Been a rough night for big ben clock

Jimmy Webb, often regarded as one of the greatest songwriters of all time, emphasizes that the craft of songwriting—discipline, structure, and technique—is superior to, or at least a necessary handler for, raw talent. In his book songwriter: Inside the Art of Songwriting, he frames songwriting as a challenging, "hell on Earth" profession that requires rigorous work rather than just waiting for inspiration.
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Here are key aspects of Jimmy Webb's view on the craft of songwriting over talent:
The "songwriter" Philosophy: Webb argues against the notion that songwriting is purely magical or exclusively for the born-gifted. He teaches that songwriting is a skill that can be learned, practiced, and refined through "thousands of little techniques".
"Hell on Earth" Discipline: Webb famously wrote that if songwriting isn't "hell on Earth," then "you're doing it wrong," implying that high-quality songwriting requires immense labor, rewriting, and emotional endurance.
Structure over Spontaneity: While acknowledging the role of inspiration, Webb emphasizes structuring the song. He advises defining the "destination" or core idea of a song early on, treating it as a project that requires a clear plan and purpose.
Techniques for Development:
Brainstorming: He recommends creating a repository of phrases, images, and emotional concepts before starting to write music.
Letter Writing: He suggests writing letters to oneself or others to clarify the story and emotion behind the song.
Daily Observations: Webb advises keeping a notebook to record observations, overheard conversations, and emotional moments, similar to his own inspiration for "MacArthur Park".
The Importance of Rewriting: Webb has noted that, especially early in his career, he did less rewriting, but as he matured, the focus on revising and polishing became crucial to his craft.
Respect the Craft: He encourages songwriters to study their craft and not to rely solely on "cleverness," but rather to aim for intention, clarity, and serving the song.
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Webb’s approach, as detailed in songwriter, is designed to help songwriters manage the transition from having a "good idea" to creating a "finished, professional work".
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Songwriting: The Most Subtle Art On The Planet - SongTown
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