"A lot of songs you write are just for exercise - just pencil sharpeners"

Harlan Howard's quote suggests that songwriting is a craft that needs practice and devotion. He indicates that much of the songs a songwriter produces are not always planned to be released or shown the general public, however rather are used as a method to sharpen their abilities and keep their creative juices streaming. By describing these tunes as "pencil sharpeners," Howard suggests that they are a needed part of the songwriting procedure, just as a pencil sharpener is necessary to keep a pencil sharp and prepared for usage. This quote motivates songwriters to keep composing, even if the songs they develop are not planned for public intake. It also works as a pointer that practice and devotion are essential to ending up being a successful songwriter.