Create Without Critique: Why Silencing Your Inner Critic Is Important for Songwriters

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Songwriting is a deeply personal and creative journey, but for many of us, it’s also fraught with self-doubt and perfectionism. That pesky inner critic can show up just when inspiration begins to flow, whispering things like, “That line isn’t good enough,” or “This melody isn’t original.” The result? Creative paralysis.

If you want to be prolific as a songwriter, you need to let go of your inner critic during the initial creative process. The time for critique and refinement will come later, but for now, it’s all about letting your creativity run free. During the initial phase of songwriting, allow yourself to be creative without the ugly head of perfectionism rearing up.

Why Silencing Your Inner Critic Is Essential in Songwriting

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in my own creative journey is that to write great songs, you first need to write freely—without judgment. This is especially true if you’re working on a songwriting challenge or trying to create a larger body of work within a set timeframe.

Think of creativity like a water tap. When you first turn it on, the water may come out dirty. That’s okay! The more it runs, the cleaner it gets. The same applies to songwriting: the more you write, the more your ideas and skills will flow freely. If you allow your inner critic to intervene too early in the process, you’ll cut yourself off from this natural progression and stifle creativity altogether.

There is plenty of time to perfect a song, to polish and refine it, later in the process. In fact, the rewriting and refining process should, in my opinion, be done separately. That way, you can look at your song with a critical eye and ear and make improvements with clarity.

Give Yourself Permission to Write ‘Bad’ Songs

One of the best ways to quiet that inner voice of perfectionism is to embrace the idea of writing a “bad” song. This doesn’t mean you’re setting out to fail—it simply means removing the pressure to create something perfect. By giving yourself permission to write something cliché, simple, or unpolished, you take the first step towards creating without fear.

When you approach songwriting this way, something magical often happens: you start to let go, have fun, and rediscover the joy of creating. Even within a “bad” song, you may find a line, melody, or concept worth developing later. I have genuinely released a song that I wrote solely to try out a technique. The exercise of creating without judgment builds your songwriting muscle, preparing you for bigger breakthroughs down the line.

The Power of Starting Small

Sometimes the hardest part of songwriting is simply getting started. I have the same problem with my lack of enthusiasm for going to the gym; I hate going, but once I’ve been, I feel great. That’s why the goal with this approach isn’t to create a Grammy-winning song right out of the gate—it’s to start. Whether it’s a song filled with predictable rhymes or an overused chord progression, the act of finishing it gives you momentum.

Here’s a quick example:

• Write a simple four-line chorus with an easy rhyme scheme.

• Use a basic chord progression like G–C–D–Em.

• Don’t overthink your lyrics; focus on completing the structure.

By completing one song, no matter how basic or “bad” it feels, you’ve already made progress. You’ve overcome the hardest part: beginning.

The Long-Term Benefits of Letting Go

When you focus on silencing your inner critic in songwriting, you’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish creatively. Over time, you’ll start to see patterns, refine your voice, and develop stronger ideas. Even the songs you initially dismissed might contain nuggets of brilliance waiting to be polished.

So, the next time your inner critic pipes up, remind yourself: this is just the first draft. Perfection comes later. For now, allow yourself the freedom to create unapologetically and enjoy the process of discovery.

Final Thoughts

The actions of creating and refining are two completely different processes, and more often than not, they should be kept separate. Sometimes the impact of perfectionism stops people from creating at all, and that is a hugely sad fact.

Every great songwriter has moments of doubt, but the key to growth is learning how to push through those moments. By giving yourself permission to write freely—without the weight of overthinking and analysing—you open the door to your best work. So, take a deep breath, turn off that inner critic, and start writing. Who knows? Your next “bad” song might just hold the seeds of something extraordinary.

Join a Supportive Songwriting Community

Silencing your inner critic in songwriting is easier when you have a supportive space to grow, share ideas, and get encouragement from fellow songwriters. If you're looking for a place to break through creative barriers, stay inspired, and improve your craft, consider joining We Write Songs. Our community offers challenges, feedback sessions, and a welcoming group of songwriters who understand the creative process. Don’t let self-doubt hold you back—be part of a community that helps you write with confidence! Join us today!