JPF Home Page Forums General Messages General Message Forum Reading Lyrics (Without Music) on MP3

Hi All

As a follow up to 'Why Lyricists Don't Learn to play an Instrument!' I have a suggestion which I'd like to hear your views on.

One thing that would definitely help potential musicians to collaborate with lyric only posters would be the ability to hear the lyric read by the author on MP3.

Without the lyricist necessarily knowing anything about musical theory, from a musicians point of view, hearing the lyric read aloud, will convey the meter, atomsphere and mood of the piece in a far more dynamic way than just reading it.

This is an alternative suggestion to including the meter (or beats to the bar) in written form.

The spoken voice and singing voice are essentially the same instrument and therefore by audibly recording the lyric, the lyricist goes that much further to assist potential musicians to choose their piece for a collaboration.

I intend to post a lyric (of my own) here on this thread together with a MP3 link' My idea is to demonstrate the point I'm trying to make!

When posted, I urge readers to first read the lyric once or twice and then afterwards listen to it read while reading the lyrics in silence. It is my hope that this exercise will convince other lyricists of the strength of my suggestion.

Lastly, I graciously invite others to do the same by posting lyrics and MP3's on this thread, so we can all figure out together how best the process may work for lyricists and collaborators alike.

What does everyone think.

Regards

ColmT

That's a very good idea. I think a lot of beginning lyric writers don't instinctively know that "reading" their lyrics out loud will help them tremendously.

There's no reason that a writer can't record an MP3 (if they have the tools -- on board laptop mic and audacity!) and attach a link to the lyric on one of the lyric boards.

Kevin

Kevin

I'm with you here! Performing a lyric without music is the closest lyricists can get to performing the lyric with music. I believe lyricists of all varieties should be actively encouraged to do this while writing as well as when posting.

I suspect strongly that by doing so will significantly enhance their chances of securing quality collaborations with other musicians.

Thanks Kevin

Regards

ColmT

A good follow-up to “Why Don’t Lyricists Learn to Play an Instrument!”

For the past several months, I’ve been creating vocal guides on Audacity, either with a melody guide or a spoken guide to indicate correct phrasing. My collaborators
(who all happen to be off-site) find these very useful. Not only do they have a ready-made melody to use or to expand upon, but it helps to save time. In the past, vocalists sometimes mispronounced words or emphasised the wrong ones, and so needed to re-track the vocals.

(Actually, this is something I wish vocalists/lyricists would pay more attention to: I hear a lot of songs with faulty emphases that diminish the impact of the lyric. Perhaps this problem could be picked up early if the lyricist provided an mp3.)

When posting my lyrics for critique, I’d be glad to provide a spoken or sung guide.

Donna

I agree thats a good and fair idea...takes all the guesswork out of it on the part of the composers.....makes the lyricist really consider whether they have song material or just words on a page...though talented composers can and do make songs out of any dam thing.....an example-Gordon Lightfoot wrote the song "Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" out of the story he read about it from a Newsweek magazine article while waiting in a airport....

he just "saw" and " heard" the song in the article........amazing talent........one of the best.....

so if Gordon can make a song out of a Newsweek article-thats a challenge to us all-both lyricists and composers-to go the extra mile in our communications and collaborations........


Tom

Donna

Thanks for this. I believe your comments will prove really beneficial to up and coming lyricists and JPFolks alike. I'm glad to see you would be prepared to perform your lyrics on MP3 and hopefully that will encourage others to do so!

Tom

You're so right, us mad musicians could write a symphony from reading the cent price printed on a postage stamp! Damn you Tom Yeager! Our secret is finally outed. Oh! Sure! Our parents sent us to piano lessons, but deep down we really wanted to get back home as soon as possible to that stamp collection. And who said rock and roll isn't glamorous?

I couldn't agree more, Tom! I love lyrics/songs that arise out of social or political events, or on the basis of a book or a newspaper/magazine article.

Two of my FAWM lyrics were directly inspired by relevant chapters in "The Ancestors' Tale: A Pilgrimage to the Dawn of Evolution" by the evolutionary biologist, Richard Dawkins. Another arose from a chapter in Barbara Kingsolver's "The Poisonwood Bible". Then there was one based directly on a tragic occurrence at a WalMart store 2 years ago, and another on a sad event of just two weeks ago in Den Haag.

(One song posted here, Blah-Blah, Blah-Blah, Blah-Blah, was based entirely on a dinner-party experience I had a few months ago. I left the melody completely up to the composer, however. He's unbelievably talented, and can create something fine around anything.)

I've seen other lyricists here write lyrics based on real events. Kim, for instance, wrote a touching lyric following from the recent earthquake in Haiti.

Two truths:
Lyrical and musical challenges are exciting;
Communication between collaborators is of the utmost importance.

Donna

This is just an edit I made to the original message.

So come on guys .... get involved and lets get it done!

ColmT

I find it almost worthless to read lyrics without music or singing. I am sure that many people can make sense of them without music or singing, but I cannot. That is why I don't participate in the lyrics forums. I tried but was a non starter.

An example for me is Taylor Swift. Looking at her lyrics, it often looks confused and unworkable. But boy, when she sings, it comes to life and makes sense.

Tom

Tom

You make a point which is very close to my heart and mind. Pure lyrics of their very nature must make internal sense or they are just words on a page. The words of a song however only make sense within the overall context of the song! Which I hope is exactly the point you are making?

However, here on JPFolks a separate issue arises, that of the best techniques and methods to be employed for collaborations between musicians and lyricists?

I agree with you to this extent - I believe singer/songwriter/musicians will always produce different songs to a lyricist/musician collaboration.

Both can produce great work, but almost by definition, different work especially lyrically, for the exact reasons you have identified above!

Basically there are songs written by the author of the lyrics and songs that have two authors lyrics and music. My point is that not only is the creative process different in each case but so is the creative result!

Many thanks for your comments Tom

Very much appreciated.

Regards

ColmT

I am almost the same way -- it is the reason I don't do too much critiquing lyric only stuff. However, every once in a while, you read a lyric that makes 100% sense as a song. Those are always exciting to find.

So, having an mp3 of the writer reading their lyric would solve most of the rhythmic/stresses "trying to figure it all out" issues.

Kevin

Kevin

I'm with you. I often feel that lyricists want critiques from other lyricists rather than from us! Without some indication of the music, it's hard to comment in anything other than generalities about peoples work, where as lyricists seem to maintain a language of their own.

I've put lyrics up that 'kick' to the music and received suggested changes that make no sense semantically or musically, largely because the poster hasn't even considered that the words posted match the rhythm of a song!

Hopefully my suggestion may help this on-going confusion!

Cheers Buddy

Post deleted by DonnaMarilyn.

Turned out I'd posted the wrong type of mp3.
Sorry.

That's great Donna

Can you post up the lyric so people can read it here before listening to it! That would be great.

Brilliant stuff Donna

Thanks so much!

ColmT

Lyrics/mp3 above.

I think this a good idea and for test purposes only, I read a lyric that I started but have by no means finished. You can listen if you wish and see if it helps to hear the phrasing and rhythm.

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_songInfo.cfm?bandID=552255&songID=9992011

Colin

As an excercise for lyricists to become melody makers and consequently self-sufficiant, I think a read performance could be a great start. Then lyricists could evaluate the flow and feel of their own lyrics, and could develop the reading further into melody making..

A starting point for collaborations?.. just maybe.. depending on the reading.. reading can easily turn into melody making. And don't get me wrong, that CAN be good for a lyricist. But, there's a chance the lyricist is not as talented in crafting melodies, at least not before they get more experienced, and why would a lyricist collaborate if they already have lyrics AND melody? This is all that can be copyrighted, so a "collaboration" on those terms, risk being reduced to a demoservice as work-for-half-a-copyright (aka work-for-hire), which is not really a collaboration, but a service.

Just sayin.. I've seen many lyricists asking to collaborate when they already have lyrics and melody, and personally, I would never enter a collaboration like that. If there's any need for composing, composers are the most experienced, after all. Eventually, lyricists will be composers, of course..

It's a good idea for lyricists to work with their words as hard as they can, though, and crafting melodies is certainly desireable. But my point is just that it's NOT per se an invitation to collaborate, at least not if the goal is professional standard songs aimed to pitch. I'm concerned if good lyricists would be held back from good collaborations this way.

Setting up a division of work with a musician/composer might be more appropriate, at least for ambitious lyricists that are just starting out with the other stuff IMO..

btw, this is NOT a comment based on your example, Donna. You sound great!

I agree with you entirely, Magne.

When I first began writing, I never dreamed of trying to come up with my own melody. To me, that was the composer's domain. And I've been extremely happy with what composers/musicians have done. I found over time, though, that different composers asked me whether I had a melody in mind, as they weren't sure how best to tackle the song. That's when I began with my first tentative efforts to provide a melody guide, though always with the disclaimer that the composer/vocalist was free to improvise/enhance or even disregard as he saw fit. Thus far, it's worked well. A couple of composers I work with prefer not to have a melody guideline, because when they read the lyric, it apprently "sings itself" to them. Who am I to interfere with that?

I think this is where communication between collaborators will come in. Some composers may want a melody suggestion simply to give them a rough idea of phrasing. Others will want to do the whole shebang, and this will be discussed with the lyricist. Some lyricists may well come up with a nice melody that the composer will use as is or will improvise on. So many possibilities.

Donna

Colin

This is great! Can I ask you to post the lyrics up as Donna has done so people can read them first, then listen and compare the experience!

Thanks so much!

ColmT

Well right now they are written on the back of an envelope but I will type them up and post them soon!

Magne, you have a point, but the copyright office is just a legal entity that arbitrarily set up some procedures many years ago. Lyrics and melody may be the only things you can copyright but what would a song like Sweet Home Alabama be without the intro riff? There are literally thousands of songs that can be identified long before the lyrics and melody come into play. What would Penny Lane be without the trumpet solo and fills? And how would your favorite song sound if someone was playing the wrong chords behind the vocal? Don't let a government office tell you how to write songs......

I think that it is a good idea for people to post their lyrics with them singing a melody on an Mp3. It is not difficult for anyone to do...a cheap mic and Audacity will do the job.

If however lyrics are sung on an Mp3 then is that not a song in its own right already?
So why would anyone who has lyrics and a melody for those lyrics need a collaborator.
Now what they actually may want is a demo done...different ball game altogether.
I think that some lyricists may be confusing a collab (a composer supplying a melody) with expecting to get a free demo. LOL

ok I've been playing around with Jamstudio and learning to play guitar, last week someone told me to stick to doing lyrics, that that's what I was good at and IF I wanted to do music or melodies that I should get with someone who did them...like My stuff isn't good enough....well that doesn't want you to work too hard at it anymore..here is a music track that I came up with just playing around...and below is a song that I did the lyric, music and vocals to...


This I call Wild Escape...music track only

http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=9982342


and here is the song

The Angels Will Rock You tonight

http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=9885725

and I need to redo the rhyme part at the beginning of the children and will soon

I've done a couple of music tracks and melodies for some otheres, but since the post last week of the person saying that I should stick to Lyrics and Storytelling...I won't offer anymore...thanks glyn

Good point, Jim. This is where discussions and communication come in.

For instance, if I wanted a professional demo made, and I had a melody and lyrics, I’d indeed go to a pro demo service for the music arrangement, instruments, and vocals.

If I want a collaboration - with or without a melody suggestion (that the composer is free to improvise upon or discard) - for the purpose of simply creating a pleasing song, I’ll go to the folks I usually work with. It can happen - and has happened - that the result is very nice indeed, and sufficient to be accepted into a music library.

The bottom line is that these collaborators would provide a good soundtrack that could - if we felt we'd like to take things further - be placed in the hands of a demo service to re-create professionally.

Just my tuppence. Perhaps other lyricists think along these lines as well.

Donna

Glynda
That is the most absurd thing I think I have heard in a long time.
I don't know who told you that but I would like to know who appointed them Grand Master in Charge of who should do music?

How long have you been working at creating music? I don't think you were playing guitar before I sent you one. And that wasn't very long ago. (how is the Guitar BTW? I hope it is working out for you)
It does take time to learn to play. It takes time to learn to create music. Keep learning, keep posting,

Sometimes I wonder at the Bullshit that the wannabee experts say here.

Glyn one post does not make a critique.....I think Justin Beiber sucks but millions buy his records. So forget one person's opinion. You are enthusiastic and that is what counts.....you are a beginner and beginners cannot produce the best stuff going especially when they are just learning.
If we all gave up at the first hurdle or when we think we are never going anywhere then nothing would ever be made.
I had you pegged as a fighter not a give upper!!!!!
New challenges and learning new things are hard at first...It gets easier the more you learn....I remember learning to drive...thought "this is impossible...never gonna pass a test". Nearly forty years ago I passed the test first time.
Do not give up you WILL show em.you can play and write with the best...

Exactly. The reason that I ask others to do my melody, is because I feel they can do it better than me. I prefer to spend time on writing words.
I pay for a melody to be written by the demo studio and its mine.
If a co-writer wants to do the music and I already have the melody, why would I share the copyright.

If someone want's to co-write with me, I say yes because I believe in THEIR talent to look at my lyrics and get on with the music side of things.

Come on Colm. do you want it all your own way. You want us to write the lyrics and provide the melody.

And what about if we then want a top Demo produced, do we split the cost of the demo equally when the composer has ONLY added the instruments to the song. (and I don't mean that nastily).

And then what if it gets a cut, who does the music belong to if the lyric writer provided the melody.

Studios used to use a points system for PRODUCING a song if the lyrics and melody was provided. will we go back to that system.

Sometimes when a guitar/vocal is posted a very kind musician comes in and offers to add extra instuments to the mix.

He dosn't ask for a piece of the cake.

These are just questions by the way.




Copyright is VERY important to some of us.

I now have 19 songs published and next week CDs are being sent out and delivered to artistes/record companies and all sorts,and they will be followed up by the publishers.

Ok, nothing may come of it, but I could never do that..

The basis for me getting that deal was the fact that I had paperwork to say that those songs were mine. Otherwise what do I have. My word. Surly not with the Intenet these days.

Nearly every publisher/record company/artiste will not take unsolicited material. They need pedigree. They need proof.

I always register my lyrics befor I post them.
If I had a melody too at the same time I would register both before posting.

After that I own it all and no matter what a composer does he cannot claim rights. The deed is done.

What if I do hum a tune that I think the lyrics will work with, and the composer feels that the tune isn't quite right and wants to change the melody or redo it from scratch. what belongs to whom.

These are important things Colm. maybe not when writing, but if a cut comes along, everything has to be clearcut.

If for discussion sake, I post my lyrics as I do, and you PM me and you offer in the post to write me the music, and I say yes and you do the business, then the music side is yours.

You would be the legal composer.

It is a true co-write. For better or for worse.


Anyway now I will probaly get some flack.

God Bless all Roy and Helen

I may be wrong, Roy, but the way I interpret it is that the suggestion is for lyricists to provide simply - at the least - a basic spoken track to indicate phrasing and how they hear the meter in their mind or when they speak it aloud. It's not about creating their own melodies.

I've sent spoken tracks a couple of times in the past already. It was useful for pronunciation as well.

I don't think it's about needing to provide a melody, unless the composer has asked for suggestions - which I've often experienced - or the lyricist has indicated that she/he could suggest something if required. In my own case, I always clarify that the vocalist has free rein to improvise or enhance as he/she sees fit.

Donna

If three people walk into a room and after a couple of hours come out with a finished song, as far as the world is concerned, they collaborated on a song. No-one needs to know who wrote what parts of the song. They may well have all contributed to the lyrics, the melody and all the other bits.....maybe one wrote each of the three verse lyrics and they all came up with the melody together - it doesn't matter. If you watch the Grammies or the CMA awards shows, a group of songwriters sometimes gets an award for a song but nobody says "Joe wrote the words and Fred the music" They are just co-writers.

I have often collaborated with a lyricist and have hacked away at their lyrics while they suggested changes to my musical ideas. That's why you collaborate - to get the best ideas, not to have a turf war.

The purpose of a copyright is to prevent someone else from stealing your work and claiming it as their own - not to tell you how to write a song. Everyone automatically owns the copyright of anything they write as soon as they commit it to paper or "fix" it by some other means such as a recording. Registering the copyright is just a means to defend yourself should someone try to steal your idea.

I would gladly share a copyright with someone if they make the song better and help make it a success. Half of something is better than all of nothing.

Excellent points, Colin. I always have a say in the music - my collaborators send me rough worktapes first to let me know what direction they're heading in. If there's something I'm not happy with, I feel comfortable telling them: for instance, if I feel there's not a dynamic enough key/chord change-up between sections. By the same token, I'm always open to their suggestions about minor lyrical changes to make a song more easily singable. I've even made major changes at composers' requests: e.g. adding new verses, deleting lines, rearranging structure, etc., all with the aim of having the best result possible.

Roy, as far as who "owns" what goes, songs of mine currently with a publisher are on a straight-out fifty-fifty basis (or in two instances, one-third/one-third/one-third), irrespective of who did what. This even includes the instrumental track(s). The rationale being that without the lyrics, there’d have been no music. By the same token, if for some reason the lyrics were to be used in a context not requiring the music, the composer would also be eligible for his fair share. The rationale here is that if the song hadn’t been created in the first place, the lyric wouldn’t have come to that TV producer’s notice. Besides, it saves a whole lot of sanity and paperwork having everything divided up equally.

Donna

Roy, as far as who "owns" what goes, songs of mine currently with a publisher are on a straight-out fifty-fifty basis (or in two instances, one-third/one-third/one-third), irrespective of who did what.


Yes I understand that Donna. That is your publishers deal.

But do you mean that you have stuff published and its not registered with the copyright office in yours and your co-writers names.

Roy

No, everything's registered, Roy.

Donna

Of course thats right Colin and I do understand that.

But we are talking about members of JPF posting lyrics and then working with other another member who will write the music and then hopefully then a finished song.

Here on JPF we build up relationships and we have to learn to trust others to benefit from knowing each other.

I have seen members fall out over songs, or have to dump a song because the co-write didnt work out.

Its not always sugar and honey.

But if everything is clearly defined from the word go, then at least everyone understands.

That's what I am talking about Donna.

When you copyright a song as you know, you put in names for who owns the music, the lyrics, the arrangment.

So if you write the meolody and the lyrics and a co-writer writes the arrangement which boxes do you tick for yourself and for your co-writer/s when you register the song.

If you did the lyrics and the melody, then it can't be 50/50

If it's personal then please ignore.

It may be simple and as some think not important. That may be so while building up songs.

But I hope one day (maybe foolishly) to have a massive hit. Then It will be the most important bit of paper, not just for me, but for my co-writers as well.


God Bless Roy and helen

Colin, you actually CAN copyright a performance as captured in a master recording (the (P)), so certain riffs ect. are protected in that way.

Governments have licence to KILL, so I'm not the least ashamed of playing it by the book. I need to live :-)

No, I wouldn't be concerned about things like this in a solid ongoing collaboration partnership, where the percentages of contribution is different from song to song. After all, collaborations are about helping each other out, and thereby extend what you can do on your own.

On the other hand, there really ARE many out there looking for free and easy ways of funding their musical projects. Can't blame them, of course, but it helps to have some ideas about what you want to be a part of and what not, I think..

Two sides of ev'rything..

As for me? I would like to see more active co-writing efforts made in order to establish that ever elusive blending of talents and abilities for the creation of lyrics. I am indeed capable of writing on my own, as you should well know, but the interaction of two writers is well worth pursuing.

One thing at a time. After having established a rapport and accumulating a fair and mutually satisfying(between myself and co-writers) sampling of lyrics to submit, then might I make a serious attempt at learning to play some instrument. Unless tapping on a djembe counts as playing something?

I do have a selection of co-writes already, but I want to add to that as much as I can.

This IS a Brilliant Idea Colm

Finally a Good reason to have 3 separate lyric boards

One Lyrics Only

Two Lyrics with Spoken Meter

Three Lyrics With Melody



And in response to Jim M post -- regarding Lyrics with Melody

I agree that because some lyric writers come here with no understanding of copy rights and wonder why " No one wants to put a music track to their song? '' that they sing and have made a wonderful melody for it -- they really need a Demo made and a business education about this stuff.

Thanks Colm for the new post - jm

Hi Colm & Fellow Postfolks:

I like your idea... but, just to show you the other side of the coin... sometimes it is better for the lyricist to simply tell the composer/musicator what they had in mind regarding genre, tempo, mood... if that is not already evident in the lyric itself. The downside is that the composer might bring an entirely different musical "animal" to the table for consideration. Alot depends upon the strengths and weaknesses of the two parties (or more) involved plus the relationship or comfort zone of the parties doing the creating.

Many lyrics can be molded into an entirely different song without compromising the intent of the lyricist... and to the betterment of the eventual creation.

Still, your idea has significant merit and I've enjoyed reading the inputs of others.

Regards,

Dave

Hi Guys

Often things get side tracked very easily on posts!

Colin says:


"Come on Colm. do you want it all your own way. You want us to write the lyrics and provide the melody!"

Sorry Colin, but read the title of this thread again and then consider how relevant to the topic you're question is!



" Read lyrics (without music) on MP3! "

That means no melody Colin! Just the sound of the authors voice reading the lyrics in their own voice! READING NOT SINGING!

Secondly, any discussion here about copyright issues, quite simply don't apply! A lyricists copyright remains the same for an audio performance of their lyrics as it does for those lyrics in writing!

There is a separate discussion to be had about the copyright of collaboration, but here isn't that thread. Sorry! Read the Title!

Here it is again just to keep the thread in focus ..... this is an experiment not a debate!

THE RULES

[1], Post a your 'lyric only' piece here.

[2]. Record yourself 'READING' your 'lyric only' on MP3.

[3]. Link the MP3 with your post underneath the lyrics.

At no stage have I mentioned 'melody' of any description.

This thread is an experiment which attempts to investigate more efficient ways for lyricists to present and promote their lyrics to musicians and collaborators.

Colin, to put your mind at ease ... if you have lyrics and a melody, never mind the copyright or percentage share of those rights. I have a better suggestion. Simply DON'T post them on this thread. We're not doing melody here!

We are doing 'written lyrics' and the 'written lyrics read live' in audio form (MP3) by their creators! No melody required or wanted!

Colin, sorry if I sound a bit over-bearing, but my idea here is not to make a point or express an opinion! It is to try something new, an experimental thread, that may contribute to the process of collaboration between lyricists and musicians!

The research question is simple: Which are best written or live recordings of lyrics as read by their creators - nothing more!

Hope this helps

ColmT

Ooops! I've done the wrong thing then, Colm. I posted a lyric with a melody on mp3. I'll delete that post now.

Donna

Not me brother - you got the wrong guy.

Hi Colin

I'm so sorry my friend ... Roy! Roy! Roy Cooper! I believe he was my intended victim! Roy I hope you are listening! LOL

Hope you're not too offended by my misdirected comments.

Many apologises Colin and thanks so much for this correction.

I owe you one buddy!

ColmT

Donna

Thanks so much. I believe you have understood and adding a lot to this idea. So I hope you post that one up on MP3 Forum and get around to posting a no melody MP3 soon (as I hope I do!) lol

I'd love to keep this thread on track - especially with lyricists and see where it goes!

Thanks so much for your help here Donna, it's long time to dispense with negative stand-offs between lyricists and musicians and rather to do something positive to help productive collaborations which produce great results!

I started the other thread ' Why don't lyricists learn to play an instrument?' in order to explore the depth of needless division between the two major categories of posters on JPFolks.

We've both read it and I think lots of people exhibited their position - showed their colours! Like any debate Donna, they were one winners, because everyone was right and wrong in a way!

Here's the thing Donna and Bg Jim is being honest about it, and I agree with him. There are more musicians who write lyrics, than there are lyricists who don't play or create music!

It's easy to see how lyricists emphasize the speciality of what they do AND how musicians can start thinking they have more all round skills than lyricists! Of course, as you have often pointed out before, some lyricists are brilliant and some musicians are crap and visa versa!

How lyricists start to understand the 'mindset' of musicians and how musicians learn t understand the mindset of lyricists can only be through collaboration and getting to work with them.

Rory Gallagher the great Irish Rock Guitarist once told me years and years ago when I asked him how I could become a great musician told me this, and I quote:


"Play music with other people, learn from other people and always practise something new, not something you already know!"

I believe that, but then my childhood hero - graciously offered his advice. He is sadly missed in this world but his words (and music) still ring true!

So this simple thread I hope Donna may represent a new start. Modern technology allows all of us to join a band, a virtual band, and to learn to play with other people!

My suggestion here is only a start! But then nobody was ever born with a guitar in their hands, regardless of the mythology that surrounds Willie Nelson! lol!

Thanks so much for your support on tis Donna

Regards from Ireland

ColmT

Here are the rough preliminary lyrics I am reading HERE:

You’re a Sight for Sore Eyes Copyright 2010 Colin Ward

V1
You’re standing on my doorstep with your suitcase in your hand,
Went to find adventure in a cold foreign land,
Looking sad and lonely, a tear upon your face,
But now you’re back in paradise, you belong in this place

V2
So come inside this empty house and let me keep you warm,
Unpack your suitcase and toss it in the barn,
You ain’t going nowhere ‘cause your fortune’s right here,
Curl up beside me and I’ll wipe away that tear

Ch
You’re a sight for sore eyes,
Welcome back home,
See what you’ve been missing,
Since you got the urge to roam,
I hope you’ll take me with you,
If you give it one more try,
But maybe you should stay right here,
You’re a sight for sore eyes

Colin

Okay now I'm embarrassed! But in a nice way! I rubbish you unfairly and then you get on the train anyway! Good job my friend!

God now I owe you two!

Thanks so much for this and rock on my friend

ColmT

P.S. No word from the great Mr. Roy Cooper yet! He'll kill me for saying this! lol!

I'm in : )


http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=9993294


On Hold © 2010 joice marie

Someone pressed my hold button
a good while back
Now I'm stuck on pause
frozen in my tracks

I was singing and playing
there was no thought of staying
in one place
No thought of worn out
or erase

Now the word old is a curse
I cringe as I pass by a hearse
and all my dreams are foreclosed
before I reach my goal

'cause all my songs get put
on hold...........

Someone pressed my cold button
a good while back
Now I'm stuck on defrost
hard peas in a bag

I was touring and playing
there was no thought of paying
for a show
No thought of sold out
or no go

Now the word old is a curse
I cringe as I pass by a hearse
and all my dreams are foreclosed
before I reached my goal

'cause all my songs get put
on hold

yeah the market crashed
I've use all my cash
and downloads won't get me gold

now all my songs get put
on hold

Colin

I'm so convinced of this now! That's the first reading on this thread! Hearing it drew me in, so much more than reading you're lyrics! It's the phrasing and motion of your voice! It's half way to a song already! The human voice is the instrument which performs EVER songs! Not drums, not base, not keys and not guitar! Human voice!

This post is brilliant Colin - if I wasn't drunk I'd write something to it immediately - but tomorrow's another day!

I read it first,twice and then listen. Simply no comparison. Listening to you reading Colin got it first time!

Brilliant! Thanks so much for this from me and all listeners and readers!

Regards

ColmT

"There's nothing like a deadline - to concentrate the mind!"

ColmT

Colm, just to set things straight from my end: I've never felt any kind of standoff or division in dealings with my collaborators. In all of my collaboration experiences since I began to write lyrics, there's NEVER been a "needless division". Not ever.

(In fact, I'd be genuinely surprised if lyricists or musicians here had experienced many - if any - "negative stand-offs" or "needless divisions".)

My collaborators and I have always treated each other as equals, and have each brought something to the table that the other needed. Hence, it's always been a win-win situation. We respect one other's talents, abilities, and willingness to join forces with the common goal of creating a pleasing song. And we invariably learn something from each other. My most frequent collaborator, Billy, has taught me about composition, in particular the need for and purpose of good key/chord change-ups. In turn, I've taught him how certain kinds of words can enhance the drama, the mood, the intention of a song.

As I wrote in my last post on your “Why Don’t Lyricists Learn to Play an Instrument!” thread:

“Before 2008 [when I began to write lyrics], I'd liked music (of all kinds), even been inspired by much of it. But I'd never realised the extent of the passion, the love, the dedication, the skill, the blood-sweat-and-tears that a musician can pour into his/her work. For me, this has been humbling, enlightening, exciting, and inspiring.

When a musician contacts me to ask if I'd write a lyric for his music, or to ask for permission to put music to a lyric of mine, I feel honoured.”

I do think your mp3 idea is a good one, however. Hearing the lyric spoken can definitely assist reviewers in their critiques, especially with regard to pointing out areas where phrasing/word emphasis could later be a problem.

Donna

Don't worry Colm. 'I'll BE Back' just gathering my breath lol

God Bless Roy and Helen