I Read A Book, Now I'm An Expert...

[Carnival]

I just finished what I imagine is the most widely read book on writing lyrics..

The book is titled, "The Art Of Writing Great Lyrics", by Pamela Phillips Orland, who has had hundreds of songs published and recorded for every conceivable use. While Orland is definitely an old timer, she updated the book in around 2000 and it is pretty up to date, with references to writing for slang-specific genres such as rap, etc.

The book is a great companion for the tecnical aspects of reviews in the Lyric forum, and I would say that her advice on lyric structure is consistent with that offered by professional musicians in the forum. But having it in book form, and having all the insights of such a consumate professinal, is extrememly enlightening. She covers a lot of different areas. The book is widely available. I think I bought it on Amazon.com for about $15.

For me the book has provided direction, both in my writing and in approaching this endeavor professionally. It will allow me to make more constructive use of constructive criticism. I highly recommend it for everyone who writes lyrics. The more advanced you are, the less interest you will have in the early chapters. The book has excellent organization, going from basic writing skills up some basic insights into working in the music business. An extensive recommended reading list about songwriting and the music business is included.

[john]

Hey

yeah it's a good book. Of course if you found your way to amazon through Songstuff we will have received a commission!

I'll dig out a few other useful titles, though I think most are already in the songwriting section of the Songstuff amazon shop (on the shop page).

I am planning on completing my own articles soon! Honest. I plan to draw them altogether and add some more to create a downloadable pdf at some point. It''l happen, but not sure when. I guess I'll canvas opinion before I put in the extra effort. Ok not quite of the stature of PPO, but hey I gotta work with what I got

I'm glad you found it to be consistant with the comments on the board.

Cheers

John

[john]

Hey

Been thinking on my book bio:

"Unknown, and obscure author with no real pedigree of success to recommend him, John Moxey takes the biscuit in writing this book."

Think it'll sell?

Cheers

John

[Lazz]

I just finished what I imagine is the most widely read book on writing lyrics..

Thanks Norm.

I have never heard of this book or its author.

I will have to check it out straight away.

[john]

Hey

Hopefully going through the Songstuff Amazon shop?

Cheers

John

[Lazz]

Hopefully going through the Songstuff Amazon shop?

Gladly, guv'nah.

Only I don't use credit cards.

PayPal works for me - but doesn't seem to for Amazon.

Advice ?

[Alistair]

Hey Carnival, your real name wouldn't happen to be Pamela Phillips Orland, would it?

[Threndor]

I'll have to check it out at the library. I'm not just going to buy it...

[Carnival]

Hey Carnival, your real name wouldn't happen to be Pamela Phillips Orland, would it?

BUSTED! LOL

No, it's not. I guess I gushed all over myself about her book, huh? It was a good book for me to read right now. I'm not a professional yet, so a lot of info that many of you already have learned in the most authentic manner - hard knocks - I am still naive about. A book full of information like this, of which there are few, is a valuable glimpse behind the curtain.

Also, as John noted, its discussions of song structures and their importance in lyric writing was consistent with what I am hearing from people here, which tells me I am on the right track associating with you guys - who would have thought?

Edited November 25, 2007 by Carnival