Successful Lyric Writing: A Step-By-Step Course & Workbook (Paperback)

by Sheila Davis (Author) "Five elements frame every well-written lyric: A Genuine Idea A Memorable Title A Strong Start A Payoff The Appropriate Form..." (more)
Key Phrases: rhyme agent, diminished rhyme, nonspecific present, New York, Stephen Sondheim, Private Dancer (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"It is absolutely super! I have never seen a more analytical and practical approach to developing the craft of writing lyrics. SUCCESSFUL LYRIC WRITING is a wonderful companion to THE CRAFT OF LYRIC WRITING. Both books should be required reading for all aspiring Ira Gershwins." -- Bernice Cohen, American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers

From the author of THE CRAFT OF LYRIC WRITING, you might expect the world, and happily, in this case, you get it. This is a highly focused look at the theory, principles and song forms behind today's successful lyrics. From her very first thoughts on "a genuine idea," this book is a captivating and, most of all, involving study that takes you where you want to go. Outside of an extended classroom situation, you won't find a course or a book that is as comprehensive and complete. A must. -- National Academy of Songwriters

SUCCESSFUL LYRIC WRITING [is]...everything songwriters need to take their talent to the limit and become first-rate professionals. -- SOUNDBOARD, Phoenix, Arizona

This is the first published book in workbook format on the art and craft of writing words to and for music and a sequel to Davis's popular book THE CRAFT OF LYRIC WRITING. SUCCESSFUL LYRIC WRITING presents a series of "student-tested" exercises, practice critiques, and quizzes that reinforces songwriting theory and prepares songwriters for the main feature of the book -- ten specially-designed lyric-writing assignments. Davis concludes the course by teaching songwriters to expand their songwriting abilities on their own and realize their growth potential within the music industry. She provides them with guidelines to conduct a professional critique session, to analyze their work and the work of others, steps on organizing a workshop, ideas for starting a local songwriting group -- in short, everything songwriters need to take their talent to the limit and become first-rate professionals. -- SOUNDBOARD, Phoenix, Arizona

Product Description
Davis follows up her best-selling book, The Craft Of Lyric Writing, with this hands-on companion course in writing professional lyrics. 292 pages. 8-1/2 x 11.

Product Details

• Paperback: 292 pages
• Publisher: Writers Digest Books; 1st edition (1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0898792835
• ISBN-13: 978-0898792836
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #97,493 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Buy Davis' other book instead., November 3, 1999

By A Customer

"Successful Lyric Writing" is in workbook format, and inherently weaker than Davis' classic "The Craft of Lyric Writing" (see review).

The problem with "Workbook" is the exercises, which are the heart of the book and what distinguish it from "Craft". In most every case, Davis either 1) gives the reader/student a scenario about which to write a few lines or 2) asks the student to fill in the blank of a lyric she's already written. Unfortunately, most of Davis' scenarios and exercise verses are unbearably cheesy. From this reader's point of view at least, it's hard to finish writing a lyric you can't bear to read. Thus the exercises are more discouraging than helpful, and it's tough for the reader/student to feel like he's actually learned something.

Which is not to say that I disagree with Davis' basic argument that the fundamentals of the craft are undervalued and understudied. Davis correctly argues that inspiration, naively presumed by amateurs to be 90% of songwriting, is in fact only 5%.

And yet that 5% is vital. All persons need to feel the occasional sense of accomplishment to continue their pursuit of learning. This workbook robs students of much of their chance to feel that sense of accomplishment. Therefore "Workbook" will more likely help untalented writers to become mediocre than it will help talented ones to be great.

Still, "Workbook" is not without merit. The section on "Writing With The Whole Brain" is excellent. Also, the charting exercises accompanying that chapter are great for finding titles and for seeing idea connections that one might not grasp in a linear exploration. This section alone gives "Workbook" an extra star, though one wonders why the section hasn't been included in a fresh addition of "Craft".

It's unlikely that any talented, honest, aspiring songwriter will be hurt by this book. But with the notable exception of the "Whole Brain" section, he's unlikely to be helped much, either. Get "Craft" and read it cover to cover as many times as feasible. Borrow a friend's copy of "Workbook".

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Successful Lyric Writing Is a Success, April 22, 2000

By	Gary Bagley (New York City) - See all my reviews

In this book, Sheila Davis has designed a course of study that beautifully introduces the concepts of songwriting in an understandable and helpful order. Being a teacher, I value any book that offers students a chance to build skills through practical exercises.

Davis's exercises allow the student to explore concepts in whatever song style in which they write.

What I like best about this workbook is the section on "The Whole Brain." Once students have mastered the craft of lyric writing, Davis focuses on means of finding inspiration and beginning the writing process.

This book was a tremendous help to me and my fellow students as we began our journey into the world of songwriting. Thank you, Sheila Davis!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Successful Lyric Writing, April 14, 2000

By	Tony Oliveira (Randburg, South Africa) - See all my reviews

Through the years I have come across some music theory books that briefly and in a few pages illustrate how to write lyrics for songs. I finally found what I was looking for in this comprehensive book 'Successful Lyric Writing'. This is a structured course covering the subject in detail. I am now learning to identify with various true to life situations, either directly or indirectly involved and thus express these feelings in song. Sheila Davis' work has brought to the forefront my creativity on the subject, for which I believe we all have. To me, this book is a tool which I constantly use in my quest to be one with the music.

Tony Oliveira - South Africa