The 80/20 rule (Pareto Principle) is a powerful productivity concept:
80% of results come from 20% of the effort.
This applies to songwriting. The first 20%—the spark of inspiration—often delivers 80% of the song’s essence: a melody, lyric, chord sequence, or all three. It’s quick, effortless, and exciting.
(Sometimes, a song arrives nearly complete—think Wonderwall or Yesterday. When that happens, don’t overthink it. Just be grateful.)
But here’s the reality: The final 20% of the song takes 80% of the work.
Your initial idea might include part of a verse, most of a chorus, or a rough structure. But what about the rest? The second and third verses? The outro? The arrangement?
This is where many songwriters stall—replaying the best bits instead of finishing the song. The last stretch is tough. You may not be sure what you’re trying to say, run out of ideas, or doubt whether new lines are good enough.
The key is persistence. Yes, sometimes a break helps, but finishing requires discipline. Push through.
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