in a nut shell.... the number of syllables in the lyric line should match the number of notes in the melody. Syllable count in the verse lines should be consistent through all the verses. In other words...line 2 in verse 1, 2 and 3 should all have the same count.

As a songwriter, I generally rework the lyrics to match the melody. Often, my first thought for a line might have one of those "I can squeeze this 3 syllable word in" lines.... the short answer is that I should find a better shorter word to use. The flip side is, if it works.... you now have to do that in all the other verses as well.

It's easier to rework a word or two here and there than it is to change the melody, because melody affects the phrasing of the words and could potentially create more work in the lyric department so just go ahead and fix the words to start with if you like the melody.

With few exceptions..... yeah, if you have a musical melody line, pull it out if there's a singer.

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www.herbhartley.com
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