The other night, I had the privilege of attending an unforgettable session with legendary songwriter Craig Wiseman as part of the Hit Songwriter Series at Vanderbilt's Blair School of Music. For those unfamiliar with Craig, he’s one of country music’s most renowned and distinguished writers. Over the course of his career, he has written some of the genre’s most iconic songs, from Brooks & Dunn’s “Believe” to Blake Shelton’s “Boys ‘Round Here”, and has amassed an astounding 29 #1 hits. His song "Live Like You Were Dying" by Tim McGraw not only topped the charts for ten weeks but also won multiple awards, including a Grammy. In 2015, Craig was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, solidifying his legacy as one of the greats in country music.
So when I had the chance to meet and learn from someone with a career as monumental as Craig’s, it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Despite his accolades, Craig was down-to-earth, generous with his time, and full of wisdom. Over three hours—yes, three hours!—he shared stories from his career, answered questions, and played some of his most well-known songs for us. What stood out most was his love for the craft and the deep respect he has for every song he’s written.
Here are a few key takeaways that have stuck with me since:
1. The Dangers of Self-Awareness
One of the most memorable moments of the night was Craig’s discussion about how self-awareness can be the enemy of creativity. He compared it to the consequences of "original sin," explaining how that hyper-awareness can stifle the flow of a song. This really hit home for me because the creative flow is what I love most about songwriting. That moment when you're lost in the process, unaware of time passing, is magic. Craig described it perfectly—like when you sit down with a hot cup of coffee, get lost in your writing, and then suddenly realize the coffee’s gone cold three hours later. Those moments are why I keep coming back to writing.
2. Authenticity over Trends
Another highlight was Craig’s metaphor of the "impossible burger"—a brilliant way to talk about authenticity in songwriting. He reminded us that while an "impossible burger" might look and even taste good at first, somewhere along the way, something feels off. The same goes for songs that try to imitate what's already popular. Craig emphasized the importance of incorporating what makes you unique into your writing, rather than chasing trends. It’s that uniqueness that gives a song its heart and soul.
3. Respect for the Song
I was also struck by how much Craig respects the songs he writes. During the session, he played a song for us, and after switching some of the lyrics around, he felt compelled to play it again at the end of the class to set it right. Watching him honor the integrity of his work in real-time was inspiring. It's a reminder to never take the songwriting process for granted and to respect every song as its own entity.
4. A Personal Moment: Cigar Shop Recommendations
After the class, I had the chance to walk Craig to his car, where we had a brief but meaningful conversation. Before he left, he generously shared some cigar shop recommendations with me—another testament to his openness and warmth. It’s these small moments of connection that often leave the biggest impact.
5. Lessons on Longevity
What struck me most about Craig’s entire talk was his ability to stay grounded despite the fame and accolades he's accumulated. It’s clear that he values the journey and the hard work behind every song, even after achieving massive success. His stories of early career struggles still resonate with him, and that’s something I admire. It’s a great reminder that the best moments in your career aren’t always the hits, but the journey along the way.
Meeting Craig Wiseman was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and his insights into songwriting and life have already begun shaping the way I approach my craft. The lessons he shared were not just about writing hit songs, but about staying true to yourself, staying humble, and respecting the art form. I’m grateful for his time, his wisdom, and the inspiration he provided.
