How often do you see a singer performing with a sheet of song lyrics in front of them? Rarely, I’d guess. Performing singers memorise song lyrics to free themselves to be in the moment, to better interpret a song and its character, and to engage with their audience.

Many of our studio singers have upcoming performances that require memorising lyrics. Solo singer-songwriters playing gigs or recording must know their words deeply to infuse the feelings of the songs in intimate live settings and in their recordings. Choral singers don’t need to know every word by heart, but they need a good knowledge, for a smooth flow of sound, while keeping an eye firmly on the conductor. Singers in bands need to know their words to allow for genuine, spontaneous interaction with the audience.

Ahead of our forthcoming studio concert, I encourage all the singers to memorise the words of their songs.

Songs are stories; they express feelings and engage listeners. So, a singer needs the body movement, facial expressions, gestures, and voice qualities to express these stories. Memorising lyrics lets you go inside the meaning of the words and find that depth of human expression, and connection that comes with performance.

Angelina (RozeBurkeMusic) Oxforn Art Factory

Here are some easy, proven ways to memorise song lyrics

Word by word

1. Write out the words by hand, as a piece of poetry, including every punctuation sign. If you are unsure of the meaning of a word, look it up. Song lyric writers take care to rhyme words and phrases, seeking out words that may have an oblique or metaphoric meaning. Find out their intention.
2. Memorise one line by one line. Have daily memorising goals.
3. Say the lines out loud. DON’T use the rhythmic pattern of the melody. Say the words as if a poem or text. Say the words in a bland manner at first, so you simply memorise.
4. Contemplate the words, read them over and over. Which words will you emphasise? Experiment with the prosody (i.e. how intonation changes meaning and feeling) of the phrase or sentence.
5. Notice how the composer’s melody, pitching and harmonies may match the words. Sometimes the composer has put an emphasis on a seemingly unimportant word. Think about why.
6. Continue practising the words out loud to a point where you don’t stumble over them. Then say the words quickly, without pausing. This makes your brain think ahead. You will probably stumble but soon enough the words will flow.

Put your body into it

Owen performing at Kathleen’s Studio Concert 2019

1. Explore the song physically and create movement suitable to the song lyrics. ‘On The Street Where You Live’ from My Fair Lady, for example, is set on a street, with the character Freddy on house steps at first, then strolling freely around the streetscape, which alludes to his lovestruck state at the time. Similarly, ‘Fly Me to The Moon’ needs a sense of freedom in your arms, hands and body, as the singer has discovered the exhilaration of love. Pop and folk songs need less movement. Sting’s ‘Fields of Gold’ is a reflective song about a couple in love, but it doesn’t need the singer to run through the barley fields.

2. Watch how other performers work and move in the song.
3. Plan your moves – this is IMPORTANT! Get in front of a mirror and sing the song and plan how you will use your hands and arms. Plan any steps you may take to avoid mishaps or falls.
4. Decide how much space you will use. Your planned movement should enhance the song and be meaningful to the story and character.

Become the character

1. Allow three weeks before performing to memorise your song. This lets the poetry and text sink in so you get a feel for its meaning. Consider:
   • Who is singing the song? Who is being portrayed? What has happened to them just before this song? What is this person like?
   • What life experiences can you bring to the song? This is known as creating a character.
   • Is there a relationship within the song? Is the situation clear? Is the song a monologue (the singer on their own) or is someone else present (real or imagined)? Is the song a narrative by or about a real or imagined person or situation?

2. Before the performance, sing through the songs every day. Simulate the performance.
3. Practise your entrance and exit. If you are with an accompanist or band members, ensure you accept the audience applause together. Extend your arm to the accompanist.
4. Practise your bow and acknowledging the audience.

Owen performing at Kathleen’s Studio Concert 2019

Push through any nerves

Practise singing your song when you are busy, frustrated or slightly out of breath. This helps simulate the experience of performing, and the nerves that can accompany it.

And remember to enjoy the tapestry and contours of words and the melodies fused with the rhythmic patterns. Part of performing is convincing the audience of the charge of feelings and words in the phrases. You are creating illusions. Or as Norma Desmond says, in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical, Sunset Boulevard, “We taught the world new ways to dream.” 

Kathleen Connell is experienced in helping singers prepare for performance, with singing lessons catering to all levels and lifestyles. Browse our in-person or online training options, or call 0402 409 106.