The Craft of Lyric Writing

This is THE book to learn the tools to write excellent lyrics for pop music. It systematically explores techniques and presents successful examples of their use. Yes, it plods like a school textbook, but it is written by a successful teacher who has mastered her craft. Yes, some examples are old, but they still illustrate excellence in action. Some other books are certainly quicker and more entertaining reads, but if your goal is to write the very best lyrics you possibly can, you are only hurting yourself if you do not work carefully through this book, however long it takes. Then do it again, and keep it handy for future reference.

To know your craft is power. Having read Sheila's book, studied with Sheila for 6 years, moved to Nashville as a songwriter, and written with hit songwriters in Nashville for the last 7 years, I cannot imagine being a songwriter without this book. It has inspired me, taught me, and is always there to refer to time and again. I believe every serious songwriter would benefit from this book. Sheila is a songwriter who knows her craft and has laid it all out in this easy to read, easy to follow, inspiring book. Go on, get the power!

If you want THE book on lyric writing, this is it! Sheila Davis's highly readable work has inspired beginning as well as experienced writers. I should know! Thanks to Sheila, my CD of 20 of my original songs, I'M IN LOVE WITH MY COMPUTER, was named "One of the Best Cabaret CDs of `98" by InTheatre Magazine. Sheila is not only a published songwriter, but also a supportive workshop teacher. Her book reflects her teaching style: highly accessible but thought-provoking at the same time. She gives examples for every point she makes.Reading the book is the next best thing to working in person with her, which I've had the privilege of doing. I also highly recommend her workbook "Successful Lyric Writing,"particularly helpful to the lyricist starting out, and "The Songwriter's Ideabook" which is wonderful for any songwriter looking for a creative boost!

I do not know Sheila Davis, nor have I ever even met her, but I have been using her book for years in the university night school course I teach. This book, and her book, "Successful Lyric Writing," are easily the premier books in the field. She's the first one to offer a textbook approach to lyric writing, to really put into words what goes on, subconsciously, when one writes a lyric, the how to's, the do's, and the don'ts. If there was a "Grammy" for song bookwriting, she would win it, hands down.

If you want the nuts and bolts of lyricwriting at your fingertips this is it. Not only does this book touch on the subject of lyricwriting but the creative process as well. My lyrics have become more focused and structured and writers block is a thing of the past. Also the references made to other authors, books and songwriters has turned me on to a whole new world of literature. My greatest fear as a lyricwriter is to have my work rejected because I overlooked a fundamental lyricwriting principle. "The Craft of Lyricwriting" has eliminated this fear.