The Song Fight Bulletin Board

I think your bad example proves Frank's point. More people love "My Sharona" than even know that Gordon Lightfoot exists.

Even I would rather hear "My Sharona" than "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald." Come on BLT--I expect this from the Canadians, but you!!

The truth is, lyrics are not as important to me as you might think when it comes to everyday listening. I'm terrible at remembering lyrics and often have no idea what the lyrics are to my favorite songs. But if I'm charged with judging songs in a competition, I would pay strict attention to the lyrics. And it's that context to which JB and I were referring. (Right JB?)

erik wrote:I think your bad example proves Frank's point. More people love "My Sharona" than even know that Gordon Lightfoot exists.

....I MEANT to do that, you betcha!......yeah, that's the ticket.

My point is that good writing will give songs staying power through history.

I'm listening to the podcast now. It's "Jim of Seattle". Ah, blitz = "lightning", now I get the connection in BLT's song, but it's still kind of tenuous if you ask me.

frankie big face wrote:Even I would rather hear "My Sharona" than "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald." Come on BLT--I expect this from the Canadians, but you!!

The truth is, lyrics are not as important to me as you might think when it comes to everyday listening. I'm terrible at remembering lyrics and often have no idea what the lyrics are to my favorite songs. But if I'm charged with judging songs in a competition, I would pay strict attention to the lyrics. And it's that context to which JB and I were referring. (Right JB?)

Ha. I agree with that but would expand it to say "if I'm going to give criticism on a song" then I would pay strict attention to the lyrics.

When someone is critiquing a song I wrote, I like to know that my hard work on the lyrics was appreciated-- or not. It definitely shows that you are paying attention to every aspect that I have paid attention to. You've given me full consideration.

When I'm listening critically, I always try to give the lyrics a shake and mention the themes and lines that stand out to me. Sometimes, of course, the song will not care about its lyrics, in which case I don't usually say anything unless something really bugs me.

If you want to make me happy, you'll listen to and comment on the lyrics. If you want to make me REALLY happy you'll gush about how awesome they are.

JB

Lunkhead wrote:I'm listening to the podcast now. It's "Jim of Seattle". Ah, blitz = "lightning", now I get the connection in BLT's song, but it's still kind of tenuous if you ask me.

I think you're tenuous.
But yeah, it's a bloody pfunky dance groove for balls sake, not Mozart.

I think it could be argued that My Sharona and Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald have equally good lyrics. Lyrics can't be taken out of context the two songs have different purposes, idioms, and styles. Apples and Oranges.

I'd like to hear the lyrics of "My Sharona" sung to the tune of "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald".

And vice versa.

Caravan Ray wrote:I'd like to hear the lyrics of "My Sharona" sung to the tune of "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald".

And vice versa.

side fight waitin to happen

John, I think you're just the man to do it, lol.

Lunkhead wrote:Yes, cowbell!! Yes, more cowbell!

Yay - someone mentioned the cowbell!!! The song was just beggin' for it.

Thansk for the nice review!

you, too, Adam! "Best didn't-have-to-do-it-song" is an excellent award to get from you I'll keep working on my mixes.

On the flip side of this lyrics discussion, I do like being able to make out what the lyrics are without a) resorting to reading a lyrics sheet/thread; and b) having to battle the cancellation effect that the music has on them.

Dunno if that's personal opinion or a common experience here @ SF. Clearly delivered (and engaging) lyrics do garner more active listening early on.

Hey, I listened to a Lightfoot CD just today, which happily did include the song in question. It's awesome. No badmouthing the Gordon, here. My Sharona was played at our wedding and is a happy memory.
Back on topic, as far as lyrics goes, I find it much easier to comment on them when the artists print them in the lyrics thread. I find it a good thing, since I have trouble with lyrics when I can't read them.
-bill