For many people, songwriting is more than just a job or a means to earn a living. It’s a deeply personal craft, often driven by emotions, experiences, and an innate need to create.
While some pursue songwriting professionally, shaping it into a structured career, others view it as a calling, a vocation that feels as natural and necessary as breathing.
This distinction of songwriting being a calling and career is not always clear-cut though.
On one hand, a career in songwriting offers opportunities for recognition, financial stability, and the chance to reach a broader audience. On the other hand, a calling speaks to the heart of why songwriters create: not for fame or fortune, but because they feel compelled to share their voice with the world.
This article explores the idea of songwriting as a calling and how it can coexist with (or sometimes conflict with) the realities of a career. It’s a journey that many songwriters navigate, and understanding the balance between passion and profession can help us appreciate the true essence of this timeless craft.
Songwriting as a Calling
Songwriting as a calling is rooted in a sense of purpose that goes beyond external rewards or recognition. It’s the feeling that creating music is something you must do, not because someone asked you to, but because it’s a fundamental part of who you are.
For many, it’s an outlet for self-expression, a way to make sense of the world, and a bridge that connects them to others on a deeply emotional level.
At its core, a calling is driven by intrinsic motivation. Songwriters who see their craft as a calling often describe an irresistible urge to write. Whether it’s jotting down lyrics during a quiet moment or capturing a melody that suddenly comes to mind, the process feels almost involuntary, like the music is coming through them rather than being consciously created.
This sense of purpose often transcends commercial success. A song written out of a calling may never be heard by millions, but its value lies in the act of creation itself. The process is deeply personal, often therapeutic, and a way to capture the human experience in a way that words alone cannot.
But this isn’t to say that songwriting as a calling is easy. The journey is often marked by self-doubt, frustration, and moments of uncertainty. However, it’s precisely these challenges that deepen the songwriter’s connection to their craft.
A calling isn’t about perfection or applause—it’s about honouring the need to create, regardless of the outcome.
For those who feel songwriting as a calling, it’s an unshakable part of their identity. It’s the songs scribbled in notebooks, the melodies hummed in solitude, and the emotional release that only music can provide.
It’s not about the destination; it’s about the journey, and for these songwriters, that journey is everything.
Songwriting as a Career
While songwriting as a calling is deeply personal, treating it as a career introduces structure, strategy, and often, a layer of external expectation. A career in songwriting means viewing it through a professional lens, working not just for self-expression but to achieve tangible goals such as earning a living, building a reputation, or creating a legacy within the music industry.
In the world of professional songwriting, the creative process is often shaped by practical considerations. Songs might be written for specific artists, genres, or commercial purposes.
Deadlines replace spontaneity, and trends in the music industry can influence lyrical themes, melodies, and production styles. While this doesn’t necessarily diminish the art, it shifts the focus from personal fulfilment to meeting the needs of a market or audience.
Songwriting as a career also requires navigating the business side of music. Tasks like managing publishing rights, licensing, negotiating contracts, and networking with industry professionals are just as important as the songwriting itself.
For many, this dual focus on art and commerce can be challenging, as it demands both creativity and a strong understanding of how the industry works.
However, there are undeniable rewards to pursuing songwriting as a career. It provides a platform for reaching wider audiences, collaborating with other professionals, and contributing to projects that may shape cultural moments.
A career in songwriting can offer financial stability and opportunities for growth, allowing songwriters to turn their passion into a sustainable livelihood.
Still, the professional path isn’t without its drawbacks. The pressure to produce marketable songs can sometimes stifle creative freedom. Deadlines and client expectations may conflict with personal artistic values.
Despite these challenges, many songwriters find a way to reconcile their love for the craft with the demands of a career, discovering new ways to bring authenticity into their professional work.
For those who approach songwriting as a career, success isn’t solely measured by fame or fortune. It’s about finding satisfaction in creating music that resonates with others, while also navigating the complex world of the music industry.
When done well, a career in songwriting can blend the best of both worlds: the passion of a calling and the fulfilment of professional achievement.
The Tension Between Calling and Career
The intersection of songwriting as a calling and as a career is where many creatives find themselves pulled in opposing directions. On one hand, the calling is rooted in personal expression and authenticity, a drive to create for the sake of art itself.
On the other hand, the demands of a career often require compromise, deadlines, and a focus on marketability. Balancing these two forces can feel like walking a tightrope.
One of the most significant sources of tension is the pressure to commercialise creativity. When the focus shifts to producing songs that fit current trends or appeal to a particular audience, it can sometimes dilute the personal and emotional essence of the work.
Songwriters may feel the strain of creating music that sells while staying true to their artistic vision, a challenge that can lead to frustration or even burnout.
Additionally, the unpredictability of the music industry adds another layer of complexity. Even the most heartfelt, well-crafted songs aren’t guaranteed to find success in a crowded and competitive marketplace.
For songwriters driven by a calling, this can be disheartening, as the value of their work isn’t always reflected in commercial terms. Conversely, for career-focused songwriters, the lack of guaranteed success can create financial instability, leading to tough decisions about how to continue pursuing their passion.
Another area of conflict arises when personal creativity takes a backseat to professional obligations. For example, a songwriter working on commission might prioritise the client’s needs over their own artistic instincts.
While this can be an exciting challenge, it can also feel like a departure from the deeply personal nature of songwriting as a calling.
Despite these challenges, the tension between calling and career isn’t inherently negative. In fact, it can push songwriters to grow in unexpected ways. The discipline required for a career can sharpen creative skills, while the authenticity of a calling can infuse even commercially driven songs with depth and meaning.
The key is recognizing and respecting both aspects, allowing them to coexist without compromising either entirely.
For many songwriters, finding harmony between their calling and career is an ongoing process. It requires setting boundaries, defining personal values, and understanding when to prioritise creativity over commercialism or vice versa.
Navigating this balance is no small feat, but it’s a journey that deepens the connection to the craft and ensures that songwriting remains both fulfilling and sustainable.
Finding Harmony Between Calling and Career
Striking a balance between the deeply personal nature of a calling and the practical demands of a career is one of the greatest challenges for songwriters. Yet, it’s also an opportunity to create a fulfilling path that respects both aspects of the craft.
Harmony between calling and career isn’t about sacrificing one for the other; it’s about weaving them together in a way that allows creativity to thrive while meeting the realities of the professional world.
One way to achieve this balance is to prioritize authenticity, even within a commercial framework. When working on projects with specific demands or deadlines, songwriters can still infuse their personal style and voice into the music.
This not only maintains a connection to the calling but also creates work that stands out in a crowded market. Authenticity resonates deeply with audiences, whether the song is written for oneself or for others.
Another strategy is to set aside time for personal songwriting projects. These moments allow songwriters to reconnect with their original inspiration and explore ideas free from external expectations.
By nurturing the calling outside of professional commitments, songwriters can keep their passion alive while avoiding burnout. Many professionals find that personal projects eventually inform and enhance their commercial work, creating a positive cycle of growth.
It’s also important to learn the business side of songwriting without letting it overshadow the creative process. Understanding how publishing, licensing, and royalties work can help songwriters feel empowered rather than overwhelmed by the industry.
A clear grasp of the business ensures that the career supports, rather than detracts from, the calling.
Building a strong support network is equally essential. Connecting with fellow songwriters, mentors, or creative communities can provide encouragement, feedback, and shared experiences.
Such connections remind songwriters that they’re not alone in navigating the balance between calling and career. These relationships often spark collaboration and inspiration, enriching both personal and professional work.
Finally, songwriters can benefit from defining their own measure of success. While industry recognition and financial rewards are common benchmarks, they don’t have to be the only ones. Success can also mean writing a song that moves someone, creating a body of work that reflects your truth, or simply feeling fulfilled in the act of writing. By setting meaningful goals, songwriters can navigate their path with clarity and purpose.
Ultimately, harmony between calling and career comes down to mindfulness and intentionality. By staying connected to what drives them, songwriters can craft a path that honours their passion while embracing the opportunities that come with a professional life. It’s not an easy balance, but for those who achieve it, the rewards are immeasurable.
Why Calling Matters More Than Career
At its heart, songwriting as a calling represents the essence of why music exists: to express, connect, and resonate and while a career provides structure and opportunities, it’s the calling that fuels the passion and authenticity behind the craft.
Without it, the songs risk becoming hollow, catering to trends without the emotional core that makes music timeless.
A calling provides a songwriter with resilience. When commercial success feels out of reach, the calling reminds them why they started writing in the first place. It’s not about awards, chart-toppers, or financial gain, it’s about the act of creation itself.
Every song written from this place of purpose carries a piece of the songwriter’s truth, and that truth is what listeners connect with most deeply.
Songs born from a calling often transcend their creator. They become a gift to others, offering solace, joy, or understanding. A career may amplify a song’s reach, but it’s the authenticity of a calling that gives it staying power.
Think of the songs that have stood the test of time, not because they followed trends, but because they spoke to universal emotions and experiences.
Moreover, a calling allows for personal fulfilment. The act of writing, regardless of whether anyone hears the song, is a journey of self-discovery and growth. It’s a way to process emotions, explore ideas, and leave a legacy that reflects the songwriter’s inner world.
Even if no one else ever hears it, the songwriter knows that their work holds intrinsic value.
This isn’t to diminish the importance of a career, it plays a vital role in providing resources, connections, and a platform for sharing music. However, a career without a calling can feel empty, driven more by obligation than passion.
On the other hand, a calling without a career may lack visibility but remains deeply rewarding for the songwriter themselves.
In the end, it’s the calling that sustains a songwriter through the ups and downs of the journey. It’s the quiet drive that keeps them writing when the world isn’t listening. And it’s the reason their work has the power to touch lives, whether on a global stage or in the solitude of someone’s headphones.
A career may shape the journey, but the calling is what gives it meaning.
In Conclusion…
Songwriting is a deeply personal journey, and for many, it begins as a calling, a need to create, express, and connect through music. While some songwriters turn this calling into a career, the essence of songwriting lies in its authenticity and purpose.
Careers can provide opportunities and resources, but it’s the calling that gives songs their heart and soul.
Balancing these two aspects (calling and career) requires intention and reflection. It means honouring the creative drive that compels you to write while navigating the practical realities of sharing your work with the world.
For those who manage to find harmony between the two, songwriting becomes not just a profession but a fulfilling way of life.
If you’re a songwriter, take some time to reflect on your own journey. What drives you to write? How do you define success in your craft? Is the craft of writing songs a calling? Do you see it as a career or do you straddle the line between both worlds?
Whether you write for yourself, for an audience, or for a paycheck, remember this: your songs matter. They carry a piece of you, and that authenticity is what makes them resonate.
Keep writing, keep creating, and stay true to the passion that brought you to this journey in the first place. The world needs your music.
