Considering the fractured attention syndrome that most of the listeners are going through these days, writing a song that creates a home in the listener’s heart has never been so difficult.
So, as the listener is evolving, the songwriters have to evolve too to maintain their relevancy. And to do so, what better tools can one get than books from songwriters who have made it big in the industry.
To help you in your endeavor of becoming a loved songwriter, here, I have compiled this well-researched list of books on learning and mastering the art of songwriting.
Let’s check them out:―
Best Books on Learning & Mastering Songwriting:―
1. Writing better lyrics by Pat Pattison
Favorite Songwriting Tip ― I hereby grant you permission to write crap. The more the better. Remember, crap makes the best fertilizer.
Writing better lyrics by Pat Pattison can not only help you in penning down your thoughts and ideas skilfully but also can take your creative game to a whole new level through :
- Object Writing ― It’s about diving deep into a particular object and writing freely about it for 10 minutes.
- Exercises ― There are about 50 fun song-writing exercises spread evenly throughout the book.
- Tools and Tricks ― To help you amplify your lyrics-writing skill.
Apart from these, the latest edition has newly added chapters on:―
- How to work with a co-writer,
- How to work on raw ideas and
- How to generate effective lyrics,
- When repetition is to be used and when it shouldn’t be and more.
For a serious songwriting aspirant, this one can be a guiding light in their career path.
Grab your copy Here ― Amazon.in | Amazon US
2. 6 Steps to Songwriting Success by Jason Blume
In 6 Steps to Songwriting Success, Jason Blume breaks down the writing and marketing process of hit songs into six easily manageable steps:
- Developing Successful Song Structures,
- Writing Effective Lyrics,
- Composing Memorable Melodies,
- Producing Successful Demos,
- Taking Care of business, and
- Developing Persistence.
In addition, the book includes 30 exercises for songwriters to help them practice and hone their skills. To further give you an impetus into songwriting it’s filled with quotes, anecdotes, and inspiring stories from the lives of famous songwriters.
My favorite part is the appendix of this book that has some really helpful resources for aspiring songwriters.
Grab your copy Here ― Amazon.in | Amazon US
3. The Art of Songwriting: How to Create, Think and Live Like a Songwriter by Ed Bell
This book, as the title reads is about learning “How to CREATE, THINK and LIVE like a Songwriter”. In addition to teaching the craft of songwriting, it has chapters that focus on the often-overlooked dimensions of songwriting such as:―
- Thinking as a Songwriter,
- The Writing Process,
- Song Design,
- Song Craft.
Ed encourages the songwriters to not only spend time writing but also on adopting the mindset of a songwriter. This is something that is often overlooked by novice songwriters. and Ed’s gentle reminder gives the much-needed push towards incorporating words and music into your lifestyle. Because in the end, songwriting is all about your skill with words and music.
Ed makes it very clear that these are not rules, just tools. Readers should use their discretion to decide how and when to use these tools.
Grab your copy Here ― Amazon.in | Amazon US
4. Great Songwriting Techniques by Jack Perricone
In this book, veteran composer and teacher Jack Perricone has shared his years of experience in the art, science, and pedagogy of songwriting to help the readers learn and get better at songwriting.
What the readers get:―
- Techniques used in Dozens of Hit Songs
- Hundreds of Musical and Technical Examples
- Info about Loop-based and Riff-based Songwriting
- A Comprehensive Companion Website with Audio Examples referenced throughout the book
There are a targeted series of lessons to help the readers with key elements of songwriting. From the embryo stage topics like melody, harmony, and rhythm to more advanced topics like lyric placement and tone texture, Perricone has covered them all.
The bonus of reading this one is that it inholds examples of some of the exceptionally well-written songs from some of the most eminent artists such as Irving Berlin, Prince, Bob Dylan, Stevie Taylor Swift, and many more.
Grab your copy Here ― Amazon.in | Amazon US
5. Revolution in the Head by Ian MacDonald
Though this one is not exactly about learning songwriting it explores other important dimensions every songwriter must be good at to thrive in the current scenario. Writing a song is one thing but making it unique, enjoyable, and memorable is another.
This “Bible of the Beatles” captures the iconic band’s magical and mysterious journey from adorable teenagers to revered cultural emissaries. Each of their 241 tracks is assessed chronologically from their first amateur recordings in 1957 to their final “reunion” recording in 1995.
Put simply, it consists of an account of every single Beatles track ever recorded, starting with the basic facts (who did what, when, and where), before developing into a detailed description of;-
- The particular situation in which each was written and recorded;
- How the band were interacting, the atmosphere, the message, and
- Finally an analysis of the track itself
This comprehensive guide offers fascinating details about the Beatles’ lives, music, and era, never losing sight of what made the band so unique, enjoyable, and timeless.
Grab your copy Here ― Amazon.in | Amazon US
6. Songwriting Without Boundaries: Lyric Writing Exercises for Finding Your Voice
Writing great song lyrics requires practice and discipline. Songwriting Without Boundaries will help you commit to routine practice through fun writing exercises. This unique collection of more than 150 sense-bound prompts would help you develop the skills you need to:―
- Tap into your senses and inject your writing with vivid details (that is, descriptive writing, or imagery)
- Effectively use Metaphor and comparative language
- Bringing them together
Not only songwriters but any type of writer can benefit from the sensory writing challenges in this one. It can help songwriters make a more absorbing choice of words.
Unequivocally, it’s one of the most useful books for songwriters and poets.
Grab your copy Here ― Amazon.in | Amazon US
Also, if you are into Books Get your Amazon Audible subscription and listen to Books anywhere and everywhere.
7. Murphy’s Laws of Songwriting by Ralph Murphy
Written by Ralph Murphy, someone who has spent his life as both a songwriter and as a guide to songwriters, this book is jam-packed with some really handy industry secrets. It’s like listening to everything from the horse’s mouth.
Achieving “hit writer” status has always been a formidable goal for every songwriter. But with the listener already grappling with the fractured attention, the road to the listener’s heart has become even more difficult.
This book will help you in:―
- Fine-tuning your writing game.
- Getting listener’s attention, inviting them into your song,
- Keeping them there for long enough for your song to become “Their Song”
The last two parts require more than being just a “good” songwriter. Murphy’s Laws of Songwriting shows the way to success by demystifying the process and opening the door to serious professional songwriting. Irrespective of your position on the songwriting spectrum, you must read this one to up your songwriting game.
Grab your copy Here ― Amazon.in | Amazon US
8. The Craft of Lyric Writing by Sheila Davis
Davis wrote this book after teaching several courses in lyric writing. It’s an illustrative and delightful tour of some of the most memorable and well-written songs of the twentieth century.
In the book Davis has discussed:―
- Theme,
- Repetition,
- Wordplay,
- Rhyme,
- Rhythm, and
- Common Songwriting Mistakes
Using a conversational style, Davis goes beyond the secrets to writing Top 10 songs and digs deeper into what truly makes a lyric timeless.
The best part of the book is that it is divided into sections, which gives the readers an option to read only those sections that are relevant to them. Also, the easy language ensures delightful reading time for novice songwriters.
Grab your copy Here ― Amazon.in | Amazon US
9. Tunesmith: Inside the Art of Songwriting by Jimmy Webb
With a combination of familiar anecdotes, meditation, and crackerjack advice, Webb has broken down the creative process of songwriting from beginning to end.
This one can guide you in:―
- Coping with Writer’s block,
- Song Construction,
- Self-Promotion.
In addition, Webb also gives readers a glimpse into the professional music world. The only thing that didn’t resonate with me was that at times, he laid too much emphasis on his own work.
Grab your copy Here ― Amazon.in | Amazon US
10. The Songwriter’s Workshop by Jimmy Kachulis
This hands-on guide provides lessons on how to write innovative songs. In addition to helping you learn the fundamental techniques behind today’s hit songs, Kachulis puts forth:―
- Easy-to-Follow Exercises ― So you can immediately apply the suggested tools to your own songs.
- Ideas ― To help you get over writer’s block, and
- Tools and Tricks ― To make the songwriting process easy, fun, and intuitive.
Whether you’re a novice songwriter who can’t read a note of music, or an experienced professional looking for new ideas, this book will provide new insight into your craft.
Also, it can really be helpful for self-taught songwriters.
Grab your copy Here ― Amazon.in | Amazon US
Amazon Links to Buy The Suggested Books:―
1. Writing better lyrics by Pat Pattison ― Amazon.in | Amazon US
2. 6 Steps to Songwriting Success by Jason Blume ― Amazon.in | Amazon US
3. The Art of Songwriting ― Amazon.in | Amazon US
4. Great Songwriting Techniques by Jack Perricone ― Amazon.in | Amazon US
5. Revolution in the Head by Ian MacDonald ― Amazon.in | Amazon US
6. Songwriting Without Boundaries: Lyric Writing Exercises ― Amazon.in | Amazon US
7. Murphy’s Laws of Songwriting by Ralph Murphy ― Amazon.in | Amazon US
8. The Craft of Lyric Writing by Sheila Davis ― Amazon.in | Amazon US
9. Tunesmith: Inside the Art of Songwriting by Jimmy Webb ― Amazon.in | Amazon US
10. The Songwriter’s Workshop by Jimmy Kachulis ― Amazon.in | Amazon US
Also, if you are into Books Get your Amazon Audible subscription and listen to Books anywhere and everywhere.
The Best Books:
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That’s all we have for today. Thanks a lot for tuning in to HappinessDhaba. Do let us know your views on this in the comment section.
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Zindagi Zindabad!
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