Successful Lyric Writing: a Step-by-Step Course & Workbook

Covers structure, viewpoint, voice, rhythm, rhyme, and setting, identifies common song writing problems, and provides writing assignments

"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