Those of us who love words can’t help notice song lyrics. Valdy, a Canadian folk singer and Order of Canada recipient, recently held a concert in Nanaimo. His ability to sing the words clearly and with volume kept his audience happy. It was a pleasure to see his energy, enthusiasm and stage presence. Valdy sang a few songs with John Gogo and played some he’d done with Gary Fjellgaard. I could hear Valdy’s chords, see the music move his body, and feel the emotion as he sang about Ginger Goodwin and the impact he’d left on our society.
If you love words you’ll likely listen for the lyrics in a song. My brain searches relentlessly and automatically to find logic in the phrases. Maybe that’s why I feel slightly irritable when I can’t hear all the words. I want to know what the song writer meant.
Note to aspiring song writers: writers value your word choice, measure their effectiveness and appreciate meaning.
Singers: please sing the words clearly. Writers really do want to hear what you are singing about. We could be your biggest fans.