Can a lyricist who doesn't compose be taken serious as a songwriter?

[Shelly Holley]

I always wonder if songwriters who compose and write lyrics tend to look over writers of lyrics alone. I often feel silly posting my lyrics with karoake music as a background on the same site as those talented artists that compose the music themselves. At the same time am proud of being able to put the lyrics to a background to put together a song.

[MArc-Alan Barnette]

Shelly,

MAB here. I just sent you a response to your message. Let me know if it makes sense. Basically the old days of "I wrote this now you write music to it" are gone. It is now done by building those relationships, and until you can command some respect and reputation, it is very doubtful you are going to get that kind of response.

MAB

[Shelly Holley]

Thank you Marc. Is does make sense. Seems about the same response you would give to the musicians as well. Just a bit tougher on the lyrical end. I never hear of musicians who say, I wrote this melody, now would you put lyrics to it? Wish I did. Would be a great challenge and allow me to play with more lyrics. Thank you for your time and your thoughts....Shelly

MArc-Alan Barnette said:

Shelly,

MAB here. I just sent you a response to your message. Let me know if it makes sense. Basically the old days of "I wrote this now you write music to it" are gone. It is now done by building those relationships, and until you can command some respect and reputation, it is very doubtful you are going to get that kind of response.

MAB

[Shelly Holley]

I believe I have been down the Paramount mill before. Honestly it sucked. The cost monetary wise was a red flag that should have sent me running. The demo was awful. I was so embarrased of the outcome I didn't tell anyone for over a year that I had done it. I would love information on somebody reputable who would like to work with me on my lyrics. Thank you. My email address for my writing is [e-mail]. Thank you for your insite and your advise. I appreciate it....Shelly

Roy Harris said:

As long as you write lyrics that are "singable", have a good flow and meter, you shouldn't have any trouble finding musicians who are more than willing to co-write with you. If you are not a musician, I'd forget about trying to do the kariaoke thing, just write good lyrics and find you a musician co-writer. I've did over 50 songs this way and I'm kind of proud of most of them, there may be a few dogs in there, but even the dogs like to get out and play every now and then. Granted, most musician/writers who do the whole package usually won't be interested but I have found several good songwriters who do write and play their own songs who are more than willing to co-write with me. If those days are gone, nobody has told them yet. Just be willing to work with whomever you co-write with because no matter how good your lyrics may look to you, there usually will have to a few modifications to make them fit the music the musician comes up with. Just don't give them something that is not manageable because if it requires a major overhaul then it is usually not worth the effort on their part. As a matter of fact, I know of one singer/musician/songwriter who has his own demo studio in Nashville who will even demo your song for you if you just give him lyrics only, and I'm not talking about the Paramount song mill either, a reputable guy who has been around the business for some 20 years or so. If interested contact me. Best of luck on your musical journey.

[Shelly Holley]

Thank you Marty for a neat piece of music trivia and information. That's exactly where most of mine can be found. I've gotten quite a few other names that started the same way and they really suprised and delighted me.

Marty Dolciamore said:

"Suzanne" by Leonard Cohen started out in a book of poetry..

Shelly Holley said:

Well, used to it is the one thing I'm pretty sure I am. I think it would be very interesting to know of a legendary song that did come from a lyracist first (if one exists). lol. I do like the thought of a "word pull" :) I bet two lyricists working together could have alot of fun with that one. Thank you so much for your thoughts on the matter Alex. Take care! Shelly

Alexander Stuart said:

Shelly: Get used to it! Writers who play and sing will always have an advantage and will usually look down their noses at lyricists like us. Have you ever been to a guitar pull? You and I can not participate. No one ever holds a "word pull". If your lyrics are polished you will need to have a studio do the music. Until then, and probably even then, you will not likely garner any sincere respect.

Best wishes,
Alex

[Vonee's Request Showcase]

I believe a lyricist who doesn't compose can and is taken seriously as a song writer
Vonee

[Frank Jenkins]

Hi Shelley,

Some of the best songs are written by people who do not play an instrument,

Snow and Weil, that's Cynthia Weil writes brilliant songs to the music of Tom Snow

I play instruments ,but certainly dont look down on those lyric writers who dont play, some collabs don't work out it's very much like a marriage partner ship, you must understand each others, writing traits, and the compatibility,
but you learn something new each time, you try.

An understanding of current song format is needed , and the ability to vary your rhyme scheme's and length of lines between Verses and Chorus's

You can take an existing hit and re write the story line and title ,dont tell any composer what song you copied and they can then put new music to your original lyrics, pro writers do that all the time believe me.

No one with a brain looks down on anyone in the industry, whatever his or her status, just ignore the no brainers.

Best Wishes With Your Lyrics.

[Ron Kauffman]

I have a co-writer in Nashville who has "MS". Its severe, so all he can do is vocally write lyrics, and what a great lyricist he is!! He hears music in his head and relates that to his co-writers in session. I have the greatest respect for his God given talent. I believe in "Where theres a will theres a way" , and he's living proof of that. I kinda figure anyone who looks down thier nose at a writer because all they do is write lyrics or music , is loosing out on what can be a huge resource of knowledge and talent. Thats what co-writing is about isn't it? Pooling knowledge and talents to write better songs makes complete sense to me. I also believe that ego's have no place in this process, and anyone who "looks down" on another writer for any reason needs an attitude ajustment.
Just my humble opinion.....Peace, Ron

[Cheryl A Moon]

Amen!

Ron Kauffman said:

I have a co-writer in Nashville who has "MS". Its severe, so all he can do is vocally write lyrics, and what a great lyricist he is!! He hears music in his head and relates that to his co-writers in session. I have the greatest respect for his God given talent. I believe in "Where theres a will theres a way" , and he's living proof of that. I kinda figure anyone who looks down thier nose at a writer because all they do is write lyrics or music , is loosing out on what can be a huge resource of knowledge and talent. Thats what co-writing is about isn't it? Pooling knowledge and talents to write better songs makes complete sense to me. I also believe that ego's have no place in this process, and anyone who "looks down" on another writer for any reason needs an attitude ajustment.
Just my humble opinion.....Peace, Ron

[Shelly Holley]

That was a very inspiring reply Ron. Thank you.

[Ron Kauffman]

Your welcome Shelly,
Keep writing and fooey on anyone that tells you different. If you love it....do it! Lifes to short for anything less.

Shelly Holley said:

That was a very inspiring reply Ron. Thank you.

[bill ferguson]

Hi Shelly my name is Bill and my answer to your question is in your question,
If you find your reward in what you do without going the extra mile (enjoy it)
If you have to ask then you probally have a desire to reach beyond your comfort zone of where you are at currently.
I dont play any instrument ,but when i write a song I have the melody in mind with it,i then followa a few steps and the end result can be herd at my outdated websight www.yourdaddyseyes.com
Good luck follow your heart and write back if you like.


Bill

[Shelly Holley]

Thank you Bill. I appreciate your thoughts and look forward to hearing your songs. Take care....Shelly

bill ferguson said:

Hi Shelly my name is Bill and my answer to your question is in your question,
If you find your reward in what you do without going the extra mile (enjoy it)
If you have to ask then you probally have a desire to reach beyond your comfort zone of where you are at currently.
I dont play any instrument ,but when i write a song I have the melody in mind with it,i then followa a few steps and the end result can be herd at my outdated websight www.yourdaddyseyes.com
Good luck follow your heart and write back if you like.


Bill