Preview
  • How to Write a Song That Matters

  • By: Dar Williams
  • Narrated by: Dar Williams
  • Length: 4 hrs and 47 mins
  • 4.2 out of 5 stars (19 ratings)

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How to Write a Song That Matters

By: Dar Williams
Narrated by: Dar Williams
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Publisher's summary

An effective and inspiring guide to songwriting by prolific, iconic singer-songwriter Dar Williams

How to Write a Song That Matters is an invaluable guide to writing music by a woman who knows how to do it and do it well: iconic singer-songwriter, Dar Williams. For years now, Williams has led songwriting retreats for musicians, from beginners to professionals, in which she elevates the process of songwriting over the assessment of the product. This book makes those intimate experiences accessible for songwriters across the globe, gifting them with the insight Williams has gleaned from her decades of experience. First, it encourages songwriters to find something that inspires them and then to follow that inspiration, letting the clues of those first few notes or lines lead their narrative. Soon, the initial rhythms, the unique sounds of the melody, and/or specific vocabulary emerge, giving birth to a "voice" or a "world" that the song can exist in. As the writer proceeds, Williams encourages them to ask themselves: "Where did I go? Where did I REALLY go? What happened? What REALLY happened? What am I bringing back?"

There are many other songwriting guides that hint to the listener that writing a "hit song" may be on the horizon if only the listener correctly follows the guide or program. In this book, however, Williams shows listeners how to tap into their OWN creative process, using their psyches, their unique life experiences, and their muses to write the songs that they are meant to write. By focusing on the process of creating a song that matters, as opposed to producing a well-constructed "widget from a song factory," songwriters will be able to establish their own voice and use it to make meaningful music.

Perfect for music lovers of all sorts who want to write songs, How to Write a Song That Matters is a one-of-a-kind-book that listeners will turn to for guidance time and time again.

©2022 Dar Williams (P)2022 Hachette Books
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What listeners say about How to Write a Song That Matters

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How To Write A Song That Matters

Didn’t really find this book informative in a way that the title implies. I felt a kind of slight pretentiousness to the narration.

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As life-giving and inspiring as her music!

Truly Wonderful, inspiring, encouraging, and empowering. Motivated me to take up area of writing and performing as a way to reawaken long dormant creativity. It has been very healing!



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Great Story and Techniques

Loved it. Heartfelt and practical. Recommend for any level of song writing. Bravo Dar; encouraging.

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Amazing book!

If you want to write songs, read this book! She covers everything from inspiration to chord structure. I've read other songwriting books, and after reading Dar's book, I finally feel ready to write.

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Not gonna lie

Wish there was a version of this book from the black perspective respectfully but this is a great universal book I enjoyed it.

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Pretentious at best

Just mindless rambling and boring monologue . Arrogance oozes from the chapters of pretentious prose and

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Not very helpful

Maybe the print version has more to offer, but I found this not particularly useful in approaching the craft of songwriting.

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