Originally Posted by BIG JIM MERRILEES
Roy...Do you think that musical knowledge and the ability to understand the structure of chords and melody helps or hinders a lyricist?


Sure it will help Big jim, in lots of cases, but not all. Some, myself included just do not have the apptitude for music. WE REALLY DON'T. No one seems to understand that.

Everyone keeps saying, it's easy to learn to play an instrument. Of course a musician would say that, they have the apptitude for music and maybe quite a few years behind them.

So if that is the case, do we give up writing lyrics, and be made to feel that we are half persons, or do we work on writing the best lyrics that we can. WORKING on what we can do well.

Originally Posted by BIG JIM MERRILEES

I listen to the lyricist and try to do as he asks...I will often put my own stamp on the piece and sometimes recommend changing a melody or altering some lyrics.


Sure you do Big Jim, because of your experiance.

But surly you must sometimes get lyrics with someone singing them and playing an instrument badly where you think,'Oh No'this is total crap'.

I can understand advice and helping, thats what you do. But if I call you and say, Big Jim, I am a songwriter and I have been playing the guitar for 6 months and I have a song I would like you to demo for me. Here it is.

Because I have learnt to play the guitar, does that mean you have an advantage when doing me a demo for me, because of what I give you.

Or if my twin brother gave you his lyrics and told you the style and genra he was looking for, and some singers who it thought the song would suit.
And he asked for YOU to make the melody and the demo.

And the lyrics were well done for you to work with, would he have the advatage with you.

I hope that makes sense.

God Bless Roy and Helen

'You Have To Kiss A Lot Of Frogs To Find A Prince'