The One Songwriting Fix You’re Probably Ignoring

Most songwriters follow the same pattern when a song doesn’t quite land.

• They tweak the lyrics.

• They rewrite the melody.

• Maybe even change the chords.

But after all that effort… the song still feels flat.

Here’s the hard truth:
It’s not always the melody or lyrics that need fixing. It’s the dynamics.

What Are Dynamics (And Why Do They Matter So Much)?

Dynamics are the volume shifts and intensity changes in your music. They’re the emotional push and pull that give your song shape.

Great songs breathe. They build tension, explode, retreat, and then surge again—all through dynamics.

Ignore dynamics, and every section of your song starts to blur together.
Get them right, and even the simplest chord progression can hit like a gut punch.

Where Songwriters Go Wrong

I see this all the time in my coaching sessions. A student brings in a song with strong bones:

• Solid chord progression

• Catchy melody

• Meaningful lyrics

But the song still doesn’t move.

The problem isn’t the songwriting itself—it’s the performance of what’s already there.

Small Shifts = Big Impact

Instead of rewriting, we start adjusting the delivery:

• Verse: a lighter touch, fingerpicking, or softer strumming

• Chorus: a bigger strum, wider voicings, or doubling guitars

• Bridge: a pause, a drop-out, or pulling everything back before exploding again

Suddenly, the same exact song comes alive.

Dynamics create contrast, and contrast keeps listeners engaged.

Why Dynamics Are Your Secret Weapon

The truth is, you don’t always need “better” chords or a “catchier” melody. You need to shape the energy of your song.

Dynamics are one of the fastest ways to transform a flat demo into something that moves people.

👉 Next time a song feels lifeless, don’t reach for a new lyric or chord.
First, ask: How can I play this differently to bring it to life?