Again, I've been a stranger (health problems).

Monica, I perform a cappella so leaving a bit of space to think results in a huge hole. I also perform only in groups so we all need to be on the same page. Otherwise, I could fake it.

Jack, or some reason, although there is a chronology to the song, I still want to jump ahead. Because of my ADD, it is often difficult for me to stay focused.

Heidi, this is a simple song with simple words and concepts (it's a lullaby, for crying out loud). Being an avid (rabid?) reader who has no problem with digging out the dictionary when I do come across a word that is the least bit hazy, I have a pretty good vocabulary, so methinks comprehension is not likely the problem in this case (although I will admit that I have had trouble with songs in the past when I didn't fully understand the lyrics; learning the meaning helped considerably in those cases).

Jacquee, I perform a cappella (I like the sound when supported with harmony parts) so instrumental cues wouldn't help here. The added cue word idea is interesting and unique but, for me, would fall under the the same category as mnenomics; it's something else to remember and if I could remember the cue words, I could remember the order of the darned lyrics.

I had to disband my band back in September when I lost two of my three singers (four, including me) at the same time. Since finding singers good enough to sing harmony is a beast (oddly enough, finding a good lead singer is even tougher since she has to maintain tempo and pitch although I did learn how to pull the tempo some even when singing harmony), not to mention while doing so a cappella, outdoors, and unamplified, I decided I needed a break (I'm going to try again to put together a band later this year). I haven't had the time or energy to do much in the way of learning new music, but I am starting to get a handle on Hush-a-bye just from sheer, massive repetition (and good owld Irish stubborness). Oddly enough, Come by the Hills fell back into place by itself.

One thing I've noticed, though I haven't had the time or energy to analyze it, is the foul-ups I have with lyrics mostly involve jumping ahead; I never repeat an earlier phrase or skip it and put it in later. What's really annoying is the instant I make the mistake, I know I have done so.

I appreciate everyone's help. It has given me a lot to think about.

Jeannie