For sure.
I spent ~2-3 yrs songwriting and playing my songs pretty much weekly on stage in a 'listening room' type setting where songwriters met and only were allowed to play original songs. No drum machines or karaoke, a guitar and a mic, maybe a fiddle.
It was a strict listening room- no talking playing pool none of that. If you werent in there to listen intently you pretty much were encouraged not to go to that venue on that night of the week.
There was a guy there who founded the place who was a songwriter and a big supporter of songwriters. He recently died, but what I got out of that experience was not everyone can make it as a singer/songwriter. Even if youve got the gift you still have to work to develop it.
Another thing I got was it is essential that you know youre personal range/key your voice fits/type of singing you are naturally inclined to excel at.
Its also extremely helpful to have ppl who will tell you the truth in love and to do the same to others yourself.
I will say that there is a place where music really is full of love and no ulterior motives. There also is a lot of 'business' behind the music thats sold concerts etc.
There are ppl who sign contracts get paid a salary and go into offices most days and write songs. There are ppl who sign contracts get paid to record those written songs and travel around playing them over and over to sell albums and merchendise. Sometimes the money ppl put making money over other things- and giving the ppl what their ppl/sources/data/etc tell them they want is how they do that.
Id almost compare it to a company making products that they think the masses will buy- they market it and try to create loyal customers by finding a singer that fits an image they can sell or molding a singer into that image they can sell. Their strategy is to sell product, and if that means getting ppl to become followers to the point of wanting to be like an artist etc to create a fanbase that will keep buying, they dont care if its destructive to individuals.
I dont mean to get too deep into all of this but my point is to point you to God. He cares about us and loves us. He wont put money over us.
Im a Christian- meaning I believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God- and I know idolotry might bring to mind images of statues and burning incence and chanting or whatever, but the truth is that putting anything above/considering anything/anyone as more important to follow/serve look to for direction etc instead of God is the same thing. Gods got an awesome plan and He will guide you if you look to Him. If that plan includes professionally singing, He will help you to the point where no one can stop that plan from happening if youll do it the way He says to. Just look to Him. If His plan doesnt include singing professionally- that means Hes got something better in mind.
Maybe this is for you, maybe a reminder for me, or maybe someone else, but this is a lesson Ive learned.
I get where you're coming from with saying that not anyone can be a songwriter, but I believe that if the song is coming from your heart and soul you can't go wrong with it, same kinda goes with singing, but with that you do have to be able to hear what's wrong with your tone etc.. If I were ever to become a singer, I would definitely write my original songs, and wouldn't really let other people do it for me, especially if the song has some meaning..
Well, about the second part, I don't agree completely, I believe "everyone creates their own destiny" as the saying goes, if you don't try hard and put a lot of work in to it, and I don't mean just singing etc. I mean everything else in life you won't be able to make it, if you just sit at home and do nothing, then there's a small possibility that many good things will happen, dedication, hard work, creativity and other stuff are the key.. and by no means am I trying to say anything against your opinion, It's just my personal opinion.