For Shelly Engel, words have always been the natural language of expression. A lifelong writer, she found her true calling later in life as a lyricist, transforming her passion for language into songs that reflect resilience, lived experience, and the human spirit.
Encouraged by a close friend to share her writing, Engel took a leap of faith in 2025 when she created her debut track, “Movin’ On.” The experience left her hooked, sparking a wave of creativity that led to nine more songs. “Writing has always been my way of making sense of the world,” Engel shares. “Songwriting simply gave those words a new home.”
What sets her apart is the perspective she brings. At 66 years old, she embraces her age not as a limitation but as an advantage. With decades of life experience, her lyrics are steeped in themes of love, growth, and perseverance, and her songs speak to women and men of all ages. Shelly Engel notes that her creative process is intuitive, often sparked by a phrase or idea, and typically completed in a matter of days. Yet, she laughs about the times when inspiration takes longer. “It once took me two weeks to finish a song, and I thought maybe I was already washed-up,” she says with humility.
Looking ahead, Engel envisions her lyrics finding their way to the voices of mainstream artists such as Adele, Alicia Keys, Beyoncé, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Lizzo, and Meghan Trainor. She is also eager to see her work placed on television and film, extending her reach to audiences worldwide.
Shelly Engel’s journey is not only about breaking into the music industry but also about breaking barriers while doing so in retirement. She is determined to show that passion has no age limit and that it does not define a person’s creative potential. “Often, the only obstacles we face are the ones we place on ourselves,” she says.
With the same drive as her younger peers and the wisdom of her lived experiences, Shelly Engel is proving that it is never too late to start again, create, and make a name for yourself in music.
Follow Shelly Engel on Instagram, Facebook, and X.Movin’ On To Her Second Act At 66: Lyricist Shelly Engel Breaks the Mold