How to Write One Song

There are few creative acts more mysterious and magical than writing a song. But what if the goal wasn’t so mysterious and was actually achievable for anyone who wants to experience more magic and creativity in their life? That’s something that anyone will be inspired to do after reading Jeff Tweedy’s How to Write One Song.

Why one song? Because the difference between one song and many songs isn’t a cute 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 approached as a focused, self-contained event, the mystery and fear subsides, and songwriting becomes an exciting pursuit.

And then there is the energizing, nourishing creativity that can open up. How to Write One Song brings readers into the intimate process of writing one song–lyrics, music, and putting it all together–and accesses the deep sense of wonder that remains at the heart of this curious, yet incredibly fulfilling, artistic act. But it’s equally about the importance of making creativity part of your life every day, and of experiencing the hope, inspiration, and joy available to anyone who’s willing to get started.

Editorial Reviews

[A] guide to rediscovering the joys of creating that we all felt as children … The main premise of Tweedy’s latest book is in the title, but many of his points could be applied equally to a variety of creative endeavors: namely, how to stop giving yourself excuses and start just doing the thing.“
–The New York Times

„[How to Write One Song] is one part manual for composing a song, and one part philosophical inquiry into the human desire–the human need–to create. It’s also an easy, delightful read.“
–Esquire.com

„[A] generous and thoughtful argument for carving time out for creativity. [Tweedy] attempts to demystify songwriting, offering both encouragement and practical tips that from anyone else might read as self-help. But instead, Tweedy strikes a tone that’s more like that of an exuberant friend: You have to try this, man. And you’ll want to.“
–Chicago Tribune

„How To Write One Song [is] a smart, funny, relentlessly practical guide to discovering the secret songwriter within.“
–GQ

„Frank, philosophical yet accessible.“
–People

„Jeff Tweedy is the perfect example of the consummate songwriter…Given his decades of success as an artist, the veteran musician has a lot of insight and advice to offer about writing a song. Offering tips and advice along the way, Tweedy guides readers on such things as starting a song and handling writer’s block, a dreaded moment for any writer.“
–Forbes

„In this succinct guide, the Wilco (and before that, Uncle Tupelo) frontman walks you through pretty much every question you might have about writing a song of your own. From anxiety that you’ll suck–you totally will, at first–to the fear of exposing your inner feelings–accept it, writing songs means getting vulnerable–Tweedy helps you get out of your head and in front of your notebook or voice recorder. We found ourselves highlighting and adding bookmarks.“
–Apple (Best Books of October)

„In four carefully crafted sections, renowned songwriter, musician, and performer Tweedy explains the mysteries of the ‘ephemeral’ process of a writing a song, from inspiration to process, suppressing one’s annoying ego, and disappearing in the work …. Observing Tweedy’s glowingly creative mind at work throughout this seriously fun book is truly illuminating.“
–Booklist
– From the Publisher

2020-08-19
The Wilco frontman delivers a songwriting guide emphasizing routine and process rather than merely waiting for a flash of inspiration.

This book should have a potential readership beyond fledgling songwriters. Of course, that audience includes devoted Wilco fans who want more insight into the songs, but anyone involved in a creative endeavor can benefit from Tweedy’s advice. Much of the information echoes other how-to guides: Allow yourself room to fail, learn from your mistakes, don’t allow your inner critic or editor to enter the process too early. What’s most helpful is the specific and personal–how Tweedy does it. He provides a daily schedule of his routine, including the naps and long walks he considers integral to the process. He offers transcripts of conversations, including one with his wife, and shows how these have inspired lyrics, and he provides examples of mix-and-match and cut-and-paste word exercises to suggest how one might find meaning and even music in what might initially appear to be nonsense. Tweedy even suggests stealing, though he shows how one can take chord progressions or words from someone else and turn them into music that is totally your own. Many of the chapters are bite-sized, and the shorter ones could have been richer with more personal experiences woven in. The author advises listening to other people’s music and learning how to play those songs, but readers may wish he had gone deeper into the music that informed his own, what he tried to copy, and how it progressed into something original. Though Tweedy does his best to demystify the process, he does allow that „I truly think I do a lot of my best work while I’m asleep.“ While the text contains plenty of solid tips for writing one song, the author allows for a wider resonance, showing how „songs help us love and cope, and they teach us how to be human.“

A concise look at how to listen and appreciate.
– Kirkus Reviews