Songwriting is an art form that involves more than just writing words, but rather conveying emotion and evoking a response from listeners. From exploring the music industry to understanding a song's emotional impact and song construction. There are many aspects to consider when it comes to writing great songs. With the variety of best songwriting books out there, you can learn about writing hit songs the way Bob Dylan or other successful lyricists do, as well as receive guidance on marketing your hit songwriter status. Use this shortlist of books to get started on your journey toward songwriting success and discover ideas on how to write songs that will make an impact!
These books are sure to provide the guidance and inspiration you need. Through tried-and-tested approaches, you will learn how to make music that speaks directly into the hearts of your listeners.
So don't let your musical ideas stay trapped inside! Take advantage of practical advice on this craft we all hold dear and get closer than ever before to realizing those dreams within. It's time for you to take that next step in becoming a better songwriter who knows not just what they want but also how to achieve it with grace and excellence.
Keep reading to find out more about these amazing books!
How I Choose
If you're like most songwriters, you're always looking for ways to improve your skills and take your songwriting to the next level.
But with so many different books on songwriting out there, it can be hard to know which ones are worth reading.
I've combed through countless reviews of the best songwriting books and chose the top 7 based on certain criteria that matter to musicians and songwriters looking to reach the next level of success or improve in songwriting.
Why do I love It?
I have always had a special place in my heart for music, but lyrics have always been a secondary thought. That was until I read Writing Better Lyrics by Pat Pattison. This book was an eye-opener for me; it didn't just teach me how to write better lyrics, but it also changed the way I heard and appreciated the music I listened to. Every lyricist should read this book; the primary focus on meter and rhyme, as well as how sound contributes to line structure, were really exciting and informative points that really allowed me to understand how different lyrical choices can create drastically different moods and sounds within a song.
What you should know
Writing Better Lyrics by Pat Pattison is a comprehensive resource on the fundamentals of writing great music. This book is packed with useful tips and advice to help you write successful lyrics that speak to your audience. All the major aspects of lyric writing, from form and phrasing to rhyme schemes and syllable structure are covered in detail. As an experienced songwriter and teacher, Pattison offers clear explanations backed up with examples from popular contemporary songs, illustrating how each element works in practice. Whether you’re just getting started in songwriting or have been crafting your lyrics for some time, Writing Better Lyrics contains valuable insight for both beginner and experienced writers alike.
Why do I love It?
I absolutely love the book “Songwriting Without Boundaries: Lyric Writing Exercises for Finding Your Voice” by Pat Pattison. It has helped me to better understand song structure and the process of writing lyrics. The exercises in the book are incredibly useful and have provided me with a range of valuable insights into writing lyric-based songs. Through working through his exercises, I'm now able to come up with more creative ways of expressing what I want to say in my songs. Even if you don't consider yourself a creative person, this book is definitely worth checking out - it's helped me unlock some amazing ideas for my own music!
What you should know
"Songwriting Without Boundaries" by Pat Pattison is an insightful guide to help discover your own lyrical voice. It offers a comprehensive curriculum, based on industry norms and research into the brain's creative process, to teach the fundamentals of lyrical expression. Chock-full of exercises focused on breaking down barriers that limit creativity, this book is perfect for experienced songwriters looking to hone their craft as well as hobbyist trying to kickstart their journey into songwriting. A must-read for anyone interested in learning how to write powerful songs with lasting impact!
Why do I love It?
I have always been a fan of literature and poetry, so it is no surprise that I love the book “The Complete Rhyming Dictionary: Including The Poet's Craft Book” by Clement Wood and Ronald J. Bogus. It is an intricately put-together dictionary with an exhaustive list of words from A to Z which are all matched with their corresponding rhymes. This makes it very convenient for me when it comes to writing my own poems. Not only that but also, with its range of anatomical terms, idioms, and phrases – any poet or songwriter can be sure to get past any writer’s block and create something more meaningful at their disposal. This book really set out to be a great tool for poets looking to add some originality or level up their craft in their work.
What you should know
"The Complete Rhyming Dictionary: Including The Poet's Craft Book" by Clement Wood and Ronald J. Bogus is a must-own for any writer looking to expand their rhyme game. With this book, you'll get access to over 60,000 words, including lists of one and two-syllable rhymes for each entry that are essential for mastering all kinds of poems in any style. Plus, the authors have even broken down common rhyming techniques such as assonance and alliteration so any poet can learn the secrets of these techniques with ease. The included Poet's Craft Book is an added bonus that adds an additional 200 pages of poetry examples and tips from masters of the trade like Robert Frost and Emily Dickinson who have perfected these styles throughout history. So if you're ready to master the art of writing a perfect poem, or level up your word use with rhyme this book is a great way to do it!
Why do I love It
I really enjoy reading the book “Great Songwriting Techniques” by Jack Perricone because of its straightforward approach to the craft. It has served as a guide for me in my own writing journey and I have used several of its strategies to develop my creativity in this area. The clear explanations that are included throughout make it easy to digest, and I have found his many tips very useful when trying to perfect my sound. Overall, it is a great resource that anyone looking to explore songwriting should certainly consider picking up.
What you should know
If you are a songwriter looking to elevate your craft and hone your technique, then you may find incredible value in the book "Great Songwriting Techniques" by Jack Perricone. This book covers all the basics of lyric writing and composition, exploring topics such as setting tones, rhythm and rhyme schemes, using stories to create impactful songs, special song structures, improvisation techniques, and more. It is written in an easy-to-understand style that is perfect for beginning writers. Whether you're just getting started or have been writing for years, this book can provide valuable insight into how to make your songs memorable and stand out from the crowd. Creating great music has never been easier!
Why do I love It?
I love the book “The Art of Songwriting” by Ed Bell because it truly gives an in-depth look into the creative process of the craft. It starts by explaining the basics of lyric writing, with an emphasis on how to find inspiring topics and how to avoid cliches. After getting a solid foundation of lyrics, Ed then teaches you how to string together melodies and chords. His guidance on composition can help take any aspiring songwriter's melodies from good to great. Through clear examples, exercises, and illustrations, Ed also breaks down emotional expression while writing music to make sure every song flows from your heart and touches its listeners in a meaningful way. There is no doubt that this book is a great resource for both beginner and experienced writers alike.
What you should know
Whether you’re a seasoned or fledgling songwriter, “The Art of Songwriting” by Ed Bell is a great read. With simple instructions and unique tips for writing successful songs, this book can help you step up your songwriting game. Written with both experienced and beginners in mind, it covers topics like structure, melody creation, lyrics vs. music, the art of collaboration, blocking out distractions, and more. For those who want to really dig into what makes a good song great, author Ed Bell even interviews top-level professionals to gain insight into their techniques. Highly recommended for all aspiring musicians and lyricists looking to take their craft to the next level!
Why do I love It?
I love the book Songwriting because it provides an informative yet easy-to-understand guide for mastering better rhymes and clever lyrics. The approach is very gradual, teaching you the basics of rhyme and how most songwriters use it in popular songs, followed by additional chapters discussing advanced topics such as assonance, consonance, vowel sounds, and other poetic devices that can be used to your advantage. I found the tips provided to be helpful and practical so I was able to apply them in my own songwriting as soon as I finished reading. Furthermore, getting inspired from reading real-world examples of successful songs makes me feel confident that I'm on the right track. This book has undoubtedly been a great asset for improving my songwriting skills.
What you should know
If you’re looking to improve your songwriting and lyrical techniques, the "Songwriting: Essential Guide to Rhyming: A Step-by-Step Guide to Better Rhyming and Lyrics" by Pat Pattison is an excellent resource. This book covers a range of topics, such as how to find your own voice, the basics of lyric structure, models for composing in rhyme, building musical bridges with sound recordings, and much more. In each chapter, Pat provides inspirational examples that are easy to follow and exercises to help you understand the material. This book is an essential reference manual filled with insightful tips and advice on how to take your music craft seriously. It's definitely a great tool for any budding songwriter and can result in major improvements in writing top-quality rhymes!
Why do I love It?
I absolutely love the book “How to Write Better Songs: Songwriting Secrets from Award-Winning Songwriters” by Mr. Scott Ashley. It has a great structure - the sections are short and digestible, and each one contains informative and insightful advice. With this interesting insight into the songwriting processes of some illustrious past and modern-day musicians, my love for music grew even deeper as I found new techniques that can be applied to my creative process. Mr. Ashley shows us how we can make our music more relatable by connecting with our audience by drawing on experiences we have all been through before. At the end of each section, he also provides us with resources so that if I am feeling inspired I have somewhere to turn in in order to further explore this topic. This book is definitely a must-have for any aspiring lyricist or songwriter.
What you should know
"How to Write Better Songs: Songwriting Secrets from Award-Winning Songwriters" by Mr. Scott Ashley is a great book for aspiring songwriters. It provides insightful guidance on the basics of songwriting, from music theory to developing storytelling techniques and understanding lyric structure. It also provides tips for polishing existing pieces to make them stand out in a crowded market. While there isn’t one definitive ‘recipe’ for success, readers can learn how to push themselves outside of their comfort zone, create memorable hooks and choruses, deliver thoughtful lyrics, and understand common industry processes related to songwriting. For those looking to take their hobby or passion up a notch, this book is an essential gateway to gaining a better understanding of the craft.
The right book for you!
Marketing hit songs is an art form that requires more than just putting pen to paper – it’s about understanding the music business and the craft of lyric writing. With the right resources, songwriters can learn tips on how to write a hit song, find new creative approaches for generating ideas and gain insight into marketing their work. Whether you're a budding songwriter in search of practical advice or an experienced professional wanting to brush up on their skill set, there are a number of best songwriting books available that will help you reach your goals.
Overall, the books introduced here give readers comprehensive advice on how to write hit songs. From understanding the creative process and finding inspiration to learning about melody, chords, and other essential elements of successful lyric writing and constructing a song - these books are indispensable for crafting great music.
Moreover, when you feel stuck or in need of some guidance, don’t forget that online resources such as blogs and tutorials are also useful for unlocking your creativity. With a good combination of help from both paper sources and digital platforms, you can accomplish your songwriting dreams and make yourself a songwriters idea book. Remember when writing songs that practice is key - be persistent, never give up, and before you know it songs will be bursting out from the depths of your soul like wildflowers in spring!