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Joined: Jul 2004
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Sure do . Catchy lyrics often end up as tattoos or on binders. Memes. Social media, sung at the top of their lungs.
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Joined: Nov 2003
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Yes. Being a Words Guy, lyrics are primarily what I'm interested in. I consider the music a delivery system for the words--and yes, I will notice whether it's a good delivery system or not. But I am interested in the words.
Joe
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Joined: Dec 2008
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Great article, thanks for posting! I think what is meant, derived from Sondheim, is that a lyric needs to have an uninterupted flow. I find this to be true. If there are words or even phrases that doesn't quite belong in the universe of the lyric or directs attention towards written form (like rhyme), it can make an audience reach for the remote, or not want to return to it. Lyrics are so fragile, just one little word or phrasing is enough, and why it's so hard to write lyrics well. We often say that pop have bad lyric, or rock, or song on tv. But that may be because the universe they are part of, is not attractive to us in the first place, why nothing that can be said or done in that universe would be appreciated. I think it's a very important pointe in all kinds of writing, that you have to stay within the framework in order to write well. On top of that, if you come from the film world, you cannot write lyrics that will draw attention away from the scene. You need to write supporting lyrics that doesn't stand out on it's own, but instead guides the viewer into a certain emotional state (that the director may want for the scene). But I find this equally true in pop. A pop song that is to be played in clubs needs to sound natural in that environment. if you don't like that, don't try to write it. It will fail. Write instead the popular song for another place. If you write country, write for the truck or the barn dance
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Joined: Aug 2002
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Pop and rock are music driven, production is king because it wants you to dance to its rhythm not sing its words. While gospel has a message to deliver so word are important. Country also tells a story (well not so much these days) so the lyrics convey that story, the music is the supportive back ground on which the words ride. If you want to dance, lyrics take a backseat to the music, but to convey a message or tell a story, the music should take a backseat to the lyrics. Not happening so much in country today because the lyrics are not telling a story of much interest, so the music has to take over the leading role.
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Joined: May 2001
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Of course, The whole song. One part won't sell it. Sometimes lyrics can be a bit weak but still be a Hit. IN THE JAIL HOUSE NOW, written by Jimmy Rogers was such a song. However it is only one of 3 songs that were number one on the charts for 21 weeks when it was covered by Webb Pierce. look it up on youtube.
Ray E. Strode
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Joined: Apr 2003
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Only when they are worth noticing.
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Joined: Jul 2005
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I think there is some truth in it. It's like reading a book. If you find yourself thinking "I'm reading a book", it's not a very good book. If you're totally immersed in it, you don't notice you're reading. If it's a good song, you don't think, "That's a cool lyric". You're just into the song.
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Joined: Aug 2002
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Good way to put it Scott.
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Joined: Feb 2005
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If you don't notice lyrics... you are not a songwriter! Always remember, a melody without a lyric... is not a song.
So why do you ask?
Regards,
Dave
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Joined: Nov 2014
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If you don't notice lyrics... you are not a songwriter! Always remember, a melody without a lyric... is not a song.
So why do you ask?
Regards,
Dave Completely with you Dave. Your statement is the exact reason why I am asking. A songwriter with hit credits made the statement about the lyrics. And for obvious reasons, I don't agree with his statement. Just wanted to get a feel for what other folks think about it and it's nice to know that most on here think that lyrics are important to a song. In some genres more than in others, but still, important!
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Joined: Feb 2005
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Thanks for explaining. Please don't get me wrong... good lyrics don't work well without a great melody, vocal and backing to suit the genre. They all count... but most songs begin with lyrics and the rest is added at the appropriate time to "flesh out" the work. But not all songwriters are stuck with that method of creating. Often, the melody arrives from "Heaven knows where"... or from hours of noodling away at a series of notes... and then the lyric is woven into the melody.
Whatever works best... and neither method is the only way to write a song. Writing a good song is the tough part... almost as tough as getting A&R Departments to even listen. LOL!
You are right... some songs are "beat driven" and the lyrics don't have to be that "stellar"... but if you are talking "Country" or "Old Standards"... the melody and story line must walk down the center aisle together.
All my best,
Dave
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Joined: Mar 2010
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I have to agree with Dave Rice he is spot on here
One of the most important principles of songwriting is to remember that a good song is a partnership of many different components, all working together to produce a satisfying musical experience.
In that respect, song components are either enhancing or compromising their combined effects.
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Joined: Mar 2010
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Kolstad above has it right as well
A very well put response to the original question
One of the most important principles of songwriting is to remember that a good song is a partnership of many different components, all working together to produce a satisfying musical experience.
In that respect, song components are either enhancing or compromising their combined effects.
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Joined: Jun 2001
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The lyrics that I notice are either the ones that are incredibly brilliant and really speak to me, or else the ones that are so awful that they ruin the song.
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Joined: Jun 2011
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I think FOR ME it is the Title First and then the melody and then a great story that moves me somehow.
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Joined: Jun 2006
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I notice lyrics now. I didn't when I was young. I only went for the melody, the beat and the way the song made me feel.
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Joined: Dec 2000
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Not sure if Chabon truly means this as it is one line out of context...but to answer the question, I certainly notice,,,indeed want to know....a lyric. As someone who likes to write, how can we NOT notice? But I think I understand what he is trying to say. I can lose myself in a great song to the point where I "experience" it...so that the words are kinda seamlessly integrated into the music and into my mind. Perhaps that is what he means. But when that happens, I think I want to get at the lyric even more
If writing ever becomes work I think I'm going to have to stop
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