Where are YOUR lyrics written?

Subject: Where are YOUR lyrics written?
From: jeffp
Date: 04 Jan 01 - 08:28 PM

My wife has noticed that when I blank on the words of a song I'm playing, I look at the ceiling to find them. Conversely, when I blank on the chords, I look on the floor. One friend of mine has his lyrics printed on the backs of his eyelids. Where do you find the lyrics that have momentarily escaped your mind?

jeffp

Subject: RE: BS: Where are YOUR lyrics written?
From: MMario
Date: 04 Jan 01 - 08:54 PM

I usually have to "listen" for them

Subject: RE: BS: Where are YOUR lyrics written?
From: Matt_R
Date: 04 Jan 01 - 08:55 PM

On the paper in front of me, as usual.

Subject: RE: BS: Where are YOUR lyrics written?
From: sophocleese
Date: 04 Jan 01 - 09:14 PM

On the backs of my eyelids. I figure if I look at the audience the song or story runs out my eyes, but if I keep them closed it will walk out my mouth instead. A storyteller once said that when a person looks up they are visualizing, or maybe its when they look down, damn now I can't remember...

Subject: RE: BS: Where are YOUR lyrics written?
From: Benjamin
Date: 04 Jan 01 - 09:52 PM

I never know where to find them!

Subject: RE: BS: Where are YOUR lyrics written?
From: Jimmy C
Date: 04 Jan 01 - 11:15 PM

I don't find them, but if I have enough jokes and banter they will eventually find me. It happens a lot lately. Must try the eyelids tip, what type of ink do you use ?.

Subject: RE: BS: Where are YOUR lyrics written?
From: Clinton Hammond2
Date: 04 Jan 01 - 11:18 PM

The top of the guitar that I'm playing... or where my thumb meets the neck... I wear my watch on the inside of my writs so I can see it while i play too... sometimes by glancing at the time Ican take my mind off the pressure of trying to fumble for a lyric and it comes to me...

I'm working pretty hard to get off-book as it were...

Subject: RE: BS: Where are YOUR lyrics written?
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 05 Jan 01 - 12:44 AM

Back of the eyelids for me too. One of the things about the Scottish folk scene is that they do NOT appreciate any performer reading his or her song lyrics (except in Nitten of course)

The received wisdom there is that no matter how well you have memorized your words and sung them in your living room, you can expect to screw up three times in public to a greater or lesser degree before they are finally burnt into your memory. In general I have found this to be true.

Murray

Subject: RE: BS: Where are YOUR lyrics written?
From: Amergin
Date: 05 Jan 01 - 12:48 AM

If I am reciting something I usually try to find them written on the foreheads of my audience....and then hopefully I can read them and have them in the right order....flubbing lines suck....

Subject: RE: BS: Where are YOUR lyrics written?
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 05 Jan 01 - 07:11 AM

I think some of my words must be on the back of your eyelids! It's the only explanation for those words that just disappear. It would explain why we sometimes sing -- or say -- completely the wrong thing: something is swapping our words around!

Actaully, there's a lot moere of this kind of thing going on than people realise. Last week I went to my son's 21st birthday party: I had just two pints off beer all night, but I woke up with someone else's hangover!! (Of course, the mosty infuriating thing is that one of those youngsters must have been knocking back the booze like it was going out of fashion, but woke up with a head & stomach as clear as a bell!)

Maybe if I'd been brought up oin Dr Seuss I could blame the Grinch -- any ideas what causes this sort of thing?

Steve

Subject: RE: BS: Where are YOUR lyrics written?
From: GUEST,Russ
Date: 05 Jan 01 - 09:06 AM

They float in space a bit down and to the left. I must turn my head slightly and squint to see them.

Subject: RE: BS: Where are YOUR lyrics written?
From: Grab
Date: 05 Jan 01 - 09:18 AM

Mine are written in my brain. Unfortunately it's not indelible ink, so the more I drink, the more they get smudged...

Grab.

Subject: RE: BS: Where are YOUR lyrics written?
From: MMario
Date: 05 Jan 01 - 09:26 AM

Am I the only one that doesn't visualize? I would think there'd be at least one other who "hears" the tune and lyrics.

Subject: RE: BS: Where are YOUR lyrics written?
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 05 Jan 01 - 10:39 AM

Just to be serious for a moment, I don't visualise words, or notes for that matter: they just pop up one after another, as required. Or not. I can effortlessly play familiar arrangemts and recordings in my head, and with a little effort can play a song and/or tune with different voices and/or instruments (just about up to three) from scratch. Of course, as soon as I try to write anything down, it all evaporates, and I have to go over it bit by bit. But I can't "see" the words when I sing.

OK, that's enough seriousness.

Steve

Subject: RE: BS: Where are YOUR lyrics written?
From: M.Ted
Date: 05 Jan 01 - 11:01 AM

If I lose the lyrics or the chords, I generally can't remember them, so I have fall back tricks, like "bumming" or make up new words as I go along--As a child,I learned the annoying trick of repeating someone's words as they say them so if someone else is singing, I just watch their lips and sing whatever they do--

Subject: RE: BS: Where are YOUR lyrics written?
From: GUEST,Fibula Mattock
Date: 05 Jan 01 - 12:44 PM

On the arse of the nearest attractive young man, heh heh heh (she leers).
Okay, so I don't sing on my own, but usually I remember lyrics fine because they rhyme. And they "fit right" to the music (when there's music). It's when I've had a few drinks that I can't remember a thing and have to mouth the same lines over and over.

Subject: RE: BS: Where are YOUR lyrics written?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 05 Jan 01 - 01:04 PM

I never visualise the words written down. If I'm making an effort to remember words, it's more a matter of hearing than anything.

But I only reckon I know a song when I have the words coming out unconsciously like beads on a string; and the same with whatever I'm playing on the guitar, if I'm trying to remember the chords or whatever, I'm still some way from knowing the song.

Of course sometimes I put my foot out, and the next step just isn't there, even in songs I've been singing for yeasrs and know inside out. When that happens I fake it, either make up words to fit (which sometimes end up as the version I prefer), or singing the last line over again or the last verse, and just hope that people will assume that's how I meant it to go.

Subject: RE: BS: Where are YOUR lyrics written?
From: Elise
Date: 05 Jan 01 - 02:34 PM

My lyrics are always written on the bathroom wall! That's where I get them from, that's where they ought to stay. (Sorry, I couldn't resist).

Seriously, when I forget I usually find myself rhyming backwards. I'll remember part of the verse, then I rhyme backwards to the beginning. If I have the beginning of the verse, I can almost always remember the rest. If not, I make stuff up, 'cause I'm really screwed.

Subject: RE: BS: Where are YOUR lyrics written?
From: Bert
Date: 05 Jan 01 - 03:11 PM

Steve,

if you're getting a hangover without having had the pleasure of earning it then you are probably short of B vitamins. Take a B complex before, during or even after a party.

Bert.

Subject: RE: BS: Where are YOUR lyrics written?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 05 Jan 01 - 03:45 PM

you can expect to screw up three times in public to a greater or lesser degree before they are finally burnt into your memory - only three times? More like three hundred and thirty three and then times that by three.... I've only got 2 songs I remember completely, and believe me, there are only so many times you can do a song about a guinea pig.

The rest I tend to write here at the computer, or illegibly at the pub.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Where are YOUR lyrics written?
From: CarolC
Date: 05 Jan 01 - 04:32 PM

On my... ahem, never mind.

I can't see anything in my head, and I can't hear anything in my head. I feel words and music, but I can't remember anything complicated that way. Maybe that's one of the reasons I don't sing. And I do use sheet music for my accordion playing.

Carol

Subject: RE: BS: Where are YOUR lyrics written?
From: Sorcha
Date: 06 Jan 01 - 02:52 AM

I don't have very many lyrics because I don't sing, but those few that I do have are indelibly burned into the brain.....but tunes, now that is different from lyrics. Usually, my "fingers do the walking" for tunes and I can look at the audience, dance, flirt, giggle (anything except talk) and I am fine. However, once in a while, I just totally blank out....and the only way to get back in is to get out completely and wait for the beginning.

Learning a tune is also different for lyrics people vs. tune people. I can learn a tune without lyrics, but I can't seem to learn a tune that I know has lyrics. With some people it is just the opposite. For our mando player, a tune MUST have lyrics (that she can hear in her head if all else fails) in order for her to learn it.

Her husband, the guitar player, does NOT want to hear about lyrics--he is a "tune" person like me. We seem to remember intervals or patterns instead of words. Does this make any sense at all?

Subject: RE: BS: Where are YOUR lyrics written?
From: CarolC
Date: 06 Jan 01 - 10:28 AM

Makes perfect sense to me, Sorcha.

Subject: RE: BS: Where are YOUR lyrics written?
From: Matt_R
Date: 06 Jan 01 - 11:08 AM

Same here Sorch. I can hear a tune a few times and start playing it from memory...but I can't memorize lyrics. And if I have lyrics, and then a midi or something to go with the song, it takes AGES for it to sink in. I listened to the blinkin' midi of "The Town I Loved So Well" for over 6 months before I finally knew the tune well enough it sing it.

Subject: RE: BS: Where are YOUR lyrics written?
From: Bernard
Date: 06 Jan 01 - 02:52 PM

Usually in a book I left at home...

Odd, really, but I've always had a good memory for lyrics - could learn a song on the way to a gig, for example.

Since I've been suffering with depression, my memory has... what was I saying, now? I forget!

Subject: RE: BS: Where are YOUR lyrics written?
From: Howard Kaplan
Date: 06 Jan 01 - 03:01 PM

Since I sing mostly what I write, and since I write final copies at the computer, I usually have a good sense of how the the page layout relates to the verses. If I can think "ok, now I'm at the top of the second column" or something like that, that often helps me to remember where I am and what's coming next.

Subject: RE: BS: Where are YOUR lyrics written?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 06 Jan 01 - 03:04 PM

I just can't remember tunes without words, until I'm playing them. What I mean is, I know any number of tunes where I can back up a fiddler or mandolin player, and I'll know every note - but I can't remember them on my own.

Ever been in a session where everyone is like that about a particular tune you're trying to play? You all know it, and you know you know it, but noone can remember how it goes - and then suddenly someone gets a bit of it, and you're all away, playing it together. Can be fun, but nervous fun if there are people watching and listening. (though if there's not too much hesitation, it can be quite impressive...)

Subject: RE: BS: Where are YOUR lyrics written?
From: Morticia
Date: 06 Jan 01 - 03:19 PM

If you do a lot of driving putting the song onto a cassette and listening continually can help to drum it in. If I'm going to stick, it's usually on the first line so if I can remember what the song was on the tape before the one I want, singing the last bit of that often jogs the memory. Having said that, McGraths tip (on another thread) of learning a song backwards helps a lot.

Subject: RE: BS: Where are YOUR lyrics written?
From: Morticia
Date: 06 Jan 01 - 03:58 PM

This is the other thread blickie

Subject: RE: BS: Where are YOUR lyrics written?
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 06 Jan 01 - 06:04 PM

Someone else wrote the lyrics: gave me the words to put a tune to, so did most of it belting down the A74/M6/M5 between Edinburgh and Devon on a couple of trips recently - the longest time to sit down and get at it I've had in a long time! In case you're wondering, I wasn't in the driving seat!!

Subject: RE: BS: Where are YOUR lyrics written?
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 06 Jan 01 - 07:23 PM

Mine used to be in my head but then the twins set in and stole the part of my brain that thinks!!!! I have them written down now but often find that is more irritating than just forgetting them occasionally. I find most folk are very forgiving of the occasional hiccup. Actually my friends have a badge that gets passed around during the night which says "Learn the words!" Unfortunately since I have had laryngitis for the past month it's more a case of find a note!!

Subject: RE: BS: Where are YOUR lyrics written?
From: Deckman
Date: 06 Jan 01 - 09:28 PM

You know, this REALLY is a very good topic. I have to distinguish between playing with friends (hoots) and playing for public. I'd like to address the public aspect: All my life, as a performer, I've put a high priority on my obligation to entertain. To 'entertain' means that I have to do my homework, set my performance, practice practice practice so that I WILL NOT have any memory lapses. To do so would mean that I have failed my obligation. A performers trick, I learned 100 years ago, is to meet peoples eyes directly in their own foreheads. By that I mean, DO NOT look them in the eyes. These days, I sing a lot at retirement homes. I like to wander around the room and make personal contact with everyone .. they think I'm looking at them, but I'm looking at a spot in the center of their forehead. If I make EYE contact, I can lose the thread of my concentration, and I would be a failed entertainer. I hope this helps. CHEERS!

Subject: RE: BS: Where are YOUR lyrics written?
From: Sorcha
Date: 06 Jan 01 - 11:33 PM

Deckman, after your post, I realized I do that too, even tho I don't sing...fiddle melody line. I also do a lot of playing in the Homes, and the residents need that personal contact, but you can get hung up in their eyes. I didn't realize that I did that until you said it.

Subject: RE: BS: Where are YOUR lyrics written?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 07 Jan 01 - 07:31 PM

I found it helped being short sighted, I just took off my glasses, the crowd vanished into blurred obscurity and I felt a lot more secure....

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Where are YOUR lyrics written?
From: Hobie
Date: 07 Jan 01 - 08:58 PM

here's my thing, usually i get into it (singing) so much that the words just pour (spew maybe?) out of my mouth. when i realize i'm singing or playing whistle that's when i get into trouble. then i just kind of mumble until the words come back.

Hobie

Subject: RE: BS: Where are YOUR lyrics written?
From: Amos
Date: 07 Jan 01 - 09:07 PM

I don't remember words. I remember stories, attitudes, funny remarks, that are in a song. If I forget them, I find them easier to reconstruct than the words a ssuch -- once the stream of concepts or stories starts to flow, the words and th emnusic just spring right.

A

Subject: RE: BS: Where are YOUR lyrics written?
From: Mikey joe
Date: 08 Jan 01 - 11:34 AM

a the risk of sounding rude... I usually pull mine out of my a**