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  • How to Write One Song

  • By: Jeff Tweedy
  • Narrated by: Jeff Tweedy
  • Length: 3 hrs and 9 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (130 ratings)
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How to Write One Song

By: Jeff Tweedy
Narrated by: Jeff Tweedy
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Summary

There are few artistic acts more mysterious than writing a song. But what if a shift in perspective - and some practical guidance - could overcome that mystery? Anyone wanting to experience more creativity and mindfulness will be inspired to do just that after listening to How to Write One Song.

Why one song? The difference between one song and many songs isn't a charming semantic trick - it's an important distinction that can simplify a notoriously confusing art form. The idea of becoming a capital-S Songwriter can seem daunting, but when approached as a focused, self-contained practice, the mystery and fear subsides and songwriting becomes an exciting pursuit.

How to Write One Song brings listeners into this intimate process - lyrics, music and how they come together. It's equally about the importance of making creativity part of your everyday life and of experiencing the hope, inspiration and joy available to anyone who is willing to get started.

©2020 Jeff Tweedy (P)2020 Faber & Faber Ltd

What listeners say about How to Write One Song

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Truly Inspiring

I cannot recommend this book enough. I found I was hanging on every word more so than most audio books I’ve ever listened to which only proves Jeff Tweedy’s skill with language and delivery and as someone well worth listening to in these areas. His writing on language in particular here is exceptionally useful and inspiring.

More than just a book about songwriting - this is a guide for creatives in all disciplines and for tackling self-doubt. He confronts pitfalls and tired clichés surrounding procrastination and ‘writer’s block’ offering extremely interesting and often unique and practical solutions and exercises to use.

In parts philosophical, biographical and with a dry humour this book felt like a comforting conversation with a friend who casts no judgement. He has truly inspired me in my songwriting pursuits and also affirmed in myself things I was already doing without realising. I have no doubt that this will make anyone a better songwriter but also more content with their skill set and how the process (no matter what level) is as much a part of the whole they wish to achieve.

This book also works best as an audio book as it is peppered with interesting audio files and even a song Tweedy is working on throughout.

I immediately purchased his previous book as I want to continue to listen to his thoughts, musings and processes longer than the 3.5hr duration of this book (which is a perfect length for a ‘guide’ book and covers more than I could have hoped so succinctly. And I sincerely hope he does write ‘How to be in a Band’!

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7 people found this helpful

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Master class in songwriting from Jeff Tweedy

Jeff Tweedy might not be a household name to most people but those who appreciate songwriting will know and admire his work with Americana band Wilco, his collaborations with Billy Bragg in re-imagining fragments of Woody Guthrie's long lost lyrics and his solo releases. He is the songwriters' songwriter.
In this shortish book, Jeff discusses the writing process and encourages listeners / readers to take his tips and to create their own songs. It is, apparently, easier than it appears and simple exercises such as word matches, sound fragments and "free writing" exercises can be used to unlock what is inside all of us to create something new and different. He demonstrates the process by collating ideas throughout the book that he brings together for a song ("Gwendoline") that he writes as part of the tuition. If you are like me, and have been trying to write songs for decades without too much reward, there are enough ideas in here to inspire you to the next level. I could listen to Jeff Tweedy talk about songwriting all day but, sadly, this is only a three hour book.

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3 people found this helpful

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not just for song writers

this book is an interesting look at the creative process. good for anyone wanting to create anything

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How to write lyrics, rather than a song

I liked Jeff Tweedy as a person and a presenter, but the book was about how to write lyrics, not a song

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1 person found this helpful

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A perfect book

Jeff Tweedy has written a book that not only serves to help someone create art but it also includes many great tools for life.

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GREAT BOOK, GREAT READING

totally fantastic, can't recommend it highly enough. the recording and reading is clear and Jeff's voice is as gentle and heartwarming as any fan of his music would expect.

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great for any creative pursuit

I loved this. Very inspiring and not just for song writing. Whatever your artistic pursuit, it's a great book to get you creating.

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Some great tips

There are some Really interesting ideas and exercises that I willingly follow. Let go and write! Thanks Jeff

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Jeff

loved it, as a songwriter & guitar player.
always been a massive fan, thanks dude!

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Great and motivating

I am a designer and writer, and this book felt like it was written for me.

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