How to write one song (according to Jeff Tweedy)

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Welcome to The Songwriter’s Workshop. This is the series where I attempt to write songs based on the process and techniques of famous songwriters. Each video looks at a different songwriter’s writing habits, musical inspirations, and creative process while also including an original song written using those techniques.
This video looks at Wilco songwriter Jeff Tweedy and the songwriting techniques found in his books How To Write One Song and Let's Go (So We Can Get Back). I use his lyric writing exercises and musical recommendations to write my new song Apollo G.
Twitter: / songwritersws
Instagram: / thesongwritersworkshopyt
Email: thesongwritersworkshop@gmail.com
#songwriting #howtowriteasong #jefftweedy

Пікірлер: 202

  • @DocBoon
    @DocBoon Жыл бұрын

    I have been a songwriter for over 50 years. I've written hundreds of songs. The tips in this video are brilliant. I wish I'd heard them 50 years ago.

  • @chapmanure
    @chapmanure Жыл бұрын

    Skip to 11:56 in the clip. If this doesn’t convince you watch this video daily to motivate your writing….you have no hope. Seriously dude. This is an epic video. I appreciate the time and effort you put in to cut this. May god bless you. ❤

  • @franksatya5680
    @franksatya56802 жыл бұрын

    You wrote a beautiful strange original song. A song that didn't exist 'til you did the work. And it does that peculiar thing that songs can do. It distilled something in our collective experience. It felt familiar and fresh simultaneously. I loved it. I look forward to hearing more.

  • @arranone

    @arranone

    Жыл бұрын

    Very well said. I couldn’t agree more. Great job showing us your writing process and sharing this beautiful work. Thank you. 😊

  • @jimijames27
    @jimijames272 жыл бұрын

    Dude Jeff's quote that you want to be the mantra of the channel is so dead on. That quote completely embodies how I have been feeling this last week.

  • @kellieq7957
    @kellieq79572 жыл бұрын

    I really love these lyrics. Great song, it really makes me feel connected to it in some way. I also thought the idea of "climb aboard the apology" as an interpretation of your song.

  • @nicoledelcastillo8443
    @nicoledelcastillo84434 ай бұрын

    Absolutely fantastic. Thank you for being so generous with sharing your demo. It really gives others inspiration and permission to do the same!

  • @viciousdope66
    @viciousdope662 жыл бұрын

    “A Ghost is Born” is one of my all-time favorites. Handshake Drugs is a classic.

  • @TrapNerdMusic
    @TrapNerdMusic2 жыл бұрын

    I didn't know who Jeff Tweedy was and had only heard the name Wilko thrown around at festivals. Watched this video, stumbled upon "How to Fight Loneliness" and I'm absolutely hooked. Thanks.

  • @budfox58103

    @budfox58103

    Жыл бұрын

    Smile all the time

  • @michele21auntiem

    @michele21auntiem

    Жыл бұрын

    That is my favorite song of his.

  • @hautevirgo
    @hautevirgo Жыл бұрын

    I love this thank you for being vulnerable this is super helpful. I love the melody and the abstract nature of your song, keep writing and creating.

  • @michaelreddington658
    @michaelreddington658 Жыл бұрын

    You’ve helped me move towards climbing out of a hole I’ve been in for the last 6 years. Thank you truly

  • @scottgeyer684
    @scottgeyer6842 жыл бұрын

    I am a longtime Tweedy fan (being from Chicago, & lucky enough to have been “in on it” from the start), & have read his books. I still found your “take”, & following your process helpful - thanks!

  • @LindaLeyble
    @LindaLeybleАй бұрын

    I thought this was great! I bought Jeff’s book during the pandemic…yes, it really helped write some different kinds of songs that I had never tried before. I have to go back to the book again ‘cause I’m in another songwriting time when feelings and struggles are trying to escape from my pores. My husband passed away last year - so I’ ve been trying to write about my feeling about this. It’s been very hard - every time I write something that’s too close to my emotions…I start crying my eyes out. So, I’m thinking I should write some other songs that I can finish without too many tears. Thanks so much for this video - I’m getting the book out again. Your song was great! I subscribed!❤

  • @jefftweedyofficial

    @jefftweedyofficial

    21 күн бұрын

    🤘🤘🎸 🎸 🌹

  • @jppj101vids
    @jppj101vids5 ай бұрын

    Great demonstration of the songwriting process from start to finish!

  • @robertwynkoop7112

    @robertwynkoop7112

    3 ай бұрын

    This is about the act of creation, not performance….

  • @jppj101vids

    @jppj101vids

    3 ай бұрын

    @@robertwynkoop7112 ?

  • @dustinalker972
    @dustinalker9722 жыл бұрын

    "I shudder when I hear the applause, cause I know they have me in their claws." Nice!

  • @TheDailySongwriter
    @TheDailySongwriter2 жыл бұрын

    Love seeing the process, and really love how you step into the shoes of other artists! When we do this with enough artists, we really find our own voice. Keep them coming, please!

  • @Abellardsnazz
    @Abellardsnazz2 жыл бұрын

    Being a bit of a Wilco fan, this video caught my eye and I watched with fascination at the processes used but couldn't help but think 'this is never going to work'. But the finished song I really enjoyed a lot. One of those that creeps up on you and I found the chorus sticking in my head. The lyrics were great, interesting and cryptic but knowing the premise, made sense. Definitely some very interesting ideas in these methods and you explained it very well and clearly. Thanks!

  • @dustinnulf5638
    @dustinnulf56382 жыл бұрын

    Apollo G = apology. Love this video! Great exercises for lyrics. I'll have to get Jeff's book now!

  • @chapmanure

    @chapmanure

    Жыл бұрын

    A little grit and a driving lead instead of the horn….this has Tom Petty all over it. Great song dude!!

  • @isaaccarter9566
    @isaaccarter95662 жыл бұрын

    I really like this video format, thanks for making these!

  • @nelsonnichols922
    @nelsonnichols9222 жыл бұрын

    That was really good. always good to see how other people create. And your result was really fabulous, great song!

  • @charlesnevsimal9235
    @charlesnevsimal9235 Жыл бұрын

    Incredible. Absolutely incredible. So glad I found your channel. Subscribed within the first 30 seconds of viewing this video. Can't wait to dig into your other videos! Keep up the great work!

  • @zoda5898
    @zoda58982 жыл бұрын

    This is great content for curing writer's block! Also, the idea of the Appolo G is so on-the-nose, and I love it.

  • @landerosproductions6806
    @landerosproductions68062 жыл бұрын

    This is amazing. Great Job!!! love the lyric's and chord progression.

  • @zenrobotninja
    @zenrobotninja2 жыл бұрын

    What a wonderful quote. Very happy I found this channel and looking forward to more!

  • @haydenmerrick274
    @haydenmerrick2742 жыл бұрын

    fantastic end result - love it

  • @dominickdagostino469
    @dominickdagostino4692 жыл бұрын

    This was awesome, dude! Loved the result.

  • @bryansmith6865
    @bryansmith68652 жыл бұрын

    I love your channel and plan on frequenting it, great work!

  • @WolfieMusic70
    @WolfieMusic702 жыл бұрын

    Really enjoyed this and some beautiful lines came out of this process. Very inspiring! Jeff’s take on songwriting has really changed my own process for the better.

  • @jonathanheredia4419
    @jonathanheredia44192 жыл бұрын

    Here before this blows the fuck up

  • @nexusnostalgia
    @nexusnostalgia2 жыл бұрын

    Dude i really dig the instrumental going on throughout this. This video has been very helpful information. Thank you!

  • @HansTwite
    @HansTwite2 жыл бұрын

    This is an amazing walkthrough and I love the condensed practical takeaways from Tweedy’s book. Subscribed! Cheers

  • @cfeliz70
    @cfeliz702 жыл бұрын

    Hey man, that song you created is terrific. Thank you for creating this channel. It’s a great service.

  • @winstonsmith8236
    @winstonsmith82362 жыл бұрын

    This is a very cool idea, can't wait to watch a few.

  • @smallships
    @smallships2 жыл бұрын

    This is excellent! Love the process and the finished product! Have subscribed.

  • @SKITAHOOD
    @SKITAHOOD2 жыл бұрын

    Great song and premise, hope you will continue to make these!

  • @dumafuji
    @dumafuji Жыл бұрын

    Great stuff. The song is cool and you did a great job demonstrating the concepts Tweedy wrote.

  • @RussellBobel
    @RussellBobel2 жыл бұрын

    Well done 👍 really looked the well written narration. Really interesting concept of diving into different songwriters techniques. I always feel like I learn a lot when diving deep into a specific song!

  • @crosstalkclub
    @crosstalkclub2 жыл бұрын

    Just finished writing his book...very casual, conversational, and enjoyable. Thanks for posting this.

  • @bumfitmusic101
    @bumfitmusic101 Жыл бұрын

    Wow! Just stumbled across your channel, thankfully. Really like the song you created, great imagery! I read this book as soon as it was released. Loved the book but never took the time to do the exercises. I'm dusting off the cover, gonna crack it open, and write one song! Thank you, looking forward to your other videos as well!

  • @mrsunshine2204
    @mrsunshine22042 жыл бұрын

    Great song and very much liked to see the process. Amazing video! Keep sharing your songwriting journey please.

  • @Funkybassuk
    @Funkybassuk2 жыл бұрын

    Really enjoyed your video and song exercise. Some helpful advice there!

  • @Rich2base
    @Rich2base2 жыл бұрын

    You're really on to something here. Both your video approach and your songwriting. Thank you for sharing. I bought Jeff's book. lol Please keep going.

  • @thelocalprotocols8073
    @thelocalprotocols80732 жыл бұрын

    Good job man. Really mind blowing, cause, to be honest, I never had writting guidelines like Mr. Tweedy offers, and the song, I think you did a hell of a job. Thanks for the education! and the great song to listen too. #The Songwriter's Workshop, .

  • @travishall5154
    @travishall51542 жыл бұрын

    Really helped with my writing process brother...song sounds great. Much love brother!

  • @timothyconti286
    @timothyconti2862 жыл бұрын

    This is the first video in the series ive watched. I love this and I'm not sure I thought I'd be receptive to it. I'm trying to improve my songs and song writing techniques and tools, and while I'm a pretty unconventional songwriter, I want to improve, so I love that these videos exist. Your song was great. I look forward to checking out the rest of these videos and taking what I can from them. One of my songwriting techniques is when I finally come up with a recording I love that feels like it will work for a song idea I already have based on an event person or thing, I will play the song on repeat all day for days literally and listen to it from all kinds of different areas and rooms, in the bathroom, under the covers in bed, in the tub under water. Usually, I'll hear a ringing forming a pattern pointing to the flow of the general lyrical patterns I can work with and where words should go. Then I start to just say jibberish in those patterns while still talking about the target topic. I try to use those word excersizes where I'll have a list of words and ideas I want in the song, and I'll try to feel out where certain sounds work best resonance wise and just flow wise. The hook and bridge ideas always come because if you want yo write a song about something, you'll have enought elements you want to incorporate that they'll fight it out in your head for placment. Anywhoo, I am very open to adopting some new strategies and ideas here, most of mine come naturally but I certainly like to write songs inspired by the feeling or intention of other songs I love, so its just cool to hear the process of successful songwriters. I'm sure these videos aren't easy to put together so thanks in advance!

  • @DocJJohnson
    @DocJJohnson2 жыл бұрын

    Well done...way to go for "IT"..!!

  • @milojones138
    @milojones1389 ай бұрын

    Yo I just found this video as I’m starting to get into Wilco after having seen them in London recently (my brother has been a massive fan for a while so I’ve always been intrigued by them and Tweedy himself). This video is absolutely brilliant!!!! You’re sick man and I really can’t wait to watch more of these please keep going.

  • @JackDalycre8tive
    @JackDalycre8tive2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for this! Got me inspired to try some new methods and pick up this book.

  • @AndrewColyerMusic
    @AndrewColyerMusic Жыл бұрын

    Great job! Fantastic job on the video, the exercises, the writing sessions, and the poetic demo! Keep up the good work and keep these videos coming! It makes me want to do the same thing with every book on songwriting that I own. Thank you so much for the inspiration and all of the work that you put into creating this video for your Channel.😀🎹🎵🎸🤟🎉

  • @sethfisher6469
    @sethfisher64692 жыл бұрын

    This series is genius. Thank you.

  • @just.ronrishad
    @just.ronrishad2 жыл бұрын

    Great song man, and thank you for your contribution.

  • @richholoch8230
    @richholoch82302 жыл бұрын

    Thanks - lots of great ideas, fun process, and your song is great and I love how you can hear the influence, but how it morphed to your song. A great example for me is how The Feelies sound like they are influenced by Lou Reed but that they are their own band.

  • @PatrickNorris10
    @PatrickNorris106 ай бұрын

    Following this and other’s advice is my New Year’s resolution

  • @k0hl
    @k0hl2 жыл бұрын

    Great video. Very thoughtful! Watching this draws me to create :)

  • @ryanpotter1105
    @ryanpotter11056 ай бұрын

    Love Jeff Tweedy. This was a really amazing video and I love the song you made. Thanks for posting this. It's hard to get out of your own way while writing lyrics.

  • @the.fresh.bananas
    @the.fresh.bananas2 жыл бұрын

    Nicely done song and a very instructive video. Really like the word ladder exercises, in particular. Thanks for sharing.

  • @ghoststalkermusic
    @ghoststalkermusic2 жыл бұрын

    Great video and song. This book is on my reading list. Enjoyed your take on it!

  • @heroforest
    @heroforest2 жыл бұрын

    Wow... He puts it so nicely. That's *exactly* my feeling. I listen to music and then I love it so much and then at some point I can't take it anymore, I *need* to at least attempt to make something. It's a pressure that's built up. If I don't go and make something creative (preferably music), I go crazy.

  • @OneHandedGuitar
    @OneHandedGuitar2 жыл бұрын

    Excellent video! I subscribed and look forward to seeing your next one!

  • @tommarko9983
    @tommarko99832 жыл бұрын

    keep up this sort of process and you'll probably start the next "Wilco" :) you're right, the poetry is rich! Great work!

  • @Adamjmckay
    @Adamjmckay2 жыл бұрын

    Really like what you are doing here. Great work.

  • @denisnetto_2024
    @denisnetto_20242 жыл бұрын

    You should send this to Susie! She will invite you as a special guest on the Tweedy Show.

  • @ericmichaelandrews
    @ericmichaelandrews2 жыл бұрын

    Excellent! Sounds like something Jeff would write!

  • @lm8404
    @lm84042 жыл бұрын

    So good, and informative, and inspiring! And the song ends, on G minor.. haha. Nice! 1st time watcher! Just subscribed. thanks for your work.

  • @thejmz
    @thejmz2 жыл бұрын

    What a great video. Thanks for this good sir.

  • @JLeppert
    @JLeppert2 жыл бұрын

    Just found this channel. I love it. Thanks! Oh, Uncle Tupelo is in my top five favorite bands of all time.

  • @jesh119
    @jesh119 Жыл бұрын

    Great song! Thank you for this video

  • @jaykizzyofficialchannel
    @jaykizzyofficialchannel2 жыл бұрын

    I enjoyed watching this, thanks

  • @kevinmcfarland8305
    @kevinmcfarland83052 жыл бұрын

    this was really interesting ! thank you

  • @TheHarmonicaBarge
    @TheHarmonicaBarge2 жыл бұрын

    great video, very interesting thanks! I'll try some of these exercises :)

  • @williamt9025
    @williamt90252 жыл бұрын

    You are going to be successful on this platform, great content.

  • @iamuniverse9492
    @iamuniverse94922 жыл бұрын

    Sounds Amazing Brother ! 🔥 ⚡️

  • @izaksmith538
    @izaksmith5382 жыл бұрын

    Im not a Wilco fan but I appreciate the songwriting skills (I can’t listen to Dylan or Cash either but again total respect for the talent and skill). I do love the quotes you extracted from Tweedy’s book- the one about throwing a party and not inviting the self critical parts is going on my fridge! I liked the distorted part in the bridge- very much like a rocket launch- shades of Bowie. Also, and no insult at all, it very much sounded like getting a thorough yet succinct writing lesson from Bird Man!

  • @BrazosP
    @BrazosP2 жыл бұрын

    Great song! Thanks!! Liked more than I thought I would! Congrats! Now wrote one album! Hehe

  • @christopherwallace374
    @christopherwallace3742 жыл бұрын

    great song!!!!! keep going mate!!!!!

  • @jonpenney1702
    @jonpenney17022 жыл бұрын

    I really liked the finished song and the take-off at 16 minutes was a great touch, I could just imagine the billionaires taking off on their Apollo G rocket and leaving us all behind. I'm going to have a go with these techniques. I wonder what I'll come up with.

  • @alwayskateellen
    @alwayskateellen Жыл бұрын

    Right on. Cool concept, like how the guitar sounded like a rocket launching and the using a different POV for the protagonist- it allowed you to say things that are super interesting. “I’ll be here for eternity” is pretty scary statement in this context. Nice.

  • @LP-dt4sq
    @LP-dt4sq2 жыл бұрын

    great stuff!

  • @thecoopstr
    @thecoopstr2 жыл бұрын

    I liked the process and how you approached it. The song is definitely viable. I would replaced the half step chord modulation in the chorus with something sampled from your instrumental slide up the neck fashioned to sound like awkward attempts to launch a rocket to get to the desired modulation pitch. Maybe even change it up with each new iteration of the chorus. Great effort. I have read both Jeff's books, but I want to go back and dig in now that you have so graphically and musically illustrated his technique. Thanks!

  • @andrewtea
    @andrewtea5 ай бұрын

    Love your song!!

  • @macaroon147
    @macaroon1472 жыл бұрын

    Quality content right here.

  • @0000song0000
    @0000song00002 жыл бұрын

    5:00 wow, i also thought of Silvia Plath when you said it. I guess it's because her poems are so descriptive. BTW I loved this video, I had never felt instructions were so specific on other "how to write songs/lyrics" books

  • @RandomVelocity
    @RandomVelocity Жыл бұрын

    Great ideas and you came up with some pretty interesting lyrics for sure. I subscribed a minute into your video.

  • @stacyperrone-petta3326
    @stacyperrone-petta33269 ай бұрын

    Great song and imagery! Keep up the great work!

  • @jefftweedyofficial

    @jefftweedyofficial

    21 күн бұрын

    🤘🤘🎸 🎸 🌹

  • @hikrose
    @hikrose2 жыл бұрын

    Nice song. Good video lesson. Mahalo.

  • @guitarcookbook
    @guitarcookbook2 жыл бұрын

    nice video ! thank you for sharing, your song is 👌🏻

  • @ghostrider2664
    @ghostrider2664 Жыл бұрын

    A brilliant way to write a song that anybody can do. Many thanks for this.

  • @funguy29
    @funguy29 Жыл бұрын

    Bravo

  • @thomasbarchen
    @thomasbarchen2 жыл бұрын

    Sounds pretty good!

  • @hodown74
    @hodown742 жыл бұрын

    Great breakdown. Your song sounds like Duncan Sheik--awesome job, man!

  • @Zaxxon95
    @Zaxxon952 жыл бұрын

    Fantastic video.

  • @michaelmccann5061
    @michaelmccann5061 Жыл бұрын

    awesome song!!!

  • @michele21auntiem
    @michele21auntiem Жыл бұрын

    Loved it. Thank you.

  • @jefftweedyofficial

    @jefftweedyofficial

    21 күн бұрын

    🤘🤘🎸 🎸 🌹

  • @billhawkins5376
    @billhawkins5376 Жыл бұрын

    Good job. Thank you

  • @aquaartistcat5835
    @aquaartistcat58352 жыл бұрын

    this technique is very cool and that song went hard

  • @ZackBlackMusic
    @ZackBlackMusic2 жыл бұрын

    Fantastic video. Subscribed.

  • @PBeetheFox
    @PBeetheFox5 ай бұрын

    Jeff: Write freestanding couplets to help spark ideas. Me looking at my google doc of lyrical ideas: Yay! I'm such a good songwriter! Jeff: Don't let adjectives make you think you're being poetic. Me looking at my google doc of lyrical ideas: Wait, wut......

  • @CreatingShane
    @CreatingShane2 жыл бұрын

    Glad I found you this early

  • @douglasretrievermusic1207
    @douglasretrievermusic12072 жыл бұрын

    Awesome video! Subscribed for sure. Altho the background music was maybe a tad too loud. Trying to learn from a bunch of songwriters and putting it into practice is a real cool concept btw!

  • @TheSongwritersWorkshop

    @TheSongwritersWorkshop

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the sub and the feedback!

  • @martincostilla5163

    @martincostilla5163

    2 жыл бұрын

    Keep it going dude, I’ve been playing guitar for 16 years and only just now feel like I’m diving into the concept of songwriting…

  • @ModernKaveman
    @ModernKaveman2 жыл бұрын

    I liked the song! You can use some refinement in my opinion, but I think you are on to something really good here. You just might have inspired me to get to working on my own stuff. I really appreciate your willingness to take this brave journey with us all.

  • @septiclycan633
    @septiclycan6332 жыл бұрын

    Lit af

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