How to Write a Song that Matters

What's "How to Write a Song that Matters" about?

• Purpose of the book: "How to Write a Song that Matters" by Dar Williams is a guide for aspiring songwriters to create meaningful songs. It focuses on the process of songwriting from inspiration to completion.
• Author's experience: Dar Williams shares her personal experiences and insights from her career as a singer-songwriter, offering practical advice and creative exercises.
• Songwriting process: The book covers various aspects of songwriting, including finding inspiration, developing lyrics, and understanding musical structure.
• Community and collaboration: It emphasizes the importance of community, collaboration, and sharing songs with others to enhance the creative process.

Why should I read "How to Write a Song that Matters"?

• Inspiration for songwriters: The book provides inspiration and practical advice for both novice and experienced songwriters looking to deepen their craft.
• Comprehensive guide: It offers a comprehensive look at the songwriting process, from initial inspiration to bringing a song into the world.
• Personal growth: Readers can gain insights into personal growth and self-expression through songwriting.
• Community building: The book highlights the importance of community and collaboration in the creative process, encouraging readers to connect with other songwriters.

What are the key takeaways of "How to Write a Song that Matters"?

• Inspiration is key: Finding and nurturing inspiration is crucial to writing songs that matter. The book provides techniques for courting inspiration.
• Voice of the song: Understanding the "Voice" of a song helps guide its narrative and structure, making it more authentic and impactful.
• Balance of form and message: The relationship between a song's form and its message is essential for effective storytelling.
• Community and feedback: Engaging with a community of songwriters and seeking feedback can enhance the songwriting process and lead to more meaningful songs.

How does Dar Williams suggest finding inspiration for songwriting?

• Poetic thinking: Williams encourages thinking poetically about everyday words and experiences to find inspiration.
• Courting inspiration: She suggests deliberately setting aside time to explore poetic thinking and to look at the world from different angles.
• Artist dates: Inspired by Julia Cameron's "The Artist's Way," Williams recommends setting aside time for activities that inspire creativity, such as visiting museums or taking nature walks.
• Listening for clues: Paying attention to small phrases or melodies that come to mind can provide clues for developing a song.

What is the "Voice of the song" according to Dar Williams?

• Overall feel: The "Voice" of a song refers to its overall feel, tone, and narrative perspective.
• Guiding the narrative: It helps guide the song's narrative, including the choice of narrator and point of view.
• Consistency: Maintaining a consistent Voice throughout the song ensures that the lyrics and music align with the intended message.
• Flexibility: While the Voice can develop and change, it should remain true to the song's core themes and emotions.

How does Dar Williams approach the relationship between form and message in songwriting?

• Interplay of form and message: Williams emphasizes that the form of a song can inform its message and vice versa, creating a dynamic interplay.
• Listening process: Songwriting is a hearing and listening process, where both form and message guide each other.
• Exploration of form: Starting with form can lead to discovering the message, allowing the songwriter to feel the possibilities before defining the narrative.
• Message-driven approach: Alternatively, focusing on the message can shape the form, ensuring that the song's structure supports its thematic content.

What advice does Dar Williams give for writing lyrics?

• Word choice: Williams highlights the importance of choosing precise, beautiful, and interesting words to enhance the song's mood and narrative.
• Rhyme exploration: She suggests using the alphabet to explore potential rhymes, allowing for creative word associations.
• Avoiding clichés: While clichés can be used effectively, Williams advises against relying on them unless they serve the song's authenticity.
• Phrasing and emphasis: Proper phrasing and emphasis ensure that lyrics fit the song's rhythm and convey the intended meaning.

How does Dar Williams suggest using chords in songwriting?

• Chord houses: Williams introduces the concept of "chord houses," where chords live in harmonious groups or keys.
• Chord variations: Exploring different chord variations and voicings can add emotional depth and narrative weight to a song.
• Experimentation: She encourages experimenting with chords by altering finger placements or borrowing chords from neighboring keys.
• Musical narrative: Chords play a crucial role in constructing the musical narrative, supporting the song's lyrical content.

What role does community play in Dar Williams' songwriting process?

• Song circles: Williams emphasizes the value of song circles, where songwriters share their work and receive feedback in a supportive environment.
• Collaboration: Collaborating with other musicians can enhance creativity and lead to new musical ideas.
• Feedback: Constructive feedback from trusted listeners helps refine songs and ensures they communicate effectively.
• Shared experiences: Engaging with a community of songwriters provides inspiration, motivation, and a sense of belonging.

What are some of the best quotes from "How to Write a Song that Matters" and what do they mean?

• "I play to work, I work to play": This quote reflects Williams' approach to songwriting as a playful and exploratory process that requires both effort and enjoyment.
• "The ear leads the song, and the song leads the ear": It highlights the reciprocal relationship between listening and creating, where both guide the development of a song.
• "We are the gods of time and space": This emphasizes the songwriter's power to manipulate time and space within a song, allowing for creative freedom and expression.
• "Did you really go there?": This question challenges songwriters to ensure their songs authentically capture the experiences and emotions they aim to convey.

How does Dar Williams address the challenges of finishing a song?

• Crossroads of doubt: Williams acknowledges the moments of doubt that arise when nearing the completion of a song and encourages perseverance.
• Aha! Moment: She describes the "Aha! Moment" as the point where the song's purpose becomes clear, often accompanied by a sense of emotional recognition.
• Revisiting the beginning: Revisiting the song's opening lines can ensure they effectively engage the listener and align with the song's overall message.
• Final adjustments: Making small adjustments, such as changing a single word, can significantly impact the song's clarity and impact.

What is Dar Williams' perspective on the commercial aspects of songwriting?

• Buzz vs. hype: Williams distinguishes between natural excitement (buzz) and manufactured excitement (hype) in the music industry.
• Balancing art and commerce: She believes it's possible to write songs for both love and money, as long as the artistic vision remains intact.
• Avoiding compromise: Williams advises against compromising artistic integrity for commercial success, emphasizing the importance of staying true to one's creative vision.
• Audience connection: She values the connection with audiences and believes that honest, meaningful songs resonate more deeply with listeners.