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How to Write a Song that Matters
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 reader that writing a "hit song" may be on the horizon if only the reader correctly follows the guide or program. In this book, however, Williams shows readers 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 readers will turn to for guidance time and time again.
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 reader that writing a "hit song" may be on the horizon if only the reader correctly follows the guide or program. In this book, however, Williams shows readers 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 readers will turn to for guidance time and time again.
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Published September 6, 2022
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May 15, 2023
INITIAL THOUGHTS - MORE TO FOLLOW AFTER TONIGHT'S DISCUSSION
Confession; I am sure that my review does have a slight degree of bias as I was lucky enough to be introduced to the music of Dar Williams by my sister many years ago. Not to mention I am fortunate to have seen her in concert many times, met her several times and I'm participating in a Zoom book club meeting tonight to discuss the book!
I do not have, nor claim to have, a smidge of knowledge about chords, the art of songwriting and construction of the notes that go with it, nor any kind of musical talent, other than appreciating what I like when I hear it. That being said, it was Dar's personal touches that made this book so relatable for me, specifically the examples she cited - whether her creations or those of other songwriters, most of whom I am familiar with.
Page 21 hits the jackpot with references to Cliff Eberhardt, Ellis Paul, Jules Shear and Lucy Kaplansky. Even with my lack of knowledge about the construct of music/chords, page 42 provides a visual that even *I* can understand in some way, shape or form.
Substituting words (see any parentheses with in my case) helped me further understand and appreciate her advice/tips/guidance. "Songwriters (writers in my case) don't have to get every detail right. And chances are that if we don't really "go there", and we offer a picture with no insights or evidence of personal connection, a song (story in my case) will simply and innocently go by the wayside." "The process of getting ourselves into the shoes of our narrators, even if we don't hit a bulls-eye, can yield more meanings, for our listeners (readers in my case) and ourselves, than writing what we think the world wants to hear or writing to point fingers and visit judgment upon others from a distance."
The small/bigger/biggest picture analogy on page 110 was brilliant! And again, I just loved all of the deconstruction of Dar's songs by Dar - leading me to actually play her music while I was reading. I typically read in silence, but re-listening to her songs (for sure hit on As Cool As I Am, When I Was a Boy, Mortal City, FM Radio, You're Aging Well, The Ocean, The Babysitter's Here - and many others) made me appreciate the lyrics and musicality even more than ever before. She is a BRILLIANT singer/songwriter with such an understanding of "How to Write a Song that Matters." Love that she is leading retreats of this same name and goal, and the participants are lucky to have such an amazing mentor.
My favorite quote was on page 255: "Creativity is defined as the ability to find new ideas and solutions. Creativity is not what we create; it's the synaptic transactions that go into the things we create. We might believe that creativity is employed only in making art and that only some people are creative. But if I find a way to turn leftovers into the fillings for tacos, that's creativity. When we're stuck in a pattern of negative thinking and come up with a positive reframing of it, that's creativity, too."
And lastly: "How I write is between me and me. How you come to write is between you and you. To make distinctions between correct and incorrect practices is to dance dangerously close to designating who is and who is not a real writer."
Loved the focused, bite sized chapters, as well as the specific examples and of course the acknowledgments - many names I am familiar with. Looking forward to tonight's discussion and hope to utilize some of these tips in my own writing journey.
Confession; I am sure that my review does have a slight degree of bias as I was lucky enough to be introduced to the music of Dar Williams by my sister many years ago. Not to mention I am fortunate to have seen her in concert many times, met her several times and I'm participating in a Zoom book club meeting tonight to discuss the book!
I do not have, nor claim to have, a smidge of knowledge about chords, the art of songwriting and construction of the notes that go with it, nor any kind of musical talent, other than appreciating what I like when I hear it. That being said, it was Dar's personal touches that made this book so relatable for me, specifically the examples she cited - whether her creations or those of other songwriters, most of whom I am familiar with.
Page 21 hits the jackpot with references to Cliff Eberhardt, Ellis Paul, Jules Shear and Lucy Kaplansky. Even with my lack of knowledge about the construct of music/chords, page 42 provides a visual that even *I* can understand in some way, shape or form.
Substituting words (see any parentheses with in my case) helped me further understand and appreciate her advice/tips/guidance. "Songwriters (writers in my case) don't have to get every detail right. And chances are that if we don't really "go there", and we offer a picture with no insights or evidence of personal connection, a song (story in my case) will simply and innocently go by the wayside." "The process of getting ourselves into the shoes of our narrators, even if we don't hit a bulls-eye, can yield more meanings, for our listeners (readers in my case) and ourselves, than writing what we think the world wants to hear or writing to point fingers and visit judgment upon others from a distance."
The small/bigger/biggest picture analogy on page 110 was brilliant! And again, I just loved all of the deconstruction of Dar's songs by Dar - leading me to actually play her music while I was reading. I typically read in silence, but re-listening to her songs (for sure hit on As Cool As I Am, When I Was a Boy, Mortal City, FM Radio, You're Aging Well, The Ocean, The Babysitter's Here - and many others) made me appreciate the lyrics and musicality even more than ever before. She is a BRILLIANT singer/songwriter with such an understanding of "How to Write a Song that Matters." Love that she is leading retreats of this same name and goal, and the participants are lucky to have such an amazing mentor.
My favorite quote was on page 255: "Creativity is defined as the ability to find new ideas and solutions. Creativity is not what we create; it's the synaptic transactions that go into the things we create. We might believe that creativity is employed only in making art and that only some people are creative. But if I find a way to turn leftovers into the fillings for tacos, that's creativity. When we're stuck in a pattern of negative thinking and come up with a positive reframing of it, that's creativity, too."
And lastly: "How I write is between me and me. How you come to write is between you and you. To make distinctions between correct and incorrect practices is to dance dangerously close to designating who is and who is not a real writer."
Loved the focused, bite sized chapters, as well as the specific examples and of course the acknowledgments - many names I am familiar with. Looking forward to tonight's discussion and hope to utilize some of these tips in my own writing journey.
August 13, 2023
i just finished reading this book at the airport, so I thought I should say how good and "informative" it is. regardless of what y’re thinking of writing about a song, it will definitely help u a lot. don’t read it all at once, it can be tedious and repetitive. but, i've got to give it five stars coz it helped me out a lot
January 20, 2023
I loved this book. Dar is such a wonderful writer and musician. As a fellow songwriter- I keep going back to this book for inspiration and wisdom.
August 10, 2022
My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher Hachette Books for an advanced copy of this book on the art of song crafting and creating art.
Many books on crafting art take alot of the fun out of being creative. You have to do A to get to B to equal C and D or you won't have a hit song, a best-selling book, a prize- winning pie even a quality quilt. Not only work hard on your art, but think hard, sit at your desk hard, write so hard that pen marks are dug into the table hard. The joy of creativity, doing something that makes a person feel better is secondary to success. Singer, songwriter, author and instructor Dar William has in How to Write a Song that Matters teaches the way to shape, meld and mold a song, sometimes even giving up, in a way that is both fun, and personal for the creator.
The book begins with the words "When I was a boy", a phrase that popped into the head of Dar Williams one day, along with a simple melody, that was also unconsciously being created. From there Williams began to ask questions on why that phrase was important, who was the song about, where was it going. Verses would be written and cast aside. Melodies developed, saved for other songs, or also filed away. Soon Williams had a song that even today people still comment on. The introduction is indicative to how the book will show how Williams creates songs. This is no boot camp for a top of the charts Hot 100 List, but a slow way working and breaking a song down, adding personal touches to reach people, maybe imagining lives of others. The book's chapters examine the process my favorite being the Words chapter, discussing the power of and subtle turn of phrase that take a song ling and make it resonate with people. Also the The Songwriter chapter is particularly strong, detailing her writing habits and changes over the years, what worked and what did not.
The book is less instruction, more a conversation about a shared interest. There are lots of examples, from Williams' own work, and others. The book is very positive, and affirming, Williams wants the reader to find that well of creativity in each person, and bring it forth. There is less dependence on hit song making, more on the hit that a person gets in their soul from creating. I wish I knew more about playing music as there was a lot about playing and chords, that I could sort of grasp, but even Williams is first to admit, maybe that's not for all readers, and take what you can, and move on.
A very enjoyable and fascinating look at creativity and where great songs and art can come from. I liked the laid back way of writing, and the way that even when detailing something like chords or performing in front of people, two things I don't know, and can't imagine doing, I was engaged and wanted to know more. Williams mentions teaching others how to write, and those students must have had a great time and learned quite a bit. Recommended for songwriters, really any writers, and anyone who has the want and the need to create, but just need a little encouragement to do so.
Many books on crafting art take alot of the fun out of being creative. You have to do A to get to B to equal C and D or you won't have a hit song, a best-selling book, a prize- winning pie even a quality quilt. Not only work hard on your art, but think hard, sit at your desk hard, write so hard that pen marks are dug into the table hard. The joy of creativity, doing something that makes a person feel better is secondary to success. Singer, songwriter, author and instructor Dar William has in How to Write a Song that Matters teaches the way to shape, meld and mold a song, sometimes even giving up, in a way that is both fun, and personal for the creator.
The book begins with the words "When I was a boy", a phrase that popped into the head of Dar Williams one day, along with a simple melody, that was also unconsciously being created. From there Williams began to ask questions on why that phrase was important, who was the song about, where was it going. Verses would be written and cast aside. Melodies developed, saved for other songs, or also filed away. Soon Williams had a song that even today people still comment on. The introduction is indicative to how the book will show how Williams creates songs. This is no boot camp for a top of the charts Hot 100 List, but a slow way working and breaking a song down, adding personal touches to reach people, maybe imagining lives of others. The book's chapters examine the process my favorite being the Words chapter, discussing the power of and subtle turn of phrase that take a song ling and make it resonate with people. Also the The Songwriter chapter is particularly strong, detailing her writing habits and changes over the years, what worked and what did not.
The book is less instruction, more a conversation about a shared interest. There are lots of examples, from Williams' own work, and others. The book is very positive, and affirming, Williams wants the reader to find that well of creativity in each person, and bring it forth. There is less dependence on hit song making, more on the hit that a person gets in their soul from creating. I wish I knew more about playing music as there was a lot about playing and chords, that I could sort of grasp, but even Williams is first to admit, maybe that's not for all readers, and take what you can, and move on.
A very enjoyable and fascinating look at creativity and where great songs and art can come from. I liked the laid back way of writing, and the way that even when detailing something like chords or performing in front of people, two things I don't know, and can't imagine doing, I was engaged and wanted to know more. Williams mentions teaching others how to write, and those students must have had a great time and learned quite a bit. Recommended for songwriters, really any writers, and anyone who has the want and the need to create, but just need a little encouragement to do so.
May 11, 2023
A book club read, my choice (having been a fan of Dar's since the mid-90s). I took 5 pages of notes, and didn't even come close to saying everything I wanted to (some of which I *will* include below).
We all enjoyed the book, even though most of us are not musicians/songwriters; it was very relatable because we love music, and some of us skimmed/skipped the chords/melody part... but we all really absorbed the thematic/"poetic thinking"/creativity focus. The songwriter: "Where did I go? What happened? How did it feel?". The audience: Did you really go there? What did you bring back for us?"
I was especially delighted that one member, who doesn't even like folk music, googled the lyrics to each song mentioned and read them like poems. Color me gobsmacked and grateful... <3
Lots to unpack (from the notes I never glanced at): message vs. content, "the gift of honest witness", loved the "Rhyme, Reason, Relationship" chapter, "a wink" in a song, the A-ha! moment, "science teachers are a bunch of dreamers", "the authority of true experience" (how I feel about retirement).
Things I forgot to ask/mention:
~ Stephanie Kallos! (one of my favorite authors)
~ Jules Shear! (one of my favorite songwriters)
~ Dar's nod to Floridian audiences... :-)
~ Bill Morrissey (I think Birches is my favorite song of his)
~ I am now so curious as to what makes the B7 chord "amazing".
~ Speaking of "first lines", I have a section on the cover page of my blog devoted to them: i.e. "Hello Darkness, my old friend", etc.
~ Dar's take on performing reminds me of Anna Quindlen's comment in her Write for Your Life book: "I don't send you a letter to *tell* you something; I send you a letter to *give* you something."
~ Not songs, but I need to *write* every day or two in one form or another. I admit to having a Monkey Mind, and I feel the "pressure cooker" of ideas building up over time. Writing releases that pressure, until it builds up again. Lather. Rinse. Repeat.
Dar: "Sharing what matters to me helps others remember what is important to them."
When I explained why I chose this book, I spoke of my Memory Lane with Dar's music, starting with You're Aging Well being the first song I heard (on Joan Baez's Ring Them Bells CD), in which I realized Aging and Well were not mutually exclusive. Mind Blown. Working my way forward from The Honesty Room (my husband was/is a girl too), dancing maniacally with women friends at a sleepover to As Cool As I Am, Sarah going away to college with The End of the Summer, Rob going away to college with The One Who Knows, Eric going away to college with So Close to My Heart, Book of Love on the reading-inspired mix CD for my 60th birthday party, It's Alright being Colin's favorite song when he was a year old (!), and many more, some so private they will stay in my heart. All conjure thoughts of where I was at that moment in time... with my family (especially my children), my friendships, and myself.
Read the book, listen to Dar's songs, prepare to be amazed!
We all enjoyed the book, even though most of us are not musicians/songwriters; it was very relatable because we love music, and some of us skimmed/skipped the chords/melody part... but we all really absorbed the thematic/"poetic thinking"/creativity focus. The songwriter: "Where did I go? What happened? How did it feel?". The audience: Did you really go there? What did you bring back for us?"
I was especially delighted that one member, who doesn't even like folk music, googled the lyrics to each song mentioned and read them like poems. Color me gobsmacked and grateful... <3
Lots to unpack (from the notes I never glanced at): message vs. content, "the gift of honest witness", loved the "Rhyme, Reason, Relationship" chapter, "a wink" in a song, the A-ha! moment, "science teachers are a bunch of dreamers", "the authority of true experience" (how I feel about retirement).
Things I forgot to ask/mention:
~ Stephanie Kallos! (one of my favorite authors)
~ Jules Shear! (one of my favorite songwriters)
~ Dar's nod to Floridian audiences... :-)
~ Bill Morrissey (I think Birches is my favorite song of his)
~ I am now so curious as to what makes the B7 chord "amazing".
~ Speaking of "first lines", I have a section on the cover page of my blog devoted to them: i.e. "Hello Darkness, my old friend", etc.
~ Dar's take on performing reminds me of Anna Quindlen's comment in her Write for Your Life book: "I don't send you a letter to *tell* you something; I send you a letter to *give* you something."
~ Not songs, but I need to *write* every day or two in one form or another. I admit to having a Monkey Mind, and I feel the "pressure cooker" of ideas building up over time. Writing releases that pressure, until it builds up again. Lather. Rinse. Repeat.
Dar: "Sharing what matters to me helps others remember what is important to them."
When I explained why I chose this book, I spoke of my Memory Lane with Dar's music, starting with You're Aging Well being the first song I heard (on Joan Baez's Ring Them Bells CD), in which I realized Aging and Well were not mutually exclusive. Mind Blown. Working my way forward from The Honesty Room (my husband was/is a girl too), dancing maniacally with women friends at a sleepover to As Cool As I Am, Sarah going away to college with The End of the Summer, Rob going away to college with The One Who Knows, Eric going away to college with So Close to My Heart, Book of Love on the reading-inspired mix CD for my 60th birthday party, It's Alright being Colin's favorite song when he was a year old (!), and many more, some so private they will stay in my heart. All conjure thoughts of where I was at that moment in time... with my family (especially my children), my friendships, and myself.
Read the book, listen to Dar's songs, prepare to be amazed!
August 3, 2025
This was a really hard book to write, I think, because songwriting, from the little I know about it, is so idiosyncratic to the writer. But Dar finds insights that are or at least feel universal, and if you doubt that she's done it, well, so is she. These are the insights of a great songwriter who remains humble, somehow, and yet possesses enough self-regard to imagine that she can help us. And she can.
She covers more about lyrics than she does about melody, but that's the nature of a book. If it were a film, there'd be more about notes and chords. Yet there is a whole section on chords that I found very helpful. Perhaps the most valuable part was when she talked about how to get good feedback, how to assess it. There's a powerful statement where she says the myth that tough love, that hard responses, are the most useful, or even can be useful at all, is...for her...a myth. She makes the bold claim that no one who ever responded with superciliousness or cynicism to one of her songs gave her any useful feedback. It was always the people committed to be passengers on the road trip of her song that helped make the drive better, that got the trip to its destination.
There's a lovely section on open mics, and how they played a role in her development as a singer. This reminded me of a similar, and even less organized, part of Todd Snider's memoir. As a lover of open mics and now a host, I can see what she means. She blends that in with a song writing CIRCLE, which I've only done 3 times, but absolutely loved as well.
About the structure--this book is NOT filled with carefully structured chapters. It's bursts of insights, some a paragraph, some 3 pages, a few longer. They are somewhat thematically organized, but the book is not for reading all in one sitting. It's a lake you go fishing in and catch something, eat it, and go back for more the next day.
She uses her own songs frequently as references and examples. I knew most of them, but I actually thought I learned more from the ones I didn't know--because then I could listen to them with no previous exposure, and see more clearly what she was talking about. So I don't think this a book only useful to lovers of Dar Williams' music.
She covers more about lyrics than she does about melody, but that's the nature of a book. If it were a film, there'd be more about notes and chords. Yet there is a whole section on chords that I found very helpful. Perhaps the most valuable part was when she talked about how to get good feedback, how to assess it. There's a powerful statement where she says the myth that tough love, that hard responses, are the most useful, or even can be useful at all, is...for her...a myth. She makes the bold claim that no one who ever responded with superciliousness or cynicism to one of her songs gave her any useful feedback. It was always the people committed to be passengers on the road trip of her song that helped make the drive better, that got the trip to its destination.
There's a lovely section on open mics, and how they played a role in her development as a singer. This reminded me of a similar, and even less organized, part of Todd Snider's memoir. As a lover of open mics and now a host, I can see what she means. She blends that in with a song writing CIRCLE, which I've only done 3 times, but absolutely loved as well.
About the structure--this book is NOT filled with carefully structured chapters. It's bursts of insights, some a paragraph, some 3 pages, a few longer. They are somewhat thematically organized, but the book is not for reading all in one sitting. It's a lake you go fishing in and catch something, eat it, and go back for more the next day.
She uses her own songs frequently as references and examples. I knew most of them, but I actually thought I learned more from the ones I didn't know--because then I could listen to them with no previous exposure, and see more clearly what she was talking about. So I don't think this a book only useful to lovers of Dar Williams' music.
Read
October 31, 2022Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
How to Write a Song that Matters is part memoir, part notes from Williams' songwriting retreats for artists. Released 6th Sept 2022 by Hachette, it's 288 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
I've been a fan of the author's music for ages, and it's interesting (and a little gratifying) to know that the persona which comes through in a lot of her music really does reflect in her written work as well. This is a well written and realistic guide to facilitate readers tapping into their *own* creative processes and get the stuff that's inside to the outside in the form of a song/poetry/art.
There was a surprising (to me) amount of practical advice included from "what if I don't have facility with an instrument other than my voice" to "where can I find inspiration and know what it looks like when I find it". There's quite a lot of substantial pondering going on between the covers here.
The overarching chapters are possibly more straightforward than a lot of songs' genesis and are laid out more or less from beginning inspiration through writing and refining and finally to getting the song out into the world. It's a meandering process and Ms. Williams recognizes that in the text with humor and wit (and a stiff dose of practicality).
Four stars. I can imagine that the sonwriter retreats are a positive influence on the participants and well worth experiencing. Now a much wider audience has the same benefits.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
How to Write a Song that Matters is part memoir, part notes from Williams' songwriting retreats for artists. Released 6th Sept 2022 by Hachette, it's 288 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
I've been a fan of the author's music for ages, and it's interesting (and a little gratifying) to know that the persona which comes through in a lot of her music really does reflect in her written work as well. This is a well written and realistic guide to facilitate readers tapping into their *own* creative processes and get the stuff that's inside to the outside in the form of a song/poetry/art.
There was a surprising (to me) amount of practical advice included from "what if I don't have facility with an instrument other than my voice" to "where can I find inspiration and know what it looks like when I find it". There's quite a lot of substantial pondering going on between the covers here.
The overarching chapters are possibly more straightforward than a lot of songs' genesis and are laid out more or less from beginning inspiration through writing and refining and finally to getting the song out into the world. It's a meandering process and Ms. Williams recognizes that in the text with humor and wit (and a stiff dose of practicality).
Four stars. I can imagine that the sonwriter retreats are a positive influence on the participants and well worth experiencing. Now a much wider audience has the same benefits.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
September 5, 2022
I love listening to or reading about how artists create. Dar Williams is a phenomenal singer/songwriter. I’ve seen her live in small venues on a couple of occasions and she’s a lovely presence. In May 2020 she released “Something to Get Through” and the video includes signs from therapists. It’s a great song to breath to when panic starts to overwhelm.
How to Write a Song That Matters puts on the page Williams songwriting retreat. I’m sure that the retreat is more rewarding in person, but not everyone can take the time or spend the money. She walks through every step of the process from cultivating the mindset that allows the spark of an idea to form to performing a new song. Williams demystifies the craft. Tenacious D may have spontaneously played the best song in the world (now forgotten), but the rest of us will have to sit down and thinks about words and music.
Despite my many years of piano lessons, flute lessons, voices lessons, and all the musical theater productions I participated in, I am not a musician. Music is not where I find my joy. I’m not ever going to write a song. I still enjoyed this book and found myself thinking about how I can incorporate some of Williams’ lessons into my own writing.
I particularly appreciated that Williams emphasizes the value of creating while in community. She eschews the solo artistic genius and encourages song circles and open mike nights.
Finding a way to appreciate other people’s works did not dilute any standard of writing for me. Going in and figuring out how people communicated through diverse forms and messages helped me find compassion and respect for myself as a writer.
I received this as an advance reader copy from Hachette Books via NetGalley. My opinions are my own, freely and honestly given.
How to Write a Song That Matters puts on the page Williams songwriting retreat. I’m sure that the retreat is more rewarding in person, but not everyone can take the time or spend the money. She walks through every step of the process from cultivating the mindset that allows the spark of an idea to form to performing a new song. Williams demystifies the craft. Tenacious D may have spontaneously played the best song in the world (now forgotten), but the rest of us will have to sit down and thinks about words and music.
Despite my many years of piano lessons, flute lessons, voices lessons, and all the musical theater productions I participated in, I am not a musician. Music is not where I find my joy. I’m not ever going to write a song. I still enjoyed this book and found myself thinking about how I can incorporate some of Williams’ lessons into my own writing.
I particularly appreciated that Williams emphasizes the value of creating while in community. She eschews the solo artistic genius and encourages song circles and open mike nights.
Finding a way to appreciate other people’s works did not dilute any standard of writing for me. Going in and figuring out how people communicated through diverse forms and messages helped me find compassion and respect for myself as a writer.
I received this as an advance reader copy from Hachette Books via NetGalley. My opinions are my own, freely and honestly given.
October 18, 2022
I have followed Dar William's career almost from its beginning, thanks to my daughters, and this book was a fun skim about her songwriting process as well as how particular songs of hers came about. (I included it on my congregational singing shelf as her thoughts apply to any kind of song and to creativity in general.)
This book relates to the songwriting retreats Dar has done for a number of years and includes information on getting started, words, music, and taking the song into public venues. No hard and fast rules but lots of "listening to the Voice [sic] of the song" and asking the deeper questions about what the song is trying to say from where you truly are to someone in the listening world.
Favorite quote: "What my songwriting friends and I have in common, as we court inspiration, is that we invite creative disruption into our minds and lives. We disorient ourselves in service of discovering new patterns, ordering systems, and poetic priorities that can help us in this artistic construction called a song" (19).
This book relates to the songwriting retreats Dar has done for a number of years and includes information on getting started, words, music, and taking the song into public venues. No hard and fast rules but lots of "listening to the Voice [sic] of the song" and asking the deeper questions about what the song is trying to say from where you truly are to someone in the listening world.
Favorite quote: "What my songwriting friends and I have in common, as we court inspiration, is that we invite creative disruption into our minds and lives. We disorient ourselves in service of discovering new patterns, ordering systems, and poetic priorities that can help us in this artistic construction called a song" (19).
December 31, 2023
As an amateur singer/songwriter I’m always interested in how others write their songs. Though mostly about writing “story songs”, I still found a lot of good advice in this book. For instance, Williams talks about letting a song simmer more. I don’t always want to change much after I’ve written a song. I like to think the original inspiration is the best version, but now I’m seeing that letting a song evolve over time is a great idea. Another idea I liked was her advocating for songwriting groups, “song circles” where you share feedback with other songwriters. But I especially like some of her hints for dealing with stage nerves. It’s kind of assuring to know that even the pros find themselves feeling the kind of performance anxiety I’ve struggled with myself. And it was just this kind of honesty and down to earth talk that made this book so interesting and so helpful.
March 22, 2024
I read this a second time for a book club done by a radio station. Actually, I suppose you could say the third time. The second time was when I read it with my High School students, it was a shared teaching project with my students. Some chapters were assigned for everyone to read, as with any standard book in an English class. Other chapters were assigned to specific students who then “taught “ the chapter to myself and their fellow students. In this case, the student teacher then “assigned” work products for completion by everyone present. This has become one of my favorite and most effective units in our 10th grade English class. The student evaluations and participation levels are very high as well. The entire class sends out a Hugh THANK YOU to Dar Williams for writing this book!
March 24, 2024
Pretty good book on songwriting. Maybe I would have liked it more if I had read it a couple decades ago. It's pretty general.
The author assumes that songwriters are gals or guys with acoustic guitars, untrained voices, and limited knowledge of music theory. She assumes they are composing songs to perform themselves at open mics.
Those assumptions are probably correct for many readers, but songwriting comes in many forms. There are composers who write at the piano (or other instrument), and notate their music for other folks to perform; there are many young people nowadays making music on their laptops; there are collaborative situations that involve "topline writers," producers, and others, or bands that compose collectively, etc.
The author assumes that songwriters are gals or guys with acoustic guitars, untrained voices, and limited knowledge of music theory. She assumes they are composing songs to perform themselves at open mics.
Those assumptions are probably correct for many readers, but songwriting comes in many forms. There are composers who write at the piano (or other instrument), and notate their music for other folks to perform; there are many young people nowadays making music on their laptops; there are collaborative situations that involve "topline writers," producers, and others, or bands that compose collectively, etc.
December 18, 2023
I’ve never read a book where I felt not only earnestly seen, but also earnestly respected by the author. I consider myself a songwriter, but not nearly on the same level as Dar Williams, yet she spoke to me in this book like we were teammates. She doesn’t insist that there is one correct way to write a song, be creative, or even perceive reality. She encourages the reader to soak in the world around them, and use that experience to create something that didn’t exist before. This book helped ignite my creative spark that had been struggling previously.
April 4, 2023
Dar Williams offers a gentle guidance into the world of songwriting, filled not with criticism and cynicism for those who’s art isn’t art, but instead embracing that everyone has something to offer if they offer something that is meaningful to them. The book explores everything from lyrics, to chords, to how to conquer an inner critic telling you to quit. Even if you never pick up an instrument and write a song, there are nuggets of wisdom for any creative pursuit within these pages.
January 6, 2023
Dar had mentioned this book several times during performances, so when I saw it on the shelf on a recent bookstore visit I snapped it up. Williams explains her process, with benefit of many examples and short anecdotes. It gives readers a lot to ponder and invites them to be patient with themselves. I most appreciated her approach to giving constructive feedback. Four stars!
September 14, 2024
As an amateur songwriter, I enjoy reading books on the topic. And this is a really good one. Dar Williams is a legendary songwriter, and she shares simple wisdom in the pages of “How To Write A Song That Matters.”
It’s written in a conversational style that might lead you to believe you’re sharing a cup of tea and having a chat with the author.
It’s written in a conversational style that might lead you to believe you’re sharing a cup of tea and having a chat with the author.
January 11, 2026
I really liked this book! A lot is about poetry and I don’t usually write my own lyrics but it made me want to, honestly. I have a couple ideas. The music stuff was a little more straightforward. Overall I just love Dar and her music and was happy to read it and happy to support her and I learned stuff.
November 12, 2022
111-2022. Ms. Williams is a fine performer and songwriter, and this book gives some insights into the nuts and bolts (and a fair amount of the interior dialogue) for a budding songwriter. I’d like to take a songwriting retreat or class with her.
January 28, 2023
delicious and nutritious
July 17, 2023
Clear, concise information with short bits on instruction that are easy to follow. Very inspiring.
June 7, 2024
Really inspiring! The audiobook is the best way to experience this book, since it includes some musical examples
July 6, 2024
Dar Williams. What else can you say?
July 23, 2024
Audio book 📖 Was quite long lots of tip and tricks. I enjoyed it She put a lot in to this and was very passionate about writing songs.
April 7, 2024
As a someone just dipping their toes in the vast waters of songwriting, I found this book insightful, comforting and inspiring amid my overwhelming experience of entering this ocean. Dar’s writing style is conversational and down-to-earth, and littered with reassurance that one does not need a degree in music theory in order to create meaningful songs. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys writing music, no matter how far along they are on their journey as a writer!
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