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by Ricky Layne. 01/27/21 10:33 AM
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#731006 - 06/19/09 01:36 PM
Re: Why are there so many lyric-only folks?
[Re: Kevin Emmrich]
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Joined: May 2001
Posts: 7,412
Ray E. Strode
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Posts: 7,412
Brunswick, Ga. USA
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Well, There are no shortcuts to success. I advise anyone who wants to be a songwriter to learn to play an instrument. You can buy a good guitar for a song these days. It does take dedication.
Ray E. Strode
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#731017 - 06/19/09 01:59 PM
Re: Why are there so many lyric-only folks?
[Re: beechnut79]
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 6,403
Joe Wrabek (D)
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Garibaldi, OR USA
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I differ. I don't think somebody who writes lyrics has got to learn to play an instrument, or write music. Yes, it helps. But not everybody's strength lies in that direction.
For years 'n' years, songs were team efforts, in the pattern Tin Pan Alley made famous (though it had been going on for a few hundred years before that)--one person wrote the lyrics, and another wrote the music. Until real recently, Nashville still worked like that.
I would agree that lyrics only are not going anywhere in the music industry; they never have. If you've got lyrics, you need to find a composer. You're prey for the Paramount (&c.) crowd, and I would not give 'em the time of day. Instead, you are likely to find just what you need right here, or somewhere like here. There are a bunch of people (including myself) who are able and willing to set somebody's lyrics to music. At that point, you've got something you can peddle.
My opinion, as always.
Joe
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#731036 - 06/19/09 02:32 PM
Re: Why are there so many lyric-only folks?
[Re: Hummingbird]
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 6,588
Mark Kaufman
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Posts: 6,588
Minneapolis
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I've met a lot of people who have a deep passion for music and songs, but they just can't physically make music. Some take guitar or piano lessons, but it just doesn't work--they know the sound of good music, but their body can't make it happen...the strum has no rhythm, the chords can't be remembered, the voice won't hit the note, the finger keeps forgetting how to press the keys. I feel the same way when I try to install an HVAC system...sorry, no can do. But a person like this may still love music and may be a very good wordsmith. There aren't a lot of people reading poems these days, but good lyrics are still a lively part of our culture. My advice to this sort of lyricist is always the same: whatever you write, keep its rhythm consistent...it's not the exact syllable count so much as the rhythm of the lyrical lines that needs to match the same melodic passage. (Here's an example of two lines with the exact same syllables...one would work for the song, and one would not: "All you need is love" "My name is Helen" Guess which one Lennon used for his melody?  )
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#731038 - 06/19/09 02:38 PM
Re: Why are there so many lyric-only folks?
[Re: Hummingbird]
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,139
Michelle Chapman
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Posts: 1,139
Martinsburg,WV
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Hi Kevin, For me Kevin,Its a matter of not wanting to bite off more than I can chew....at this point in time anyway.
I tried to learn guitar a few years ago,and just found it was not my thing.
I'm a writer,and I want to work on trying to perfect my skills in writing.I have been absorbing myself into reading and studying anything that I possibly can about writing lyrics.
For me,at least,it's just not as simple as writing some words that rhyme down on paper.I'm in the early stages of the learning process and I want to be the best writer that I can possibly be.
For me it would be like telling the camera man in a news story that he needs to learn to report the news also.It would be great if he could do both,but he probably wants to focus on the job he is best at.
Some musicians cant write lyrics no matter how hard they try,and some lyricists cant play music.It would be better if everyone could learn to do both,but it just doesnt work out that way for everyone all the time.
I am however learning,that OCCASIONALLY ,I can come up with a melody in my head for a lyric that I am working on but that isnt always the case,so I depend on the great co-writers that I have been finding,that take a look at one of my lyrics and finds something in the lyric that inspires them.
I just want to learn to be the best lyricist that I can be,and I have a long way to go,so I am focusing on the lyrical aspects of songwriting only for now.That is my reason.I'm sure that others will have other reasons.
Michelle
*****You know I'm a dreamer,but my heart's of gold*****Motley Crue
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#731051 - 06/19/09 03:43 PM
Re: Why are there so many lyric-only folks?
[Re: Harriet Ames]
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 10,938
Kevin Emmrich
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 10,938
Crozet, VA
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to suggest that every lyricist can become a composer is a bit insulting to some of the great composers that inhabit these boards. Just to clarify, I am not saying that they become experts -- just a rudimentary feel for music to allow better writing of "musical" lyrics and to help lay groundwork for the future composers. "insulting to composers" -- not even close (I can see how lyricists might be offended, though). Let's face it, for most writers with no music, 99% of lyrics here are going to die as just words. Learning the rudiments of piano, though, might give life to some of these lyrics. Then those 99% can at least go the Mark's "graveyard of songs". By the way, this question comes from someone who does not feel gifted in either lyric writing or musical composition. Kevin
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#731071 - 06/19/09 05:49 PM
Re: Why are there so many lyric-only folks?
[Re: J. Parker]
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 7,997
Mike Caro Substudio
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 7,997
NY
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That is why such a person is called a "Lyricist" Bernie Taupin is a lyricist. Musicians should ALL be able to write songs. Well they don't. Actually the thing is at least sometime in there life they try, or have written a few. But there are countless who have only been in cover bands,or wedding bands. Who have played & written instrumentals and never wrote one lyric. Shouldn't a "producer" also be an engineer? All these things are so very related yet so different in many ways. We see many things as one, just because someones's a great musician doesn't automatically make them a songwriter. Think of all those who write poems, very close to lyrics, but....... I think if you write lyrics only you are a lyricist,once someone puts music to your lyrics you are a a co-writer and I think it's okay to tell others "I'm a songwriter"  However I do agree and encourage, if your really into songwriting learning to play something even if just for fun/interest/challenge or cutting out your co-writers LOL is a very good thing. But Vikiki said it best "Focus mainly on what you do best" I have a few tunes right now that desperately need lyrics only. I wriote them of course but these ones have been a thorn in my side for years now. I scout the lyric boards looking for a match. So! keep em coming lyricists 
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#731085 - 06/19/09 06:54 PM
Re: Why are there so many lyric-only folks?
[Re: IdeaGuy]
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 4,199
Bill Osofsky
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Utah
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(Here's an example of two lines with the exact same syllables...one would work for the song, and one would not:
"All you need is love" "My name is Helen"
Guess which one Lennon used for his melody? On the other hand, "Her name was Lola" worked okay for Barry Manilow  Bill
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#731092 - 06/19/09 07:14 PM
Re: Why are there so many lyric-only folks?
[Re: Bill Osofsky]
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,323
Marc Barnette
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Nashville, Tn.
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One answer might be that it is because almost any one can write in some form or another. We all start around 5 years old with poems, "I do not like Green Eggs and Ham, I do not like them Sam I am." So many people take it the next level writing poetry, stories, papers, etc. Most colleges require some form of creative writing in their cirricleum. Even in business sources there are writing elements involved. Quite literally anyone can do it. But writing some lines and rhymes, telling a story, is one thing. Writing lyrics, that match music, and make people physically want to purchase it with their time or their physical money is something totally different. And with things like the internet it has turned the world into poets, composers, inventors, lyricists, etc. That is partially why the Library of Congress is backed up two years for patent applications, copyrights, and similar legal avenues. Music usually takes some form of instruction. Whether it is piano or guitar lessons at ten years old, choir or vocal groups, or being in bands or other outlets. It takes expense of having an instrument and some form of discipline to learn to do it. And for anyone that has ever gotten that old upright piano that is used basically to sit pictures of the grandkids on or that "old guitar case underneath the bed or sitting in the corner" it is easy to lose interest fast. It is hard and takes work. This is not to diminish great lyricists or book authors. That is extrodinarily hard to do well as well. And there are very few true lyricists. Most writers in the past 40 years have been both musicians and lyricists, which is why there are so few "outside cuts" which means the artists themselves are the writers. Over the past years since there are so many magazines, contests, etc. that the lyrics are allowed to be submitted, the explosion of people who think they are lyricists have grown by thousands of times. But in my humble opinion, most of these are not true lyricists. One look at American Songwriter magazine's lyric winners and second, third and fourth place winners make you wonder what the criteria are. There are really no place in modern society for eight and nine verse, rambling, trite, poetry that says nothing about anything in a very poor way, outside of other rambling, trite poetry, done in a poor way writers. It frankly encourages poor writing and never goes anywhere. But it does give the winners a plaque to put on their wall. Very nice. That is my take on the question. good to hear from you all.
MAB
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#731104 - 06/19/09 08:31 PM
Re: Why are there so many lyric-only folks?
[Re: Kevin Emmrich]
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,650
WriterTomYeager
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Harrisonburg,Virtginia
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dont mean to drift the thread-as far as the original topic but this is relevant to the "do what you are best at" for the overall mission type theory....even the Marine Corps uses it evidentaly.....selection process for the Marine Band-repost from Wiki.. Selection process Musicians in the Marine Band are selected through a rigorous audition procedure. Candidates who satisfy the musical audition must meet security and physical requirements, and then are enlisted into the Marine Corps with four year contracts. Because musicians cannot be used for a combat mission, they are not required to attend recruit training.[1] Because the band recruits experienced musicians, members start at the rank of Staff Sergeant, and wear rank insignia with a lyre replacing the normal crossed rifles. Officers are drawn and commissioned from the band, but Drum Majors are career Marines and are selected from Fleet Marine Force bands (as they are responsible for the military development of the band's members). (yes they play at the White House-but are they members of BMI or ASCAP-no-because they havent written any original material  ) and I do agree with you Marc about 8 or 9 verse poets thinking they are lyricists.... they never get a full hearing of their material at the BMI Guest Publisher Screenings In Nashville-or as I call it "Home of the 45 Second Shot Clock" Tom
Last edited by WriterTomYeager; 06/19/09 08:55 PM.
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#731112 - 06/19/09 09:03 PM
Re: Why are there so many lyric-only folks?
[Re: WriterTomYeager]
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 326
lucian
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Camden Town, London
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Well, I think Marc B answered the question pretty honestly and accurately. There's so many lyric writers because it's something literally anyone can do - some better than others of course. To be honest, it's a completely futile pastime. But, as the great American icon John Wayne said: "Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway." So if you enjoy writing lyrics, go ahead and keep writing them, but understand and accept you may never get anywhere with them. There's something everyone has to come to terms with when you get into songwriting, be they a musician or lyricist: Being able to write a song is not an extraordinary skill, it's a noteworthy skill. Being able to write noteworthy songs is the extraordinary skill that you need to aspire to if you want to get anywhere.
I would say to lyric writers that the better the understanding you have of music, the more you put yourself above your peers. Learning an instrument is helpful, but learning to sing to the maximum of your ability is the best thing you can do. I see a lot of lyrics that are over structured, overly preoccupied with everything looking neat and tidy on the page, verbose, crammed and with no room for a singer to do what they like doing best - showing off the qualities of their voice. Being able to a sing to any extent opens up more melodic possibilities and means you can write from a singer's perspective.
I think putting your lyrics up in places like this is kind of showcasing your work and getting noticed. Ideally, you want a good melody writer to contact you and you and say, "Hey, I dig your lyrics, could you put some to this melody?" It's just my opinion, but the music first, lyrics second method generally yields better results. Doing it the other way around often leads to unoriginal, average songs.
Lucian
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#731116 - 06/19/09 09:14 PM
Re: Why are there so many lyric-only folks?
[Re: WriterTomYeager]
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 6,108
ben willis
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Ft. Myers, FL. USA
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Thanks Tom, my cousin was in the Air Force Band. He is a civilian now and has a regular gig in Branson. Not sure where he plays.
I don't want to make this post about me, but only share my experience. I grew up learning to play instruments since 9 years old, Violin, Clarinet, Sax, Guitar, Mandolin, Banjo. I know music theory somewhat from the early days. I can look at a manuscript and tell what time it's in, sharps, flats etc. I can get the idea and feel of the melody,(by reading those funny words like adagio..) but can't sight read. I mainly play the Guitar now, but can't read Guitar music. I read Tabulator and hate it.
I've only been writing my own songs for 7 years. When I write a song I write the lyrics and melody at the same time to establish a meter, then go back and change things later. Like McCartney's "Scrambled Eggs".
I'm venturing into writing melodies for others lyrics now and not finding it as easy as I thought. The melody is what catches the ear when first heard. Dylan and Donovan can do both, words and melody. It's like learning a new instrument to provide a great melody for pre written lyrics. I first try the original meter and lyric to get an idea of what the lyricist had intended, and if that doesn't work, I'll ask to make some changes.
As a musician, it would be nice to sit down with a co-writer and work a song out. That can't be done most of the time with the Internet, but I believe that the prospects are even greater with the Internet because you can meet co-writers that you will never find in your home town.
Yeah, it's hard to learn to play the guitar, you have to learn all those chords (7 basic) and change from G to C real fast. And don't forget that it makes your finger tips hurt.
Remember to tune your Guitar. Thanks, Ben
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#731124 - 06/19/09 09:36 PM
Re: Why are there so many lyric-only folks?
[Re: lucian]
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,330
Jean Bullock
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,330
Anaheim, CA, USA
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… Doing it the other way around often leads to unoriginal, average songs. Lucian Respectfully disagree on that one, Lucian. A good composer will not be limited by writing to lyrics. An unimaginative composer will be.
Last edited by Jean Bullock; 06/20/09 01:03 AM.
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#731129 - 06/19/09 10:04 PM
Re: Why are there so many lyric-only folks?
[Re: Jean Bullock]
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,139
Michelle Chapman
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Posts: 1,139
Martinsburg,WV
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I pretty much agree and disagree with everything that has been said.When asked the question "what do you think is the most important part of the song,lyrics or music?",the answer always varies from person to person.I think you just have to look at the song as a whole.If a person writes music,they are a musician(whether or not they write good music),if a person writes lyrics they are a lyricist(whether the lyric are good or bad)...after all what some think is great,others may find painful to listen to.Variety is the spice of life,and thank goodness we dont all like the same things.I think it is absolutely wonderful if a person can compose music AND write lyrics,but its just a fact that for whatever reasons,some just simply cant.To me,it doest take away from the talents that they DO have.I call myself a songwriter because I HELP to write,or in some cases,write songs.I'm not claiming to be a great songwriter,but hope that some will like and enjoy the songs that I write(or HELP to write),and I am trying very hard to learn more about what I am doing everyday.I am trying to be the best lyricist that I possibly can and I am pouring my heart into learning everything that I can about writing great lyrics.As I said before,I really did attempt to learn to play the guitar,for several reason I found that it wasnt for me.For one thing,I have crippling arthritis in hands.I think people will choose to focus on what they do best,and what they love to do the most....in the process I am learning a little more about music.....I truly respect everyones opinion here,it just seems that it could have the potential to hurt or possibly even dissuade those who only write lyrics,to make them feel that their contribution to songwriting is unimportant.....but that is just my opinion,and I admit I dont know very much at all,but I sure am trying VERY VERY hard to learn. Michelle
*****You know I'm a dreamer,but my heart's of gold*****Motley Crue
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#731144 - 06/19/09 10:41 PM
Re: Why are there so many lyric-only folks?
[Re: Michelle Chapman]
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 6,588
Mark Kaufman
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 6,588
Minneapolis
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I pretty much agree and disagree with everything that has been said. Me too!  There are so many different ways to make a song fly. What is impossible for some is just the ticket for others. In the end, the song's the thing. Make those lyrics sound like music. They need to be sung, so make 'em sound good. Chant them in the shower...sing them to an imaginary melody when no one else is listening. Get them off the page and into the air where they belong, because they're lyrics, not text.
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#731163 - 06/20/09 12:53 AM
Re: Why are there so many lyric-only folks?
[Re: Dean Richardson]
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8,679
glynda
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Princeton Texas
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All I have to say, is that I don't do music, not at all in any form...but I love to write, so much stuff up in this wee lil' head of mine and I just want to get it out and on paper,,I hum it, sing it to myself..i'm sorry that I don't do the music, i've tried piano, guitar, key board,but I just can't get it to sound like I want and I feel my words deserve better, that's why I get others that are pro's in music to do my stuff..I'm just here doing the thing I do..not to get rich or anything like that...I'm not suppose to be a rich person..not in my genes..but i've met so many very talented people here and i'm having the time of my life..and I do want to thank each of you that has helped me, co-writers, demo singers, the one's that have put music to my lyrics and mostly to the rest of you that has given me feedback, whether it be postivie or negative..I really do appreciate each of you more than I can express...but since I don't do the music part, please don't hold that against me...and thanks for giving me the chance of my life to spend time with you here...i'm really living this up, never in my mind did I ever think that someone like me would even be putting words into a song and just hearing it on CD is more than I could have ever expected...so from me to each of you...thanks for what you do and thanks for giving me this dream of writing lyrics..love to all as always...............glyn
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#731165 - 06/20/09 01:21 AM
Re: Why are there so many lyric-only folks?
[Re: glynda]
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 8,574
Mike Dunbar
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Nashville Tennessee
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Why are there so many lyricists? Simple. A lot of people who play an instrument do not compose, they play cover tunes. A lot of singers don't write the melodies, they sing cover tunes. But lyricists don't sit and write out cover tunes. They all write original lyrics.
If you have any more questions, feel free to ask.
You've got to know your limitations. I don't know what your limitations are. I found out what mine were when I was twelve. I found out that there weren't too many limitations, if I did it my way. -Johnny Cash It's only music. -niteshift Mike Dunbar Music
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#731177 - 06/20/09 02:13 AM
Re: Why are there so many lyric-only folks?
[Re: Marc Barnette]
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 176
Patti Smith
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Kansas
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Wow! I was speechless, then I decided to say this-I prefer to write because I'm passionate about it. I haven't had time to post a lot. It took a little while to read this thread and it's very interesting how people feel. I will continue to write lyrics while waiting for a composer. I strum on my guitar some. I have crappy melodies in my head. I could be worse and I could be better. The fact is, it exercises my brain: helps me feel creative and is an outlet at times. What's wrong with that? There are legendary songwriting partners that split the job in two primarily because of their strengths.
Patti Smith-Lyric writer Wanted CO-WRITERS
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#731180 - 06/20/09 02:20 AM
Re: Why are there so many lyric-only folks?
[Re: Mark Kaufman]
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 6,108
ben willis
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Ft. Myers, FL. USA
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Well.....I have to confess...in high school, when I was bored in class, I would write popular song lyrics on my notebook. Beatles, Floyd, Bowie... Mark, I didn't do that, but had a friend who did, (In high school). I was music publisher of the high school newspaper. I remember a guy who tried to post the lyrics of a Who song as his own. I caught it, and it wasn't published. I know that you didn't do that kind of thing. (no wink, I really know). I think that I was at a keg party and skipping class when that edition came out.
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#731187 - 06/20/09 02:38 AM
Re: Why are there so many lyric-only folks?
[Re: ben willis]
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,867
Heidi Thompson
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I hear the music in my head and then I am lucky enough to be able to play a few chords on the piano and describe what I hear to my husband, who then translates it all into the arrangement and production.
This has worked fine for me because I am able to communicate in musical terms well enough. However, sometimes my husband (who is a very schooled musician) will get a bit disturbed with my instructions. He'll say things like "those notes don't fit into the chord" or "those chord changes don't make any sense."
Then I get huffy with him and tell him that it sounds perfectly wonderful inside my head and I'm sure it will sound just as wonderful when he plays it the way I hear it.
We are a good team because I'm usually doing things outside the box and he usually keeps me grounded. Just the other day we did an arrangement of a country song I wrote to present to a national product sponsor. We had a Nashville guy over to sing it and play guitar. My husband did his usual, "those chords don't usually go in that sequence" thing. The singer/guitarist from Nashville said the same thing. But, when the song was all down on tape and they were both digging it, the Nashville guy said laughing,"you and I are going to co-write a song when I steal those chords from you!"
My point is that sometimes a non-trained musician like myself can write some pretty great music in her head! Yes, I could take the time to learn to play an instrument better, but I've had six national song cuts and made my living writing music for jingles and commercials for most of my life without playing an instrument (besides plucking out chords to show my husband!)
We all have our own unique creative strengths and if we find a way to use them which then translates into great songs, well that's all that really matters.
If you can hear the music in your head, then all you need is an arranger to help you put it down on tape.
If you don't hear the music in your head, then learning to play an instrument may not be the answer. It will only serve to help you fish for a melody, which also works for many.
Best, Heidi
"And, in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make." Paul McCartney
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#731192 - 06/20/09 03:39 AM
Re: Why are there so many lyric-only folks?
[Re: ben willis]
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 6,108
ben willis
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Ft. Myers, FL. USA
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Think of music as the alphabet. You only go up to the letter G. A, B, C, D, E, F, G. Everything in between doesn't matter for now. A is doe, B is ray, C is mee, D is fah, E is soh, F is lah, G is tee, and doe is back to A in the next octave. The same note, only higher. I may be wrong, but that's the basics. I yeild to MD. He can explain it better.
Follow Cupcake in the avatar.
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#731211 - 06/20/09 07:04 AM
Re: Why are there so many lyric-only folks?
[Re: tbryson]
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 29,275
"Tampa Stan" Good (D)
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Tampa, Florida since 1973
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HiYa Brother Kev!
Sorry to be Late to The Thread...&..I'm looking forwards to reading Everyone Else's Post when I get some time.
I grew up in a Musical Family, yet I was the kid who never did the Trumpet Lessons Practice & got Kicked-Out after 4 weeks, back in Grade School. Never bothered me UNTIL I hit Age 35 & penned my first Song. Bothered me a LOT when I was 40-50 HOPING to be The Next Big Thing, too. BUT by-then, I knew my way around a Studio..I'd buy Pretzels & Beer, & had Several Bands volunteering to do the Background Stuff. & then, after a lotta Near Misses with Cuts/Contracts/& all the Usual Hoopla, I took a Decade Off..too.
So, come 1999, I got back into the Lyrics Side of things...Again. Spent 3 years co-ing with Keyboardist from Belinda Womack's Band, Susan Shoshanna-Braun. Co-Bought a $1600 Korg "Karma" Synth..she was mastering ProTools..& all I needed to do was Write Lyrics. DID buy 6 Guitars..3 are really Nice Ones..and a pair of Synths..& more recently, a 24-Channel Analogue Mixing Board...BUT...have yet to learn how to use any of the stuff..BECAUSE..I'm pretty BUSY "Just Penning Lyrics".
And..alas..my Day Job (Clockmaking) so-far HAS paid me far-better than My Music Habit..thus-far. (Tho Lately...the Recession and an Unsold House..or Two..make MUSIC look FAR better than what's So-Far been payin' the bills.)
I've over the years learned HOW to Sing for an Audience..and DO hear The Music behind my Lyrics. I've ALSO learned that a GOOD Musical Collaborator CAN make What I Pen sound BETTER than what I HEAR when I write it. I've also got to know Producers who can take THAT Demo to places NEITHER of us ever Dreamed-Of.
So...yeah, I really SHOULD learn an Instrument..to make things perhaps Easier...BUT..there are only SO Many HOURS In Each DAY..and..Alas..so-far Songs only eat up the Mornings in each of my days. WHEN I've successfully "Retired" from my Day Job..and Un-Loaded the Excess Real Estate..& Misc. Stuff I've accumulated over the last 60 years..I certainly expect to learn an instrument..Finally.
For me, instead of a "Weakness" though, I've ended up mastering Words DUE to my lack of mastering an Instrument. (In a pinch, I can Whistle any part I'm trying to get-across/have actually recorded a few Tracks of Whistling on more'n' a few songs.)
Ol' Elvis..who sold a Billion Records..originally performed, I believe, with a Stringless-Guitar. Not Everybody HAS to know an Instrument to make it in the Music Biz. But yeah, I'll sure agree that It HELPS!
Best Wishes, & as Tampa Chapter Chairman Al "The Pal" Alvarez says: "Keep On Strummin'"! Big Guy-Hug, Stan
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#731218 - 06/20/09 08:33 AM
Re: Why are there so many lyric-only folks?
[Re: WriterTomYeager]
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 8,463
BIG JIM MERRILEES
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Top 20 Poster

Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 8,463
Edinburgh, Scotland. UK
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The importance of lyrics is debateable. Depends on genre. For example some country songs rely on telling a story and creating imagery. The music almost comes as an afterthought. Some pop songs concentrate on music production and catchy riffs but lyrics are unimportant. These songs consist mainly of the same banal line being repeated ad nauseum.
What is important is to write, perform and produce a quality song that has the necessary hooks etc and is pleasing to the ear regardless of the genre. It hardly matters nowadays who writes the lyrics, who composes the music, sings the melody, plays the instruments and produces the recording. What is important is a professional attitude to do the best job possible. We are never too old to learn new things and never done learning.
The best people at anything do not have a comfort zone. They will experiment, take chances, move on, move back, learn new skills and never stop learning. That is what makes them the best.
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#731243 - 06/20/09 10:39 AM
Re: Why are there so many lyric-only folks?
[Re: BIG JIM MERRILEES]
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Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,858
Everett Adams
Top 40 Poster
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Top 40 Poster

Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,858
,NL Canada
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Then there are people that can play a song having only heard it once or twice, but can not produce anything original. Great musicians, but give them a lyric to create a melody for, they have no idea how to start, but start singing it and they'll pick it up and play right along. My musical ability is very limited, my singing is more so, lyrics would be my strongest asset, but I know enough to create a complete song, not well sung or well played, but well enough to get the song across so a good demo studio can expand on it and dress it up to be presentable for an artist to "get" it, the artist then can make it his own.
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#731267 - 06/20/09 12:49 PM
Re: Why are there so many lyric-only folks?
[Re: Everett Adams]
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,816
Kolstad
Top 100 Poster
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Top 100 Poster

Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,816
Denmark
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Any answer will do to this question. I have the deepest respect for lyricists that put in all their energy to make the best lyric they can.
If every lyric came with a melody, I would get sick of collaborations and stop doing them, as I then would just feel like a hired hand.
So I for one appreciate the division of work here.
Then it is true that in todays music industry, the most succesful ones are producers. They can write, play, arrange, engineer and produce the full monty.
Music is mostly entertainment, so therefore deep lyrics are not highest in the hirarchy. But if there's just an inch of artistic ambition left, lyrics are really important IMO
So like in any other profession, lyrics are too important to be left over to the lyricists, the same goes for music. I'd say the best songs today are collaborations, where the strengths are fused together, making the result more than it's parts.
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