Learning from critiques
Written by Dan Monk


First of all, it takes guts to post your lyrics for all the world to see. Writing anything is one of the most private and intimate things we do. The irony is we write to share our personal feelings with others.

So what happens when we share them on a public forum. Well there are several things that can and do happen. In terms of ego gratification the best thing that can happen is to have only positive critiques. As in, "that's brilliant and you're a genius". In terms of improving your lyric it's quite possibly the worst that can happen.

The worst critique for your ego is one that trashes everything you've written. But quite possibly the best thing for your song.

The first thing to do when posting a lyric is to realize not everyone is going to like it. The next is to accept it. It's all part of the process of writing and improving your songs. But of course not every critique is helpful or even makes sense. Here are some tips on separating the wheat from the chaff.

1. Does the critique fit with your vision of the song?
It may be the person critiquing your song has a different agenda. Or it may mean you did not communicate your vision well enough. Try to look at your song as an outsider. Does it speak to you?

2. Are major changes suggested?
You may not think these types of critiques are very helpful. But you still can learn something from them. Perhaps the most depressing thing you could learn is your song needs major changes. But it is nice to know someone has given your song a lot of thought. And it is very possible you will find some fresh insight and new ideas for your song.

3. Is the critique specific or general?
Both have their merits and shortcomings. Specific suggestions give you concrete examples with which to work. Nonspecific suggestions are more useful for gauging your songs structure and feel.

4. Is the critique overly negative?
You have to expect at one point or another a song you have written will generate some negative feedback.

5. The most important tip of all.
If you believe your song is finished and/or are emotionally invested in it - don't post it. You will only upset those trying to help and your feelings could very easily get bruised if someone disagrees with your work.

Different types of Critiquers.
Who critiques your songs can be as important as how.

The Nitpicker.
Nitpickers are not bad. They tend to find things that escape most of us. The trick is to not get annoyed. Realize nitpickers are detail people. And in song lyrics, details do matter.

The Grinch
Nothing you do will satisfy this person. But that doesn't mean you can't learn something from them. In most cases you can. Keep in mind most Grinches are accomplished songwriters. Listen carefully, even if it's not what you want to hear.

The Narcissist
Most narcissists are less interested in your lyrics than in how they can improve them. I think they mean well, but they inject too much of themselves into the critique. Not that you can't learn something, you can. You just have to remember to stay true to your own voice.

The Cheerleader
To a cheerleader it's all good. It may not seem cheerleaders would have constructive but they very often do. On the plus side, a cheerleaders criticism is almost always positive. And even if you don't learn much, cheerleaders sure are good for the soul.

The good guys
If you're lucky you will get your lyrics critiqued by helpful friendly folks who know what they are talking about.



(c) 1999, Dan E. Monk, All rights reserved. Reprinted here by permission.

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