Hi Barry and My wee buddy Stan. I aree with both of you. My point is just that it is so much better and easier to produce great lyrics if the writer has some musical ability other than just being able to hum a tune. You do not need a degree in music or to be a virtuoso but knowing musical rudiments at least does help. It is also important that folk strive to be the best they can be and you cannot really do that without some theory or the ability to knock out a tune on some instrument.

I bet that Bernie Taupin knows more about music theory than he is given credit for.

I agree that some lyricists are not necessary great musicians and vice versa with musicians not being able to create good lyrics but I bet each knows more than a little about each others craft especially the top pros.

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/songInfo.cfm?bandID=687727&songID=5238055