Well, it's true that some people misuse the Blue Book. I can't argue with that. And yes, I suppose I've encountered some people who insist there's no other way to sing a song - but most of the songs in Rise Up Singing do have known authors, and the book usually does give an accurate representation of the lyrics.

And yes, those who commit such sins are to be as despised as the guy who refuses to use a written source of lyrics, and then starts a song three times over and can't ever finish a song because he can't remember the lyrics.

Maybe it's better to just let people sing, however they want to do it, and not be so damn judgmental. Sure, it's wonderful when virtuosos can remember a 25-verse song and sing it perfectly - but isn't it also wonderful when ordinary nonmusical people at least try to sing in a group?

-Joe Offer-