The Outsider Test
Would a stranger see this specific person, or just 'a nice person'?
Here's a simple test that separates generic songs from ones that make people cry: if a stranger read your description, would they see a unique human being, or just "a nice person who is kind and caring"?
The Test
Read what you've written about your person. Then ask: "Could this describe my neighbour? My colleague? A character in a film?" If yes, you haven't found them yet. You've found a type, not a person.
Chirpy's Pro Tip
If it could be about anyone, it's not really about them yet.
Fails vs. Passes
❌ Fails the test:
- "She's always there for me"
- "He has a great sense of humour"
- "She's the best mum in the world"
✓ Passes the test:
- "She sends voice notes that are always accidentally 4 minutes long"
- "He does this stupid dance when he's making eggs"
- "She still cuts my sandwiches diagonally because that's how I liked them at age 6"
How to Pass
When you catch yourself writing something generic, ask: "What's the specific example of this?" Don't say they're supportive — describe the time they drove two hours to bring you soup. Don't say they're funny — describe the joke they always tell wrong.
Chirpy's Pro Tip
The weird, quirky, embarrassing details? Those are the ones that prove it's really them.
The outsider test isn't about being harsh on yourself. It's about pushing past the easy descriptions to find the truth underneath. That's where the magic is.
Key Takeaway
If a stranger reading your song couldn't identify this specific person, you need more details. Generic descriptions apply to everyone; specific descriptions apply to one.