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Saved by a Song: The Art and Healing Power of Songwriting
"A handbook for compassion... a Must-Read Music Book.”—Rolling Stone Country"Generous and big-hearted, Gauthier has stories to tell and worthwhile advice to share." —Wally Lamb, author of I Know This Much Is True"Gauthier has an uncanny ability to combine songwriting craft with a seeker’s vulnerability and a sage’s wisdom.” —Amy Ray, Indigo GirlsFrom the Grammy nominated folk singer and songwriter, an inspiring exploration of creativity and the redemptive power of song Mary Gauthier was twelve years old when she was given her Aunt Jenny’s old guitar and taught herself to play with a Mel Bay basic guitar workbook. Music offered her a window to a world where others felt the way she did. Songs became lifelines to her, and she longed to write her own, one day. Then, for a decade, while struggling with addiction, Gauthier put her dream away and her call to songwriting faded. It wasn’t until she got sober and went to an open mic with a friend did she realize that she not only still wanted to write songs, she needed to. Today, Gauthier is a decorated musical artist, with numerous awards and recognition for her songwriting, including a Grammy nomination. In Saved by a Song, Mary Gauthier pulls the curtain back on the artistry of songwriting. Part memoir, part philosophy of art, part nuts and bolts of songwriting, her book celebrates the redemptive power of song to inspire and bring seemingly different kinds of people together.
221 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 6, 2021
89 people are currently reading
4714 people want to read
About the author
Mary Gauthier
3 books61 followersMary Gauthier was twelve years old when she was given her Aunt Jenny’s old guitar and taught herself to play with a Mel Bay basic guitar workbook. Music offered her a window to a world where others felt the way she did. Songs became lifelines to her, and she longed to write her own, one day.
Then, for a decade, while struggling with addiction, Gauthier put her dream away and her call to songwriting faded. It wasn’t until she got sober and went to an open mic with a friend did she realize that she not only still wanted to write songs, she needed to. Today, Gauthier is a decorated musical artist, with numerous awards and recognition for her songwriting, including a Grammy nomination.
In Saved by a Song, Mary Gauthier pulls the curtain back on the artistry of songwriting. Part memoir, part philosophy of art, part nuts and bolts of songwriting, her book celebrates the redemptive power of song to inspire and bring seemingly different kinds of people together.
Then, for a decade, while struggling with addiction, Gauthier put her dream away and her call to songwriting faded. It wasn’t until she got sober and went to an open mic with a friend did she realize that she not only still wanted to write songs, she needed to. Today, Gauthier is a decorated musical artist, with numerous awards and recognition for her songwriting, including a Grammy nomination.
In Saved by a Song, Mary Gauthier pulls the curtain back on the artistry of songwriting. Part memoir, part philosophy of art, part nuts and bolts of songwriting, her book celebrates the redemptive power of song to inspire and bring seemingly different kinds of people together.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 186 reviews
July 3, 2021
Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for an egalley in exchange for an honest review.
I requested this memoir on impulse and I am so glad that I did because it was very enjoyable. Music is a daily part of my life and so many of my own memories are tied into certain ones. Mary Gauthier explores the music hers and others that have been part of her life story. Gauthier writes in such a personable way I felt we were lingering over a cup of coffee and she had her guitar.
Lines that I like
"Songs ask this of the songwriter: Be vulnerable. Be brave. Be true. There is a benevolent force trying to push the truth to the surface so that the writer (and the world) can see it. When songwriters are willing to bravely reveal the deeper truths cowering behind walls of self-protection, their songs begin to resonate. Songs are where we can safely tell secrets. A form of self-expression, yes, but even more importantly, a form of emotional communication."
"Storytellers have power; they are not voiceless victims. In a song we are given the authority to be the writer of the story instead of the paper it is written on. We become the narrator instead of the narrated, turning our story into something that might be useful for others. The empathy the song generates connects the songwriter to their own pain in a new way, a way that is reparative, rewiring broken circuits. Also, and this is very important, the storyteller can shape the ending, moving the story forward in a brave new way."
Goodreads review published 16/06/21
Expected Publication Date 06/07/21
* Quotes are taken from the ARC*
I requested this memoir on impulse and I am so glad that I did because it was very enjoyable. Music is a daily part of my life and so many of my own memories are tied into certain ones. Mary Gauthier explores the music hers and others that have been part of her life story. Gauthier writes in such a personable way I felt we were lingering over a cup of coffee and she had her guitar.
Lines that I like
"Songs ask this of the songwriter: Be vulnerable. Be brave. Be true. There is a benevolent force trying to push the truth to the surface so that the writer (and the world) can see it. When songwriters are willing to bravely reveal the deeper truths cowering behind walls of self-protection, their songs begin to resonate. Songs are where we can safely tell secrets. A form of self-expression, yes, but even more importantly, a form of emotional communication."
"Storytellers have power; they are not voiceless victims. In a song we are given the authority to be the writer of the story instead of the paper it is written on. We become the narrator instead of the narrated, turning our story into something that might be useful for others. The empathy the song generates connects the songwriter to their own pain in a new way, a way that is reparative, rewiring broken circuits. Also, and this is very important, the storyteller can shape the ending, moving the story forward in a brave new way."
Goodreads review published 16/06/21
Expected Publication Date 06/07/21
* Quotes are taken from the ARC*
February 28, 2021
This book is a beautiful memoir and brought me to tears toward the end. Mary takes you on a journey through her addiction struggles, learning to share her stories through song, finding her birth mother, and finally helping others share their stories through song.
Mary's work in helping veterans share their stories and struggles though song was very moving. Songs truly are a form of art that shares emotion and can heal those listening and those sharing their stories.
Mary's work in helping veterans share their stories and struggles though song was very moving. Songs truly are a form of art that shares emotion and can heal those listening and those sharing their stories.
July 26, 2021
I thought Saved By A Song was excellent. Songwriters don’t always make good book authors, but Mary Gauthier certainly does; this is thoughtful, perceptive, humane and very readable.
It probably helps to be a fan of Mary Gauthier’s work – which I am – but it’s certainly not essential. She takes a number of songs as chapter titles, most but not all of which are by her. In so doing she weaves autobiographical strands with the story of how each song came to be or how it affected her and the overall effect is stunning, I think – sometimes almost literally so. She has the rare combination of the wisdom and insight to know what is what, the honesty to confront it and call it by its right name and the courage to express it, however painful or difficult that may be. Mary’s songs have show that clearly and it shines through here, too.
She also talks about the process of songwriting, but this isn’t a manual of techniques by any means. It is more that she shows us how lyrics develop, how she (and others) see that a song sometimes doesn’t really work and the sometimes slow, painstaking and intuitive process of boiling it down to honest essentials. It’s not a recipe book for anyone looking to know how to craft a hit; it is a thoughtful guide to making songs true to their meaning and to their author, and how that can sometimes lead to something remarkable.
Mary’s accounts of her life, of her encounters with remarkable people and of the effects of songs and songwriting are sometimes profoundly moving and I found myself damp of eye several times during the book. I would urge anyone, fan or not, to give this a try. It is very well written, very readable and very rewarding. Very warmly recommended.
It probably helps to be a fan of Mary Gauthier’s work – which I am – but it’s certainly not essential. She takes a number of songs as chapter titles, most but not all of which are by her. In so doing she weaves autobiographical strands with the story of how each song came to be or how it affected her and the overall effect is stunning, I think – sometimes almost literally so. She has the rare combination of the wisdom and insight to know what is what, the honesty to confront it and call it by its right name and the courage to express it, however painful or difficult that may be. Mary’s songs have show that clearly and it shines through here, too.
She also talks about the process of songwriting, but this isn’t a manual of techniques by any means. It is more that she shows us how lyrics develop, how she (and others) see that a song sometimes doesn’t really work and the sometimes slow, painstaking and intuitive process of boiling it down to honest essentials. It’s not a recipe book for anyone looking to know how to craft a hit; it is a thoughtful guide to making songs true to their meaning and to their author, and how that can sometimes lead to something remarkable.
Mary’s accounts of her life, of her encounters with remarkable people and of the effects of songs and songwriting are sometimes profoundly moving and I found myself damp of eye several times during the book. I would urge anyone, fan or not, to give this a try. It is very well written, very readable and very rewarding. Very warmly recommended.
January 13, 2021
I received an uncorrected proof of Saved by a Song through a goodreads giveaway.
I’d never heard of Mary Gauthier, but the title of this book drew me in. I know the power of music and I wanted to learn more about it from someone who creates it. Each chapter begins with the lyrics of a song, most written by Mary. That song then plays a part in the story told within the chapter, of what she was going through at that point in her life and how the song either came out of that or was influenced by it. Sometimes a song will help her realize something she’d not have otherwise known, other times it’s a way of coping, of dealing with life’s difficulties, of attempting to express what’s so very difficult to express.
The book is as much autobiography as it is anything else. It’s just that music is her life so song plays a vital and always present role. Many chapters deal with very personal struggles she lived through, from being given away when born, adopted by a family with many problems, being gay at a time when that was far less accepted, dealing with drug and alcohol addiction, and troubled relationships. But through music, through creating songs, she was able to slowly find her way, find her calling.
There are also moments that help the reader learn a little about how to write a song, ways to express your thoughts and feelings such that they’ll resonate not just with you but with others. We each have our own personal issues, but there is always something universal about those issues, and if you can express that you can create a song that not only helps you but others.
A couple chapters are about songwriters teaming up with soldiers to help them express what they’ve experienced and what they’ve felt and are feeling. These were the most moving chapters for me, hearing how she saw the demeanor of these soldiers change from being very closed down and distant at the beginning to opening up, sharing their experiences, and seeing the sense of relief when their emotions and thoughts were expressed in song. Very moving, very powerful, showing how songs can help heal. And when the songs were shared with a larger audience they showed how connected people are, how the songs can express feelings shared by many, how even written from a very personal perspective they can resonate with others.
When asked if songs can change the world, she says absolutely yes and explains it by saying a song can change a heart by generating empathy. A changed heart will change a mind. When a mind changes a person changes. When a person changes the world changes. One song, one heart, one mind, one person at a time. Saved by a song.
I’d never heard of Mary Gauthier, but the title of this book drew me in. I know the power of music and I wanted to learn more about it from someone who creates it. Each chapter begins with the lyrics of a song, most written by Mary. That song then plays a part in the story told within the chapter, of what she was going through at that point in her life and how the song either came out of that or was influenced by it. Sometimes a song will help her realize something she’d not have otherwise known, other times it’s a way of coping, of dealing with life’s difficulties, of attempting to express what’s so very difficult to express.
The book is as much autobiography as it is anything else. It’s just that music is her life so song plays a vital and always present role. Many chapters deal with very personal struggles she lived through, from being given away when born, adopted by a family with many problems, being gay at a time when that was far less accepted, dealing with drug and alcohol addiction, and troubled relationships. But through music, through creating songs, she was able to slowly find her way, find her calling.
There are also moments that help the reader learn a little about how to write a song, ways to express your thoughts and feelings such that they’ll resonate not just with you but with others. We each have our own personal issues, but there is always something universal about those issues, and if you can express that you can create a song that not only helps you but others.
A couple chapters are about songwriters teaming up with soldiers to help them express what they’ve experienced and what they’ve felt and are feeling. These were the most moving chapters for me, hearing how she saw the demeanor of these soldiers change from being very closed down and distant at the beginning to opening up, sharing their experiences, and seeing the sense of relief when their emotions and thoughts were expressed in song. Very moving, very powerful, showing how songs can help heal. And when the songs were shared with a larger audience they showed how connected people are, how the songs can express feelings shared by many, how even written from a very personal perspective they can resonate with others.
When asked if songs can change the world, she says absolutely yes and explains it by saying a song can change a heart by generating empathy. A changed heart will change a mind. When a mind changes a person changes. When a person changes the world changes. One song, one heart, one mind, one person at a time. Saved by a song.
June 27, 2021
II have to admit when a copy of Nashville singer-songwriter Mary Gauthier’s new book, Saved by a Song, arrived in my email inbox from a publicist, I had no idea who this folk artist was although her work has been nominated for a Grammy Award. And I know a lot about music, having been a music critic for many years. However, I’m being reminded that there is more music out there that you might know about, so it’s always a gift when you stumble across a band or a musician who has been around for a little bit that might be in line with your tastes. While I have yet to hear a lick of Gauthier’s music — and, I know, I know, there’s the Internet and at the very least YouTube to get started as a primer — I feel that I know what Gauthier’s music sounds like just from the lyrics she includes in this book. She’s that poetic. Billed by the publisher as “[p]art memoir, part philosophy of art, [and] part nuts and bolts of songwriting,” each chapter of this book starts with a song lyric that was written or co-written by Gauthier (or, in two cases, another songwriter) and uses that as a jumping point to talk about her art and personal history.
If you’re looking for a book that will tell you how to write a hit song, you would best be served by looking elsewhere — primarily because Gauthier, as an artist, isn’t too interested in that with her art. She views herself more as a troubadour, a person who speaks truth in their music. The result is that Saved by a Song is a marvellous look at how Gauthier’s life has imitated her art, and sometimes vice-versa. She has lived a hard life: she was born in a New Orleans orphanage in March 1962 and adopted by an Italian family some 11 months later. (Even Gauthier is unsure of her exact birth date.) Her adoptive parents had an abusive relationship and often fought, with the police sometimes getting involved. As a teenager, she was a delinquent, helping to steal a car in one instance and also pocketing someone else’s prescription medication at the car wash where she worked all before turning 18. She soon turned to drug and alcohol abuse. However, she eventually kicked her addictions, and she began making music by writing her own songs and performing at open mics around the U.S. upper Eastern seaboard, where she was living at the time. Today, her success may be somewhat modest (after all, I haven’t heard of her) but she has a fanbase and, with this book, she will probably expand it.
Read the rest of the review here: https://zachary-houle.medium.com/a-re...
If you’re looking for a book that will tell you how to write a hit song, you would best be served by looking elsewhere — primarily because Gauthier, as an artist, isn’t too interested in that with her art. She views herself more as a troubadour, a person who speaks truth in their music. The result is that Saved by a Song is a marvellous look at how Gauthier’s life has imitated her art, and sometimes vice-versa. She has lived a hard life: she was born in a New Orleans orphanage in March 1962 and adopted by an Italian family some 11 months later. (Even Gauthier is unsure of her exact birth date.) Her adoptive parents had an abusive relationship and often fought, with the police sometimes getting involved. As a teenager, she was a delinquent, helping to steal a car in one instance and also pocketing someone else’s prescription medication at the car wash where she worked all before turning 18. She soon turned to drug and alcohol abuse. However, she eventually kicked her addictions, and she began making music by writing her own songs and performing at open mics around the U.S. upper Eastern seaboard, where she was living at the time. Today, her success may be somewhat modest (after all, I haven’t heard of her) but she has a fanbase and, with this book, she will probably expand it.
Read the rest of the review here: https://zachary-houle.medium.com/a-re...
June 17, 2021
v good! Full review soon!
August 5, 2021
I love this memoir. I listened to the audio and the author read it herself and played the songs covered in each chapter. Her work and her life is inspiring! I was able to catch her in person during the book release tour and I'm a fan for life.
June 4, 2021
Wow! What an incredibly moving, beautiful, open and touching memoir!
A strong 5 ⭐️
I really enjoy listening to music and I also enjoy memoirs so I picked up this book without knowing much of the author prior. And what a shame that I didn’t know about Mary before because her music is so real and captivating.
She is a talented songwriter and that talent translated wonderfully over into this novel.
Each chapter starts off with the lyrics of one of her songs and then the rest of the chapter delves into the parts of her life that inspired that song.
It truly felt like an episode of MTV’s Behind the Music.
Mary was very open with her struggle with drugs and alcohol, being adopted, experiences she faced due to being gay, coping with friends who lost their lives from AIDS and her interactions with military veterans.
Parts of the novel had me tearing up because they “hit me right in the feels.”
The chapters flowed effortlessly and I was glued to the page.
I cannot recommend this book enough!
A strong 5 ⭐️
I really enjoy listening to music and I also enjoy memoirs so I picked up this book without knowing much of the author prior. And what a shame that I didn’t know about Mary before because her music is so real and captivating.
She is a talented songwriter and that talent translated wonderfully over into this novel.
Each chapter starts off with the lyrics of one of her songs and then the rest of the chapter delves into the parts of her life that inspired that song.
It truly felt like an episode of MTV’s Behind the Music.
Mary was very open with her struggle with drugs and alcohol, being adopted, experiences she faced due to being gay, coping with friends who lost their lives from AIDS and her interactions with military veterans.
Parts of the novel had me tearing up because they “hit me right in the feels.”
The chapters flowed effortlessly and I was glued to the page.
I cannot recommend this book enough!
December 27, 2020
Beautiful and moving. Music and all art is has such an amazing impact on humans. An absolutely lovely read!
September 1, 2025
My brother recommended this book. I am not an inspiring writer of any kind, but this book was definitely inspiring. TBH, I don't even really like the author's music. It is very twangy and an older style country. But this book is hands down the most thought-provoking nonfiction book I've read this year.
October 20, 2021
Literally, for the first time in decades, I have found a book that drew me in so much I lost track of time reading it.
September 26, 2023
I read this in basically one sitting after having the opportunity to be part of a small book club of all adoptees that Mary joined us for. I am so thankful that Mary shared her story and that she is on this earth to sing her songs that resonate far and wide.
November 4, 2025
Half memoir, half songwriting, this book was thoughtful and intentional. I found myself drawn back to the root of why I started writing songs, and reminded of the spiritual, human power of songwriting.
August 20, 2021
Saved By A Song (2021) by Mary Gauthier. Let me preface this by saying I had never heard of Ms. Gauthier until this book came to my attention. My son Pat is a musician and teacher of music and I struggle to understand how his mind works. When a book comes along that offers insight of the artists struggle to create, i’m all in.
There is the background struggle, the youngster being given her first guitar and a Mel Bay manual. There is the awakening in the youngster of a love for music and a need to write what she feels, and later there is the conflict between the passion for her art and the reality of the day job needed to support herself.
A success in the restaurant business but failing in dealing with the complications of addictions, Ms. Gauthier somehow found her way back to “the Healing Power of Songwriting. Each chapter is a different song, how it came about, and how that music has aided her on her journey. For me, that was the most important part of this work. The journey the writer takes from moment of inspiration to actually staging the song and, sometimes, rewriting the piece for greater power and clarity. All songs come from within the writer as they interpret their world. It is their fluency in this special language we all can hear, but few understand, that allows the writer to present shared trauma and joy and life with others.
Here is an eye-opening trip into the songwriter’s mind and soul. This is a gem of a book and I took away a great deal of insight from it. Thank you.
There is the background struggle, the youngster being given her first guitar and a Mel Bay manual. There is the awakening in the youngster of a love for music and a need to write what she feels, and later there is the conflict between the passion for her art and the reality of the day job needed to support herself.
A success in the restaurant business but failing in dealing with the complications of addictions, Ms. Gauthier somehow found her way back to “the Healing Power of Songwriting. Each chapter is a different song, how it came about, and how that music has aided her on her journey. For me, that was the most important part of this work. The journey the writer takes from moment of inspiration to actually staging the song and, sometimes, rewriting the piece for greater power and clarity. All songs come from within the writer as they interpret their world. It is their fluency in this special language we all can hear, but few understand, that allows the writer to present shared trauma and joy and life with others.
Here is an eye-opening trip into the songwriter’s mind and soul. This is a gem of a book and I took away a great deal of insight from it. Thank you.
Read
July 11, 2021Part memoir and part how-I-wrote-that-tune, Saved by a Song is a cool look "under the hood." Mary Gauthier walks the reader through her songwriting process; both in terms of word choice as well as the work she's done to uncover the emotions she sings about.
As such, it's a very personal book, though Gauthier takes pains to broaden her experience. She also discusses how songs bring us together -- I really liked her thoughts on the power of music.
If you've ever felt moved by a song, you may well appreciate this book.
The following content warnings are behind a "spoilers" tag just to be safe (knowing these ahead of time wouldn't have spoiled the book for me). If you don't want to know the specifics before reading Saved by a Song, please know that there are many potential triggers included in the book. The author writes of some really hard times in her life and in the lives of others.
Content warnings:
Thank you to St. Martin's Essentials for a free arc of this title for review.
As such, it's a very personal book, though Gauthier takes pains to broaden her experience. She also discusses how songs bring us together -- I really liked her thoughts on the power of music.
If you've ever felt moved by a song, you may well appreciate this book.
The following content warnings are behind a "spoilers" tag just to be safe (knowing these ahead of time wouldn't have spoiled the book for me). If you don't want to know the specifics before reading Saved by a Song, please know that there are many potential triggers included in the book. The author writes of some really hard times in her life and in the lives of others.
Content warnings:
Thank you to St. Martin's Essentials for a free arc of this title for review.
August 24, 2023
I think this is a well-titled book and describes Mary Gauthier's personal experience with songs and the process of writing songs. She is wonderfully transparent about her brokenness (and you have to be, if you're going to write about being "saved" - what were you saved from?) but it's not only about her own walk; she includes her very powerful experience writing songs with military veterans (Songwriting With:Soldiers https://songwritingwithsoldiers.org/).
Part of what's really effective, in the audiobook, are the songs she includes, some partial and some complete. And her own narration in her own voice and accent is wonderful.
"Saved" is a powerful word and, of course, resonates with the Christian gospel; Gauthier was raised Catholic and she's not explicit about her adult faith but there's clearly some acknowledgement, if only of the "Higher Power" and vague "Spirit" type. She's about building bridges and restorative work, rather than explicit identifiers (which can often lead to distance and separation), so while she's upfront about being out as a lesbian, she's also very casual and natural about it and you don't feel like she's forcing a particular response from you, as the reader/listener.
Part of what's really effective, in the audiobook, are the songs she includes, some partial and some complete. And her own narration in her own voice and accent is wonderful.
"Saved" is a powerful word and, of course, resonates with the Christian gospel; Gauthier was raised Catholic and she's not explicit about her adult faith but there's clearly some acknowledgement, if only of the "Higher Power" and vague "Spirit" type. She's about building bridges and restorative work, rather than explicit identifiers (which can often lead to distance and separation), so while she's upfront about being out as a lesbian, she's also very casual and natural about it and you don't feel like she's forcing a particular response from you, as the reader/listener.
April 17, 2022
I think you will get something out of this book even if you don't already love Mary Gauthier and her music that you've been listening to for 20 years and if you haven't struggled and been troubled by life and if you don't write songs and so forth.
I loved it for all the above relating, and more.
I listened to the audio and it was freaking fantastic to hear her voice reading it as well as to hear the songs at the end of each chapter. I might really recommend this as an audio listen. !!!
I loved it for all the above relating, and more.
I listened to the audio and it was freaking fantastic to hear her voice reading it as well as to hear the songs at the end of each chapter. I might really recommend this as an audio listen. !!!
Read
January 31, 2025I had never heard of Mary Gauthier before this book landed in my library's collection, which is wild since Gauthier's music is right up my alley. Saved by a Song is both memoir and an instructional on songwriting, and somehow it worked. I was in tears at one point, which I definitely didn't expect.
I listened the audiobook, which has the advantage of also containing song recordings. So, yeah, I'm definitely a fan now.
I listened the audiobook, which has the advantage of also containing song recordings. So, yeah, I'm definitely a fan now.
September 20, 2024
I was not prepared to love this book as much as I did. My only regret is that I can’t give it more than 5 stars. I approached this book as a primer on songwriter, what I encountered is a brave, honest look at dealing with trauma, addiction, and hopelessness through the power of music. I cried more times than I can count, and I feel like my heart is more full for having read this. Mary Gauthier is a true artist, and a treasure… I can’t recommend this book highly enough!
July 12, 2022
I listened to this on audible. This would be the VERY best way for this book. Mary reads it herself and sings intermittently throughout the book. I first heard her in January 2020 at the Destin Songwriters Festival! I’ve been a HUGE fan ever since!
July 4, 2024
This was a powerful book to me. Well told story by a great story teller. Why did it take halfway through the book to figure out that songwriters have to be great story tellers. I listened to Mary's narration and stopped to listen to her songs and other songs or songwriters she mentioned. I highly reccomend that exercise. While encouraging my own self reflection and reexamination, Mary reminded me of the dear, rich connections I am blessed with in the communities of adopted, veterans and LGBTQ+. Thanks from an old privileged white man.
September 2, 2021
An absolute gem of a book. Eye opening, thought provoking. It deals with trauma, healing, and art, and Gauthier is very brave and generous in the writing. I loved it.
February 22, 2023
This is the best book I have read in quite a while. It really struck a chord with me (pun intended).
November 1, 2025
Such a brilliant book, a must read for all creatives
June 2, 2022
A wonderful set of thoughts around songwriting, a wise selection of songs mentioned - and threaded through all of this is the biography of a very talented writer and artist. Amazing book.
February 3, 2023
Awesome book on the power of song and the healing of trauma. Music is a universal language that has the ability to connect us and heal. I’m not much of a fan of county music but Mary’s story is amazing and inspirational.
June 25, 2024
Saved by a Song: The Art and Healing Power of Songwriting by Mary Gauthier is a book that tries hard to tug at your heartstrings but ends up strumming the same chord over and over until it’s just noise. If you’re hoping for some profound insights into songwriting, prepare for a lot of navel-gazing instead.
Gauthier’s journey from troubled soul to celebrated songwriter is meant to be inspiring. And sure, she’s had a rough life and music helped her through it. That’s great. But the book reads like a therapy session that never ends. It’s repetitive and overly sentimental, with Gauthier constantly reminding us how songs saved her life. We get it. Move on.
The writing itself is lackluster. There’s a lot of talk about the emotional power of songwriting, but it’s all surface-level. Instead of diving deep into the craft, Gauthier often veers into cliched territory, offering platitudes about the healing nature of music that feel more like filler than substance.
There are moments when she touches on interesting aspects of the songwriting process, but these are few and far between. Most of the time, it’s like listening to someone ramble on about their personal issues without much direction or purpose. If you’re looking for practical advice or a structured guide on songwriting, look elsewhere.
Gauthier’s journey from troubled soul to celebrated songwriter is meant to be inspiring. And sure, she’s had a rough life and music helped her through it. That’s great. But the book reads like a therapy session that never ends. It’s repetitive and overly sentimental, with Gauthier constantly reminding us how songs saved her life. We get it. Move on.
The writing itself is lackluster. There’s a lot of talk about the emotional power of songwriting, but it’s all surface-level. Instead of diving deep into the craft, Gauthier often veers into cliched territory, offering platitudes about the healing nature of music that feel more like filler than substance.
There are moments when she touches on interesting aspects of the songwriting process, but these are few and far between. Most of the time, it’s like listening to someone ramble on about their personal issues without much direction or purpose. If you’re looking for practical advice or a structured guide on songwriting, look elsewhere.
November 10, 2020
This book was received as an ARC from St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
Out of all of the books I got a chance to review, no book has ever impacted me the hardest as Saved by a Song. All of us know the power of music and how it has the ability to heal and shape our lives and future and for Mary it definitely was a journey she will never forget. I did recognize some of the songs she mentioned in the book but the one that stood out to me and brought back so many good memories was Closer to Fine by the Indigo Girls. Reading the chapter and playing the song in my head just brought a smile to my face and I could not believe how much happier it made me and because of that, I know I will have a much better day. No matter the struggle and no matter the hardship, songs will always help ease the process.
We will consider adding this title to our Biography collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
Out of all of the books I got a chance to review, no book has ever impacted me the hardest as Saved by a Song. All of us know the power of music and how it has the ability to heal and shape our lives and future and for Mary it definitely was a journey she will never forget. I did recognize some of the songs she mentioned in the book but the one that stood out to me and brought back so many good memories was Closer to Fine by the Indigo Girls. Reading the chapter and playing the song in my head just brought a smile to my face and I could not believe how much happier it made me and because of that, I know I will have a much better day. No matter the struggle and no matter the hardship, songs will always help ease the process.
We will consider adding this title to our Biography collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
March 4, 2021
Just like the right kind of song finds you, sometimes the right kind of book just shows up in your mailbox thanks to a Goodreads Giveaway. I didn't even know I needed it in my life until I started reading and it jumped to one of my favorite books for the year. Mary Gauthier is a talented, award-winning songwriter and singer from Nashville. But that isn't what makes her special. Her courage in being vulnerable and sharing that with others is remarkable. The work she does with SongwritingWith:Soldiers is inspiring. The world needs more people like Mary!
One of my favorite passages from the book is this. "People ask me if songs can change the world. My answer is yes, absolutely. Here's how: A song can change a heart by creating empathy. A changed heart has the power to change a mind. And when a mind changes, a person changes. When people change, the world changes. One song, one heart, one mind, one person at a time. Songs can bring us a deeper understanding of each other and ourselves and open the heart to love." And isn't that pretty much what the world needs right now?
One of my favorite passages from the book is this. "People ask me if songs can change the world. My answer is yes, absolutely. Here's how: A song can change a heart by creating empathy. A changed heart has the power to change a mind. And when a mind changes, a person changes. When people change, the world changes. One song, one heart, one mind, one person at a time. Songs can bring us a deeper understanding of each other and ourselves and open the heart to love." And isn't that pretty much what the world needs right now?
November 24, 2020
I've been a fan of Mary Gauthier's music for many years, and have been lucky to see her perform many times in small, intimate clubs throughout New England. Now I'm a fan of her prose. Like "Bird By Bird" by Anne Lamott, "Saved by a Song" is as much a guide to life as it is a guide to writing. Part memoir, part breakdown of the songwriting process, and part example of how to live honestly and fully, this was a powerful and moving book. Especially inspiring was her discussion of her recent work with Songwriting With Soldiers, a program that pairs veterans and their families with songwriters during weekend retreats to produce songs about their experience. She is steadfast in her belief that songs can transform both the songwriter and the listener, and if you'll give her a listen she'll make a believer out of you as well.
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