Dee

London's Burning - traditional nursery rhyme (sorry)

The Lion Sleeps Tonight - Tight Fit

Yes, it's a shame no-one else has submitted any ideas. Maybe it's a barren month for ideas, who knows? Can't always have 'em.

Kiss - Prince (sticking with the royalty theme)

Born in the usa - Bruce springsteen

JD Thanks for your reply. We could carry this discussion on and on but I don't want to overshadow what we're trying to do. However, I want to add that I do agree that the melody is a big part of the writing process and to be fair I did (albeit reluctantly) have a bash at singing the meldoy I had in mind. I knew it wasn't perfect and the chorus, indeed, needs to be higher. As I said that was just a rough idea. I do have plenty of melodies in mind for when I write and I think my downfall is my reluctance to sing them. Call it shyness or whatever. I'm not one of those people who enjoy the sound of their own voices - my cringe-o-meter reaches it's highest point when I have to listen to myself. Moving on... what's next?

JD I appreciate your efforts in trying to coax the best out of us but with the greatest respect to you this is a writing challenge and not a singing challenge. I think that was the fifth or sixth time I recorded my song and I'm afraid that's the best it's going to get. I just feel I am unable to give it any more. In another context, I'm too short to become a basketball player - I just aint gonna grow any more. Please, by all means butt in anytime you like with your ideas. We all want our songs to be the best they can but by making us do something we aren't capable of isn't going to make them better. My version was just my idea for a melody, hopefully someone somewhere might have a better melody. Regards Dee

It's My Life - Bon Jovi (2 and 1/2 weeks till I see them live)

Thank you but believe me Danka, if I can do it, anyone can! That's not to say I would readily do it again. I really hated it and have only listened to it once. My saving grace is that no-body here knows me and I know that no one is going to come up to me in the street or worse still the school playground when I go to pick the kids up and say "hey, I heard you singing on Songstuff." Yep, I hide safely behind my laptop. Go on... give it a try

Dear JD If I was inclined to, I could point out that because you did such a fantastic job with MP's song, that surely you could think up another equally fantastic melody for us. But it is your challenge and your rules I guess, so here as requested is a sample of something I put together using my own voice - God help me! DO NOT EVEN DARE MENTION THE SINGING - I MEAN IT!! - I'm aware of my capabilities and at an X-Factor audition you will never find me. I've had real trouble thinking up a melody which is meant to be uplifting and motivational - I'm not sure that comes across very well. I envisaged a soft slow start, building up to a powerful chorus, and taking into account what Lazz said about the chorus needing something after it, I agree. I haven't added it but I think it needs something like... "Make it Mine" after the last Make it happen. Tad cheesy, I know. I have only "sung" one verse and chorus... I couldn't endure any more than that. So now that I have made my reluctant debut, what dare I ask, is next? And in particular have you any thoughts about your contribution to the challenge? After all, you did do such a very, extremely excellent job with Challenge #1 - - My link

Silver Lady - David Soul I know, I know, it's so uncool - sorry! Arrgh didn't look at the last post. Erm... hey it's still relevant phew... I'll stick with it

All I have to do is Dream - Everly Brothers

Oh! JD what ya like? I wouldn't unleash my voice on my worstest enemy (which, coincidentally, has just become you)!! Er.... I'll have a think. Maybe we could reach a compromise without me having to sing? Honestly... I really don't do singing. I would rather subject you all to my dodgey piano playing. Or maybe I could appeal to some silent observer with much better musical ability than me to collaborate? Anything!

Hello I thought it would be a good idea not to look at my lyrics for a while and today is the first time i've looked at them for about two weeks. I noticed a typing error which I've corrected but apart from that I'm happy with them - even the second verse which I wasn't completely satisfied with at first, actually isn't too bad now that I've re-read it. The only thing I will say is that the "rise" or "pre-chorus" or whatever the hell it's called, could maybe be removed. I just wonder if it drags the song out a wee bit longer than it needs to be? Anyway, I shall submit it as it is to the challenge. I understand that there is a vote for "Best in Breed." I'm pretty bad at winning things but whether I do or not, this has been a good learning curve for me. Lazz:- i've order those books you recommended from the library. I'm just waiting for them to arrive. Thanks for all your help Kind regards Dee

Under the Boardwalk - The Drifters

Kids in America - Kim Wilde

Walk this way - Aerosmith/Run DMC

Thanks Tom Hi Ho Silver Lining = Jeff Beck (or as us Owls fans like to sing before every match - Hi Ho Sheffield Wednesday!)

Go for it JD - show 'em that over 30 doesn't mean over the hill!

Fields of Gold - Sting

Amazing work guys. You've both put so much work into it and it shows. Daft as this sounds, whilst listening, I felt myself well up. A combination of the sweet melody, fab vocals and touching lyric. MP and JD, of course I don't know you two personally but (again this is daft) I feel a real sense of achievement on your behalf. I don't know what it is, maybe because I'm a witness to all your efforts. Sorry - just me being a big softie WELL DONE

Born to Run - Bruce Springsteen

Eyes of Blue - Paul Carrack

Thanks JD. Have to admit that verse 2 gave me problems and me, being me, will always look at ways to improve it