The Everything Songwriting Book: All You Need to Create and Market Hit Songs

by C.J. Watson

The Everything Songwriting Book provides you with all the tools you need to create, perform, and sell hit songs. In easy-to-follow language, professional songwriter and consultant C.J. Watson gives you tried-and-tested instruction on choosing a song style, getting your story across, and finding the right music to match the words. From developing an idea and creating a hook to recording your songs and getting heard, The Everything Songwriting Book contains all you need to bring your talent to the next level. Features professional advice on how to: find and develop song ideas; formulate a catchy rhyme scheme; incorporate unique phrasing; create colorful imagery and word play; get compositions into the right hands; and much more. Whether you're just starting out or are looking for inspiration, The Everything Songwriting Book is your first step toward achieving songwriting success.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Writing

306 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read quite many a book on songwriting/lyricism, so it makes sense that I've had this for a while on my Kindle backlog, but I'm trying to understand how I haven't read this in full before now. It's immensely helpful on a basic level for understand each of the components of songwriting, how to break into the business and opportunities, and even understanding its history. Much of the information in this I've learned in classes about song writing and poetry to some extent, but I think this was a good refresher on the subject. C.J. Watson really breaks down each of the genres of music that are out there, melodic progressions, rhyme scheme, the art of crafting a great hook, among other components of creating the song, but also for setting up a good environment and being able to build upon your creativity.

And another big thing Watson also addresses? CLICHES. Argh. Dude, if I have to hear a line like "I can't live without you" or "Got to make him/her mine" (these are actually cited as examples of overused phrases in the text), I'd just as soon bang my head against a wall (see what I did there?). Sometimes you can get away with mirroring the idea of those phrases, but it's what you say and how you say it that counts.

This book also makes me feel better in the mention that many songwriters themselves may not be able to sing, but knowing rhythm, melody and being able to get that across in what you pen can still make you a great songwriter - and shouldn't stop you from trying.

This was a very enlightening read, however, and I found it very practical, useful, and inspiring.

Overall score: 4/5

[Alex O'Brien · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good very basic introduction to songwriting. The book starts with the history of songwriting, reviews the elements of a lyric and melody, covers song structure and simple music theory, discusses the recording/arranging/producing of songs, and moves on to legal and business issues.

[Luigi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent easy read and reference book.

[Miranda Summerset · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 STARS! This was informative and interesting, I'd say it really gave you an eye opening look into songwriting and the music industry without getting boring or too complicated. Really learned a lot reading this. Definitely a must read for songwriters and musicians.

[James Traxler · Rating 2 out of 5]

There is some information in here for aspiring songwriters, but I just didn't love it.
Due to the latter, it took me ages to read.

[Thomas Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Paper back version, actually.
A good read in conjunction with a song writing course I took... I've yet to write a marketable song. I won't fault the book, it may just be me. Oh well ce le vie, says I. I've a greater appreciation of those 'Tune Smiths' out there.