Key Takeaways
1. Songwriting Springs from Deep Emotion
Song ideas are the most intense longings of the soul and its deepest regrets.
Caring is Key. Songwriting isn't a fun way to make easy money; it's hell on Earth if you're doing it right. Ideas come from caring deeply or loathing intensely. Without strong feelings, helpful hints are useless. A great song proclaims the writer's upset or excitement about something.
Nine Categories of Inspiration. Song ideas arrange themselves into nine categories: happy, sad, or angry memories; present-time emotions; future anxieties; satire; fictional characters; true ballads; silly music; abstract surrealism; and allegorical tales. These categories provide a framework for understanding the diverse sources of songwriting inspiration.
Title as Idea. The "idea" and "title" are virtually synonymous. A title announces a destination, guiding the writer's efforts. Even if the song's name changes, the initial idea tied to a title provides a fulcrum for the creative process.
2. Technique is Personal, Practice is Universal
Technique is a personal and very private conceit.
Technique is Individual. Songwriting techniques vary widely. Some free-associate, others write draft after draft, some sing stream-of-consciousness, and others "word jam" to finished tracks. All these techniques are valid, and writers develop unique methods through hard work.
Tools of the Trade. Despite diverse styles, professional songwriters share common tools: a rhyming dictionary and a thesaurus. These resources are essential for crafting effective verse. Other reference materials, like Bartlett's Familiar Quotations, can also be invaluable.
Read and Listen. Writers must read, and composers must listen. This provides a comprehensive knowledge of the art form's history. Originality requires familiarity with the best examples ever written.
3. Words are the Songwriter's Building Blocks
Talking about music is like dancing about architecture.
Words Matter. Songwriters must accomplish their aims in about three minutes. Every word must count. Songwriting is "technological haiku."
Ambiguity is Essential. Begin with questions or ambiguities. Don't reveal the story too soon. Let the listener wonder, "Where are we going?"
Clichés Can Work. Cliché titles can be effective, especially in country music. However, the lyric itself must avoid cuteness and balance the trite title with clever metaphors and images.
4. Form Provides the Song's Foundation
With a knowledge of form we can learn more about chord structure and melody in order to develop a technique.
Form Follows Function. Songwriting form is not arbitrary. It's shaped by the need to breathe and the desire to remember. Rhyme and artificial line division are mnemonic devices.
Classical Influences. While modern songwriting is less rigid, understanding classical poetic terminology is helpful. Metaphor, simile, imagery, analogy, and allegory are essential tools.
The Power of the Notebook. Keep a notebook to capture ideas, titles, and observations. The world is grist for the mill. Observation and curiosity are key.
5. Melody Carries the Song's Soul
The sharpest memory is fallible.
Melody and Emotion. Melody carries the emotional weight of a song. It's a magical marriage between lyric and music.
Avoid Overused Devices. Be wary of clichés like "fool," "baby," and overused metaphors. Seek fresh language and imagery.
The Importance of Rhyme. While some songs succeed without rhyme, it's a powerful tool. Use it skillfully, avoiding false rhymes and forced constructions.
6. Collaboration: A Double-Edged Sword
The professional loves songs and loves songwriting.
Collaboration is Complex. Collaboration can be a source of synergy, but it also presents challenges. Conflicting egos, creative differences, and power dynamics can derail the process.
Clear Communication is Key. Establish clear expectations and boundaries at the outset. Define roles, responsibilities, and decision-making processes.
Respect and Trust. Successful collaborations require mutual respect, trust, and a willingness to compromise. Be open to criticism and value diverse perspectives.
7. Persistence and Passion Conquer All
In this room, you can never make a mistake.
Embrace Failure. Songwriting is a process of trial and error. Don't be afraid to make mistakes. View them as learning opportunities.
Create a Dedicated Workspace. A dedicated workspace fosters continuity and tranquility. It's a place where you can focus, experiment, and develop your craft.
Never Stop Learning. Study the work of other songwriters, read poetry, listen to music, and explore new ideas. Continuous learning is essential for growth.
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FAQ
What is Tunesmith: Inside the Art of Songwriting by Jimmy Webb about?
- Comprehensive songwriting guide: The book provides an in-depth look at the art and craft of songwriting, covering lyric writing, melody, harmony, song structure, and the business side of music.
- Personal and industry insights: Webb shares stories from his decades-long career, offering both technical instruction and real-world anecdotes about working in musical theatre, film, advertising, and the recording industry.
- Emotional and psychological aspects: The book addresses the emotional challenges songwriters face, such as creative blocks and vulnerability, and discusses the therapeutic power of songwriting.
Why should I read Tunesmith by Jimmy Webb if I want to become a songwriter?
- Expertise from a master: Jimmy Webb is a Grammy-winning songwriter with a wealth of experience, making his advice authoritative and practical for both beginners and professionals.
- Holistic approach: The book covers not just songwriting techniques, but also the realities of the music business, emotional resilience, and personal growth.
- Realistic encouragement: Webb balances inspiration with candid discussions about the hard work, persistence, and discipline required to succeed as a songwriter.
What are the key takeaways from Tunesmith by Jimmy Webb?
- Songwriting is both art and craft: Webb emphasizes the need for technical skill, creative inspiration, and emotional honesty in songwriting.
- Persistence and resilience are essential: The book highlights the importance of perseverance, self-care, and learning from rejection in a challenging industry.
- Business knowledge matters: Understanding contracts, publishing, royalties, and industry dynamics is crucial for a sustainable songwriting career.
What are the main sources of inspiration and ideas for songwriting according to Tunesmith?
- Nine categories of ideas: Webb identifies sources such as memory-based emotions, current events, future anticipations, satire, fictional characters, storytelling ballads, novelty songs, abstract surrealism, and allegory.
- Emotion is key: Genuine caring or strong feelings—whether love or loathing—are at the heart of compelling songwriting.
- Titles as creative anchors: Webb often uses song titles as the focal point for developing ideas and guiding the songwriting process.
How does Jimmy Webb describe the songwriting process and work environment in Tunesmith?
- Creative freedom and safety: Webb advocates for a workspace where mistakes are allowed, fostering risk-taking and creativity without self-judgment.
- Practical tools: He recommends using tape recorders, legal pads, and notebooks to capture and develop ideas at every stage.
- Balance of solitude and experience: While solitude aids concentration, Webb stresses the importance of real-world experiences and sensory input to fuel creativity.
What is Jimmy Webb’s approach to lyric writing in Tunesmith?
- Craft and refinement: Webb likens lyric writing to sculpting, where the writer chips away at words to reveal the core message.
- Use of rhyming dictionaries and templates: He systematically explores rhymes and creates templates for syllable count and rhyme schemes to maintain consistency.
- Conversational tone and originality: Webb encourages a natural, conversational style while avoiding clichés and striving for fresh, vivid imagery.
How does Tunesmith by Jimmy Webb explain melody writing and its relationship to lyrics?
- Melody as emotional direction: Webb teaches that melody should reflect the emotional content of the lyrics, using pitch and rhythm to enhance meaning.
- Balance and variation: He emphasizes the importance of balancing adjacent notes and skips, and using melodic transformations like inversion and modulation.
- Subconscious inspiration: Webb encourages techniques such as playing demos backward or entering alpha states to stimulate melodic creativity.
What does Jimmy Webb teach about chord structure and harmony in Tunesmith?
- Building and inverting chords: The book covers constructing major and minor triads, practicing inversions, and understanding chord intervals.
- Suspensions, substitutions, and voicing: Webb explains how to use sus chords, chord substitutions, and creative voicing to add harmonic interest.
- Extended chords and bass techniques: He introduces seventh, ninth, eleventh, and thirteenth chords, as well as alternate basses and pedal tones for richer arrangements.
How does Tunesmith by Jimmy Webb address song structure and form?
- Traditional and modern forms: Webb details common structures like verse, chorus, bridge, and tags, as well as more experimental forms and operatic epilogues.
- Function of song sections: He explains how verses, choruses, and bridges serve different narrative and emotional purposes within a song.
- Innovation within form: Webb encourages breaking and innovating within established forms to keep songs fresh and engaging.
What practical advice does Jimmy Webb give about the business side of songwriting in Tunesmith?
- Understanding industry roles: Webb outlines the key players in musical theatre, recording, and publishing, and explains how royalties and contracts work.
- Protecting your rights: He stresses the importance of retaining publishing rights, understanding co-publishing deals, and consulting entertainment attorneys.
- Networking and pitching: Webb advises on building relationships, creating professional demos, and targeting submissions to the right industry contacts.
How does Tunesmith by Jimmy Webb address overcoming creative blocks and emotional challenges?
- Acknowledging vulnerability: Webb discusses the emotional fragility of songwriters and the inevitability of depression, loneliness, and rejection.
- Therapeutic songwriting: He describes songwriting as a form of self-therapy that can help process emotions and maintain mental health.
- Balance and self-care: Webb recommends engaging in hobbies, social activities, and self-care practices to sustain creativity and well-being.
What are the best quotes from Tunesmith by Jimmy Webb and what do they mean?
- “Songwriting is Hell on Earth. If it isn’t, then you’re doing it wrong.” — Highlights the demanding nature of songwriting and the need for deep emotional investment.
- “In this room you can never make a mistake.” — Encourages creative freedom and risk-taking without fear of failure.
- “The road to Paradise is paradise.” — Reminds songwriters to find joy in the creative process itself, not just in external success.
- “All great lyrics are poetic.” — Stresses the importance of literary quality and poetic devices in songwriting.
- “An artist has an obligation to be en route somewhere.” — Emphasizes the need for continual growth and evolution as a songwriter.
Review Summary
Tunesmith receives mixed reviews, with ratings ranging from 1 to 5 stars. Positive reviewers praise Webb's insights into songwriting and the music industry, appreciating his detailed explanations of music theory and creative process. Critics find the book self-important, verbose, and outdated. Some readers struggle with the book's length and technical aspects. Many acknowledge Webb's expertise but find his writing style challenging. The book is recognized as a comprehensive resource for aspiring songwriters, though its relevance has diminished since its 1998 publication.
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