The art or practice of composing songs, including writing both the music and lyrics.
Combines 'song' (from Old English 'sang,' a melody or poem set to music) and 'writing' (from Old English 'writan,' to mark or inscribe). The compound emerged in the 20th century as popular music became a distinct industry requiring specialized creators.
The Beatles revolutionized songwriting by recording their compositions in studios rather than just performing them live, turning songwriting into a studio craft. This shift meant songwriters could experiment endlessly, layer voices, and create effects impossible to replicate on stage—fundamentally changing what a 'song' could be.
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