I, and most of the songwriters I know, would be only too glad to hear someone sing something we've written - it doesn't happen often enough. It's really the only way to tell if you've written something worthwhile - as the author, you're too close to your own songs to judge. Only if other people consider them worth singing do you know you got it right.

I have on occasions heard other people singing my songs, and I've always been delighted, even if they've changed things - the song then has a life of it's own. It's like seeing your child start work. Other interpretations can bring out things I never knew were there. Just because I wrote it, doesn't mean that the way I sing it is the only or the best way.

So don't be afraid to sing someone's song to them - it's the greatest compliment you can give a songwriter.

Andrew