I have to have notes when I give a speech, or else I fall apart. Most of the time, I leave the notes on the podium and step closer to my audience - but I have to have those notes nearby for security. Admit it - performing before an audience is stressful, and it sometimes helps to have crutches.

When we sing songs, we should indeed know them thoroughly - but it is often helpful to have notes to fall back on when memory fails us. It's really awkward when a singer forgets a verse and starts over from the beginning....again, and again, and again.

-Joe-