Songwriting Archives | Wisdom Harbour

Lesson 24: Borrowing Melodies to Spark Creativity

Jimmy Yeary teaches how great songwriting often starts by borrowing the feel of songs you already love. Using his hit Why Wait (recorded by Rascal Flatts) as an example, Jimmy demonstrates the intro lick and shares how it was inspired by Little River Band’s The Other Guy. He explains why it’s okay to mirror melodies or phrasing from favorite songs, then reshape them into something uniquely your own. This lesson blends guitar technique with songwriting insight, showing how imitation can lead to originality.

Lesson 22: Writing Lyrics with Heart

Intermediate Songwriting

Jimmy Yeary takes you behind the scenes of writing “I Called Mama,” recorded by Tim McGraw. He explains how the song was born out of personal loss, the choice of opening lines, and why holding back details can make lyrics more powerful. Jimmy emphasizes the principle of writing your own story—because when you feel it, others will too. This lesson is both a masterclass in lyric writing and a reminder of how songs connect us through authenticity and emotion.

Lesson 20: The Boomerang Effect

Intermediate Practice Songwriting

In this lesson, Jimmy Yeary shares what he calls the boomerang effect—the surprising way consistent effort can suddenly transform into exponential progress. Drawing on stories from childhood, his early career in bluegrass, and even the writing of “I Called Mama” for Tim McGraw, Jimmy shows how persistence pays off in unexpected leaps forward. It’s a reminder that your practice on guitar (and in life) is never wasted, even when progress feels slow.

Lesson 16: Introduction to Songwriting

Intermediate Songs Songwriting

In this lesson, Jimmy Yeary shifts from guitar technique to the art of songwriting. He explains how personal stories and real-life experiences can become powerful lyrics, using his own #1 hit I Drive Your Truck as an example. Jimmy encourages you to draw from your own memories and emotions, showing how authenticity and honesty are the keys to creating songs that truly connect with listeners.