I've done it both ways. I have so many songs that I've written of late that I do get a little impatient about getting them out into other ears and so I've tried to bring my song book along to various events. On most poorly lit stages where I've played, I found out that it really didn't help. I couldn't see the words anyway.

I've tried reading the stuff that I had not committed to memory from my song book but I've always enjoyed presenting it more after having a song or aside memorized. I guess I should just write songs and stories with fewer words. ;o)

I caught Eric Clapton in a performance reading notes of some kind from a nearby stand. I don't know if it was musical structure or lyrical prompts. I also caught Dolly Parton on a morning talk show appearance lip sync one of her songs and do a good job of messing it up. She sang off key and forgot her lyrics. It was after seeing Dolly's goof that I became more inspired to try to organize more of my own material and perfom it. I figured if she could make a mess of presenting one of her compositions on national television, I should be able to muddle through some of mine at a local open stage or two until I had them down.

When out and about performing I try to stick to the stuff I know, but I can still have that momentary lapse every now and again. I've never strictly used a set list but I will jot down songs that I'd like to play before hand as an aid to remembering them. There are so many songs that I enjoy playing and singing and so many that I never seem to get time enough to present.

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Guest, mines bigger than yours, LOL! Here's one of my latest.

It's Not The Size Of Your Slide...

It's not the size of your slide it's the slide of your size
Ain't no need to get jealous of the other guy's
Boys you better get hip to this tip to the wise
It's not the size of your slide it's the slide of your size

A long time ago it used to be slick
To walk real soft and carry a big stick
But I'm here to remind all you big stick guys
It's not the size of your slide it's the slide of your size

All you misters have heard sisters testify
It ain't the meat it's the motion that satisfies
I'd like to confirm that notion and dispel the lies
It's not the size of your slide it's the slide of your size

All you hicks diggin' me pick my licks
The way that I slip and glide
If you want all the girls to roll their eyes
It's not the size of your slide it's the slide of your size

All you boys, makin' all that noise
I hope you now realize
Don't apologize for your merchandise
It's not the size of your slide it's the slide of your size

If you listen to the words of this simple song
You'll know it don't matter if your length ain't long
Yes, I may be wrong, but I surmise
It's not the size of your slide it's the slide of your size