Yes, I do agree that the lyrics would definitely help and maybe act as a kind of "musical compass" for the listener, but of course we can't all depend on each listener to have a copy of the lyrics handy just in case the structure isn't obvious to them, particularly in public or if heard over the radio. Many times i have been in a situation while writing a song
where i know the form and anticipate the next change but have to remind myself that it may not appear so obvious to the listener,especially the first time around. With that thought in mind i would have to say that sometimes you just have to roll the dice, so to speak, and know that you have to make it pay off. That is to say that i count on whatever overdubs i intend to use to be that sort of "musical road map". A sudden lead guitar line gliding up a scale might intentionally be used to point to the next change if in fact there were no way theoretically you could make that same line leap into the previous A major "chorus" as an example or whatever the case may be. In that situation anyone would realize that the previous chorus could never follow that point in the song and the expectation for change at that juncture would be the "do or die" stage of the game. We are either frustrated having been required to use too much of our own imagination for passive listening enjoyment to make it work or Voila, you just set the listeners mind up for a new surprise twist in the song which can , because of it's variation, truly because, give you every bit of the advantage the first chorus had when it outlined the beginning structure. Your second chance of opportunity presents itself, not as a disadvantage, if it is truly warranted, but as something to exploit musically. As i mentioned before this song has no overdubs or suggestive melodies to help foreshadow it's outcome. I would not call that a "musical crutch" to help the listener along as it is a necessity, sometimes for far more simpler pieces, while the obligatory inclusion of lyrics most definitely would be a"crutch." Right now i'm fairly certain that if i include the lyrics for that purpose then i would only hamper the listener's chance to figure it out for themselves. If the overdubs or absence of overdubs are accounted for i don't think we need to rely on any lyrical road maps
to find our way. Of Course you must know that i intend to prove that with my next update of this recording.
- To address, briefly, the issue of catchiness and memories of melodies, the poll is almost a 50/50 split now on which chorus people like the most! But none, as of yet, would except the removal of either.
Thank you for your thoughts and input.
I hope this was as helpful to you as it has been for me.