Byron McGillvary (sp?) is a voice/singing teacher who travels a circuit from Texas to Alaska and back.

He pointed out that if you do not speak in a monotone you already know how to hit the notes. Just about everybody modulates speech. Start with that knowledge, record yourself on a couple of songs and recitations, alone and with others and I'll bet that you will be thrilled.

And as others above have implied, on occasions that you're feeling 'puny' and unsure of yourself just say, Not tonight, I'm in the mood to listen tonight. And later in the evening you may find yourself saying, You know, there is this one song I'd like to sing tonight...