can do that best inspire you whether it’s listening to certain artists you respect or going for a walk or whatever. all that shit matters too
My goal is to be the happiest old man I can be, and thinking this way also makes me take better care of my body. If I have to make a tough decision, I ask myself what will be a cooler story to tell grandkids, and that seems to steer me in the right direction.