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# A-Lyric.com

News about song lyrics and lyricists

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://a-lyric.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [It was 56 years ago today...](https://a-lyric.com/2025/09/it-was-56-years-ago-today/) - September 26 should be Abbey Road dayThe 56th anniversary of the release of the iconic Abbey Road album by The Beatles is September 26, 2025. This should be Abbey Road Day, as it is an album of superlatives. Not only does it contain some of The Beates best-known songs, but the album sleeve has also
- [Clarence Bekker: why the new single is Natural](https://a-lyric.com/2026/06/clarence-bekker-why-the-new-single-is-natural/) - I first saw Clarence Bekker perform in the 90s, when he was part of the Swinging Soul Machine. The new single is Natural by name and nature
- [Ben Schwag: what's in a song title?](https://a-lyric.com/2026/04/ben-schwag-whats-in-a-song-title/) - As musicians, we all like to think we have something special. But check any Spotify playlist and you're sure to find identical song titles to yours. Lots of them. Song titles can sometimes be an issue. I remember debates over a track of mine when the main co-writer thought Where Did Our Love Go was
- [Habit: Is your own songwriting sending you to sleep?](https://a-lyric.com/2009/09/habit-is-your-own-songwriting-sending-you-to-sleep/) - Songwriting habits enable you to function on low energy. But they can lead you to write emotional clones, songs that have an almost identical point of view or writers block
- [Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame: Abba vs Red Hot Chili Peppers](https://a-lyric.com/2009/09/rocknroll-hall-of-fame-abba-vs-red-hot-chili-peppers/) - The Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame nominees for 2010: ABBA, Darlene Love, Donna Summer, Genesis, Jimmy Cliff, KISS, Laura Nyro, LL Cool J, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Chantels, The Hollies, and The Stooges.
- [Mercedes Sosa - Gracias a la vida](https://a-lyric.com/2009/10/rip-mercedes-sosa/) - Mercedes Sosa, the Argentinian singer who was the voice of the nueva cancion movement of the 60s and 70s, is back in the spotlight after being featured in "Project Hail Mary".
- [Book review: Le contrebandier de la chanson](https://a-lyric.com/2026/04/book-review-le-contrebandier-de-la-chanson/) - Jacques Duvall is one of the few lyricists in the French language to be recognised as such. His books brings feature essays from noted reviewers and journalists.
- [RIP: Vic Mizzy, writer of "Addams Family" theme](https://a-lyric.com/2009/10/rip-vic-mizzy-writer-of-addams-family-theme/) - The writer of two of these, the "Addams Family" theme and "Green Acres", has just died in Los Angeles at the age of 93.
- [Dana Winner: "If You Want to Know Me"](https://a-lyric.com/2009/11/dana-winner-if-you-want-to-know-me/) - "If You Want to Know Me" by Dana Winner features English lyrics by Michael Leahy, adapted from Jean-Jacques Goldman's "Si tu veux m'essayer"
- [George Harrison: Filling in the gaps](https://a-lyric.com/2009/11/george-harrison-filling-in-the-gaps/) - Beatle biographer Hunter Davies found a scrap of paper with some George Harrison lyrics, "Silence (Is Its Own Reply)", reportedly about his relationship with John Lennon.
- [Fans tap into social media to rage against X-Factor](https://a-lyric.com/2009/12/fans-tap-into-social-media-to-rage-against-x-factor/) - Two British fans of Rage Against the Machine are launching a viral campaign to reclaim the n° 1 singles spot from X Factor this Christmas.
- [The Eagles' Joe Walsh claims song back from politician](https://a-lyric.com/2010/01/the-eagles-joe-walsh-claims-song-back-from-politician/) - In a spat between The Eagles' Joe Walsh and a politician of the same name, the composer has asked the politician to desist from using a re-written version of his song "Lead the Way".
- [John Lennon lyrics might reach $500,000 at auction](https://a-lyric.com/2010/05/john-lennon-lyrics-might-reach-500000-at-auction/) - John Lennon's handwritten lyrics to "A Day in the Life" are going up for auction, with estimates of $500,000 being floated
- [Phil Wilde remix of "It's a Loving Thing"](https://a-lyric.com/2011/03/phil-wilde-remix-of-its-a-loving-thing/) - "It's a Loving Thing", one of the most popular CB Milton tracks (and one of the most successful lyrics I wrote), has been remixed by Phil Wilde.
- [Ian Curtis notebooks to be published by Faber](https://a-lyric.com/2014/09/ian-curtis-notebooks-to-be-published-by-faber/) - The notebooks of Joy Division frontman Ian Curtis are to be published, revealing a surprising side to his work as a lyricist.
- [Shantalla: when is traditional not traditional?](https://a-lyric.com/2010/02/shantalla-when-is-traditional-not-traditional/) - The perception of traditional Irish music is that it was all written in the Middle Ages. But that's forgetting that many musicians write in traditional mode, creating new songs in a trad style.
- [The Closest Thing to Crazy](https://a-lyric.com/2025/12/the-closest-thing-to-crazy/) - Is a book about songwriter/producer Mike Batt worth writing? More importantly, is it worth reading? The answer to that probably lies in how much you know about Batt. Executive summary, he is best known for: creating the music (and just the music) for The Wombles; his work with violiniist Vanessa-Mae and later discovering, writing for
- [Men at Work slam plagiarism ruling](https://a-lyric.com/2010/02/men-at-work-slam-plagiarism-ruling/) - The erratic nature of plagiarism cases was proved again when it was ruled that Men at Work would have to pay out between 40-60% of earnings from their anthemic song, "Down Under".
- [Jacques Brel's Amsterdam linked to traditional Irish tune](https://a-lyric.com/2010/02/jacques-brels-amsterdam-linked-to-traditional-irish-tune/) - "Dans le port d'Amsterdam" by Jacques Brel, has now been linked to an old Irish song called "Since Greybeards Inform Us That Youth Will Decay" by T. Toms.
- [What does it take to write songs for name artists?](https://a-lyric.com/2010/02/what-does-it-take-to-write-songs-for-name-artists/) - David Stark tells A-Lyric.com about what it takes to get a song covered by a "name" artist in the competitive songwriting world.
- [Eurovision 2010 lyrics: the executive summary](https://a-lyric.com/2010/05/eurovision-the-executive-summary/) - A research and semantics laboratory had the fun idea of pasting all the Eurovision song lyrics together and running them through a semantics analyser.
- ["Danny Boy" banned from New York Irish pub](https://a-lyric.com/2008/03/danny-boy-banned-from-new-york-irish-pub/) - I can't say that I was disappointed to hear that the song "Danny Boy" has been banned from New York’s Foley’s Irish pub for the month of March in the run-up to St. Patrick's Day. Despite having a reputation as one of the quintessential Irish ballads, it's another pure product of showbiz à la Tin
- [Three Gigs, One Night, and a Monkey Mask: The Curious Case of Kid Noize](https://a-lyric.com/2025/06/three-gigs-one-night-and-a-monkey-mask-the-curious-case-of-kid-noize/) - When Being in Three Places at Once Isn’t Just a DJ Fantasy
- [Mel Gibson lyrics in legal challenge](https://a-lyric.com/2010/07/mel-gibson-lyrics-in-legal-challenge/) - The album of the former girlfriend of Mel Gibson is reportedly on hold until Mel Gibson sings the publishing contract.
- [RIP: David Weiss](https://a-lyric.com/2010/09/rip-david-weiss/) - US songwriter and lyricist David George Weiss died on August 23, 2010.
- [Book review: Karl Bartos - The Sound of the Machine](https://a-lyric.com/2026/03/book-review-karl-bartos-the-sound-of-the-machine/) - Karl Bartos - The Sound of the Machine confirms that behind every great machine is a great man (or 2). Kraftwerk, it transpires, was a collective achievement.
- [Paul Simon's lyrics used as paintings](https://a-lyric.com/2010/12/paul-simons-lyrics-used-as-paintings/) - An artist in Saginaw, Michigan, has been decorating the town with lines from Simon & Garfunkel's "America". "We drove through the city and tried to find areas that symbolized abandonment: the broken railroad track, the empty school," Eric Schantz told ABCNews.
- [Singing with Lio at the Ancienne Belgique](https://a-lyric.com/2014/10/singing-with-lio-at-the-ancienne-belgique/) - Singer and actress Lio first appeared with a live band was actually with a rock band in Brussels in 1979. The audience spat on her
- [Where do songwriters write lyrics?](https://a-lyric.com/2015/06/where-do-songwriters-write-lyrics/) - Lyrics are cool, but where do songwriters actually write them? What's your best guess?
- [Blink 182 to auction lyrics in support of Japan](https://a-lyric.com/2011/03/blink-182-to-auction-lyrics-in-support-of-japan/) - Pop punk maestros Blink 182 are donating a large number of items to an online auction in favour of the emergency fund for Japan.
- [Ringtones spark riots in Indonesia](https://a-lyric.com/2010/11/ringtones-spark-riots-in-indonesia/) - The lyrics of a ringtone spark a riot in the Indonesian town of Jayapura in November 2010.
- [Book review: Bernie Taupin’s “Scattershot”](https://a-lyric.com/2026/02/book-review-bernie-taupins-scattershot/) - Scattershot, how lyricist Bernie Taupin got everything he could wish for and managed to blow it up several times.
- [YouTube lyrics moving behind a paywall](https://a-lyric.com/2026/02/youtube-lyrics-moving-behind-a-paywall/) - Free YouTube lyrics might be a thing of the past. Users are being asked to upgrade to continue seeing song lyrics on YouTube Music.
- [Classic Dylan handwritten lyrics for auction](https://a-lyric.com/2010/11/classic-dylan-handwritten-lyrics-for-auction/) - Collectors will surely swoop on the upcoming auction of Bob Dylan's handwritten lyrics for "The Times They Are a-Changing" that will take place in Sotheby's. The song is iconic, defining the mood of protest and change in the sixties.
- [The Asteroids Galaxy Tour](https://a-lyric.com/2010/12/the-asteroids-galaxy-tour/) - The Asteroids Galaxy Tour's new single, Golden Age, has been massively supported by brewer Heineken.
- [Britney Spears rips off lyrics?](https://a-lyric.com/2011/02/britney-spears-rips-off-lyrics/) - The web is alive with claims about Britney Spears "ripping off" lyrics for "Hold it Against Me" from "If I Said You Had A Beautiful Body Would You Hold It Against Me" by the Bellamy Brothers.
- [RIP: Hugh Martin, writer of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"](https://a-lyric.com/2011/03/rip-hugh-martin-writer-of-have-yourself-a-merry-little-christmas/) - Songwriter and lyricist Hugh Martin Jr, who penned the song "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" in 1944 died at his home on March 11, 2011 at the page of 96.
- [James Blunt's 'You're Beautiful' lyrics](https://a-lyric.com/2006/03/james-blunts-youre-beautiful-lyrics/) - James Blunt's runaway hit "You're Beautiful" struck a deep chord with many people in Europe and now the USA. It's one of those "immediate" songs.
- [Confessions of an occasional A&R](https://a-lyric.com/2011/06/confessions-of-an-occasional-ar/) - Tips to songwriters from a writer that occasionally works as an A&R scout.
- [Carosel: keep it simple, stupid](https://a-lyric.com/2011/06/carosel-keep-it-simple-stupid/) - "I'm Sorry" is a very straightforward contemporary ballad. They seem to have made the most of a trip to Paris to shoot a very straightforward contemporary video too. There are times when you really can keep it simple, stupid.
- [Is it disrespectful to sing the US anthem in Spanish?](https://a-lyric.com/2025/06/is-it-disrespectful-to-sing-the-us-anthem-in-spanish/) - I'll be very upfront from the outset: I don't understand this. Is it disrespectful to sing the US anthem in Spanish before a ball game? For me, no. But my reasons for saying that could be very different from yours. Let's back up a bit: To open a match in June 2025, the LA Dodgers
- [Writers desks: Jacques Prévert](https://a-lyric.com/2009/09/writers-desks-jacques-prevert/) - Spending some time in Normandy, I couldn't resist the temptation to visit the last home of the legendary French scriptwriter, lyricist and poet Jacques Prévert.
- [Secrets of the Pop Song on BBC](https://a-lyric.com/2011/07/secrets-of-the-pop-song-on-bbc/) - Almost a master-class in pop songwriting, "Secrets of the Pop Song" includes excellent tips and comments from Guy Chambers, Diane Warren, Don Black and Boy George.
- [Songwriting: know the business](https://a-lyric.com/2011/07/songwriting-know-the-business/) - Songwriter Ray Heffernan talks about how he wrote substantial parts of "Angels" by Robbie Williams - and how the business reacted.
- [RIP: Jerry Ragovoy](https://a-lyric.com/2011/07/rip-jerry-ragovoy/) - Legendary songwriter of Rolling Stones and Janis Joplin hits dies in New York.
- [The surprising story behind Sérgio Mendes’ hit “Mas Que Nada”](https://a-lyric.com/2024/09/the-surprising-story-behind-sergio-mendes-hit-mas-que-nada/) - Sérgio Mendes’ hit “Mas Que Nada” traveled the world. But not many people know he didn't write it himself, and that the melody was used by another song.
- [Where did all the rock bands go](https://a-lyric.com/2025/09/where-did-all-the-rock-bands-go/) - If you look at the charts and awards ceremonies you have to wonder: Where did all the rock bands go?
- [Jesse Abraham Wins Lyricist Of The Year At The UMA](https://a-lyric.com/2011/09/jesse-abraham-wins-lyricist-of-the-year-at-the-uma/) - East coast hip-hop performer Jesse Abraham picks up lyricist of the year award at the underground music awards 2011.
- [Music tip: Kiss and Drive](https://a-lyric.com/2012/03/music-tip-kiss-and-drive/) - Italian singer Elisabetta Spada and Raphaël Dodemont continue to spin songs of charm in Brussels as Kiss and Drive.
- [Lick this! Ireland celebrates "iconic" Irish voices with stamps](https://a-lyric.com/2024/09/lick-this-ireland-celebrates-iconic-irish-voices-with-stamps/) - The Irish post office is celebrating singers with a stamp set called Iconic Irish Voices
- [Prince and Stevie Nicks: the track that never was](https://a-lyric.com/2011/09/prince-and-stevie-nicks-the-track-that-never-was/) - Steve Nicks talks about also writing with Prince on "Purple Rain".
- [Eurovision: that time a Palestinian almost sang](https://a-lyric.com/2025/05/eurovision-that-time-a-palestinian-almost-sang/) - At the Eurovision 2024, the Palestinian singer Bashar Murad almost got to the finals with a song about the Wild West - representing Iceland.
- [Gimme cover - Susan Boyle and Wild Horses](https://a-lyric.com/2009/09/gimme-cover-susan-boyle-and-wild-horses/) - There is an overwhelming opinion that Boyle has recorded one of the definitive versions of "Wild Horses". This is seen as sacrilege by others, who cling to memories of the Stones and Gram Parsons.
- [Reference to Facebook could cost Eurovision entry its place](https://a-lyric.com/2012/03/reference-to-facebook-could-cost-eurovision-entry-its-place/) - San Marino's entry into the Eurovision was put on hold on Saturday, when officials objected to the song "Facebook Uh Oh Oh".
- [Are there rules for lyric writing?](https://a-lyric.com/2012/08/are-there-rules-for-lyric-writing/) - Pat Pattison argues that there are no rules in song- and lyric-writing, but offers tips to using effective tools.
- [RIP: Mr Tro-lo-lo](https://a-lyric.com/2012/06/rip-mr-tro-lo-lo/) - Eduard Khil, the Russian baritone that became a surprise YouTube hit as Mr Trololo, has passed away.
- [RIP: lyricist Hal David](https://a-lyric.com/2012/09/rip-lyricist-hal-david/) - Lyricist Hal David, known for hits such as "Raindrops Are Falling on my Head", died at age 91. His website leave two tips for lyric writers and songwriters.
- [Has Iranian singer Tataloo been sentenced to death?](https://a-lyric.com/2025/01/has-iranian-singer-tataloo-been-sentenced-to-death/) - Iranian star Amir Hossein Maghsoudloo, better known as Amir Tataloo, has reportedly been sentenced
- [Yves Erauw: The Other Woman](https://a-lyric.com/2012/12/yves-erauw-the-other-woman/) - Yves Erauw's The Other Woman" is previewed before its release in January 2013.
- [Twisted Sister withdraw track from US presidential campaign](https://a-lyric.com/2012/08/twisted-sister-withdraw-track-from-us-presidential-campaign/) - 80s band Twisted Sister has asked US Republican vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan not to play the song, "We're Not Gonna Take It."
- [Premiering new songs with Yves Erauw](https://a-lyric.com/2013/07/premiering-new-songs-with-yves-erauw/) - Singer Yves Erauw will premiere songs by lyricist Michael Leahy at a special free show on Belgium's national holiday, July 21, 2013.
- [The Eurovision 2025: the pillow fight starts here](https://a-lyric.com/2024/12/the-eurovision-2025-the-pillow-fight-starts-here/) - Already in December 2024, some people are calling for Israel to be banned from Eurovision 2025
- ["Beep" by the Pussycat Dolls: DIY lyrics](https://a-lyric.com/2006/04/beep-by-the-pussycat-dolls-diy-lyrics/) - Where does "Beep" by the Pussycat Dolls rate on the fun scale? The theme is basically the same as "My Humps", a guy-watching-girl song.
- ["Do They Know it’s Christmas" gets new lyrics](https://a-lyric.com/2014/11/do-they-know-its-christmas-gets-new-lyrics/) - Legendary charity single "Do They Know it's Christmas" gets sweeter lyrics for 2014
- [The ultimate David Bowie tribute](https://a-lyric.com/2016/01/the-ultimate-david-bowie-tribute/) - Belgian top model Hannelore Knuts plays in this David Bowie tribute, going from room to room in a hotel, each of which contains references to classic Bowie albums.
- ['Til I'm Back Home: our fave Christmas song for 2012](https://a-lyric.com/2012/12/til-im-back-home-our-fave-track-for-christmas-2012/) - Eric McGrath has written a Christmas song with a heart-warming tune perfectly complemented by a video with snowmen. Corny? Not at all.
- [Syria: One voice less](https://a-lyric.com/2011/07/syria-one-voice-less/) - The murder of Syrian dabke singer Ibrahim Qashoush puts a face and a voice on the aspirations of millions of people.
- [Artist development: someone else has to do it](https://a-lyric.com/2013/02/artist-development-someone-else-has-to-do-it/) - A&R man Don Grierson talks about the huge changes that have taken place in the music business. In particular, the question of artist development and great songs.
- [Get off the stage, they like you](https://a-lyric.com/2013/03/get-off-the-stage-they-like-you/) - You are far better off leaving people wanting more from you in concert than feeling they have heard the entirety of your repertoire.
- [50 music lyric sites to be taken down. Why?](https://a-lyric.com/2013/11/50-music-lyric-sites-to-be-taken-down-why/) - America's National Music Publishers' Association (NMPA) is looking to get 50 websites to either remove music lyrics that are being illegally hosted or to pay licensing fees.
- [India debates "certifying" song lyrics](https://a-lyric.com/2013/10/india-debates-certifying-song-lyrics-2/) - India is considering "certifying" song lyrics used in films. If they do so in films, should they do so on radio?
- [Videos starring lyrics](https://a-lyric.com/2013/09/videos-starring-lyrics/) - Lyric videos have been around for a long time, but one of the smartest recent ones must be Cassettes Won't Listen's video for "Falling Apart".
- [YMCA lyrics "not specific to gays"](https://a-lyric.com/2014/01/ymca-lyrics-not-specific-to-gays/) - Lyricist and Village People lead singer Victor Willis opposes use of YMCA in protest, claims song is not about gays. The song has been used by the Russian Winter Olympics and Donald Trump amongst others
- [Ravel’s Bolero back from the dead?](https://a-lyric.com/2018/11/ravels-bolero-back-from-the-dead/) - The remaining rights owner to Maurice Ravel's "Boléro", Evelyne Pen de Castel, has been fighting to change its status as being in the public domain.
- [Vocaloducer: automatic songwriting takes a jump forward](https://a-lyric.com/2013/10/vocaloducer-automatic-songwriting-takes-a-jump-forward/) - Automatic songwriting has taken a jump forward with the announcement by Yamaha that they are about to release Vocaloducer, the "vocal producer".
- [Back in the charts with waltz and techno](https://a-lyric.com/2013/04/back-in-the-charts-with-waltz-and-techno/) - Irish lyricist Michael Leahy has entered the Belgian charts with songs written for techno stars 2 Unlimited and Strauss maestro Rudy Giovannini.
- [Perry Rose releases Irish album](https://a-lyric.com/2013/03/perry-rose-releases-irish-album/) - Perry Rose's label has decided to bundle together some of his most Irish tracks into an album called St Patrick's Day, to ite in with the 2013 event.
- [Florida to change its state song?](https://a-lyric.com/2008/04/florida-to-change-its-state-song/) - If you're a regular reader, you are probably aware that I have come to the conclusion that most anthems are dark, mean-spirited affairs. When they're not calling for the spilling of blood (Ireland, France), they are stomping on other people (like the infamous sixth verse of "God Save the Queen"). It looks like someone in
- [Vietnam debates whether to change national anthem](https://a-lyric.com/2013/06/vietnam-debates-whether-to-change-national-anthem/) - Deputies are debating whether the lyrics of the Vietnamese national anthem are too violent and should be changed.
- [Portraits of singers in their own words](https://a-lyric.com/2013/10/portraits-singers-own-words/) - Sean Williams' series of typographic portraits include Justin Timberlake, Jay-Z, Rihanna, Bruno Mars and Heisenberg (Breaking Bad).
- [Company uses Beastie Boys music and name for ad without permission](https://a-lyric.com/2013/11/company-uses-beastie-boys-music-and-name-for-ad-without-permission/) - Toy company Goldieblox used a song by the Beastie Boys - without asking them - rewrote the lyrics - without asking them and is suing to prevent them complaining
- [Nigerian national anthem changes (again)](https://a-lyric.com/2024/06/nigerian-national-anthem-changes-again/) - The Nigerian national anthem has changed - again. It has reverted back to the original one that was abandoned in 1978!
- [Bruce Springsteen and re-writing](https://a-lyric.com/2013/12/bruce-springsteen-and-re-writing/) - The auction of hand-written lyrics of "Born to Run" shows how much Bruce Springsteen re-writes songs before recording them.
- [Tunisian rapper jailed for "insulting police"](https://a-lyric.com/2013/12/tunisian-rapper-jailed-for-insulting-police/) - Tunisian rapper Ala Yaacoubi aka Weld El 15 is facing 21 months in prison in a case that questions Tunisia's freedom of speech.
- [Paving slabs with Lostprophets lyrics to be torn up](https://a-lyric.com/2013/12/paving-slabs-with-lostprophets-lyrics-to-be-torn-up/) - Following the conviction of singer Ian Watkins on pedophilia-related charges his hometown is about to remove paving stones with Lostprophets lyrics.
- [Skinny Puppy sends invoice for music used as torture at Guantanamo Bay](https://a-lyric.com/2014/02/skinny-puppy-sends-invoice-for-music-used-as-torture-at-guantanamo-bay/) - Canadian Industrial rock band Skinny Puppy is invoice the US department of defense for music used as torture.
- [LyricFind enables fans to find tour dates etc](https://a-lyric.com/2014/03/lyricfind-enables-fans-to-find-tour-dates-etc/) - LyricFind is partnering with BandPage to allows info about bands to be posted when people search for their lyrics
- [Van Morrison to release lyric book](https://a-lyric.com/2014/03/van-morrison-to-release-lyric-book/) - “Lit Up Inside”, a collection of Belfast artist Van Morrison's song lyrics will soon be released. The book has been edited by the Morrison himself and Eamonn Hughes.
- [Israel should not be banned at the Eurovision](https://a-lyric.com/2024/02/israel-should-not-be-banned-at-the-eurovision/) - If it is on the basis of the lyrics, Israel should not be banned from the Eurovision 2024
- [Writing a song using AI](https://a-lyric.com/2024/04/writing-a-song-using-ai/) - I decided to try writing a song using AI generative tools. The result is interesting and makes me think more carefully about lyrics!
- [RIP: Bobby Womack](https://a-lyric.com/2014/06/rip-bobby-womack/) - Bobby Womack, the writer of "That's The Way I Feel About Cha", "Woman's Gotta Have It", and "If You Think You're Lonely Now" dies on June 27 2014.
- [US man imprisoned for 8 days for posting lyrics to Facebook](https://a-lyric.com/2014/09/us-man-imprisoned-for-8-days-for-posting-lyrics-to-facebook/) - A man in the US has been in prison for 8 days after posting the lyrics to an Exodus song to his Facebook profile.
- [RIP: Bob Crewe](https://a-lyric.com/2014/09/rip-bob-crewe/) - After years of ill-health, veteran songwriter and producer Bob "Jersey Boys" Crewe died on September 11, 2014 at the age of 83.
- [RIP: Telex and jazz musician Marc Moulin](https://a-lyric.com/2008/10/rip-telex-and-jazz-musician-marc-moulin/) - Composer, writer and DJ Marc Moulin, known for his solo work and one of the founders of electronic group Telex, died in Belgium
- [David Bowie and lyrics](https://a-lyric.com/2007/01/david-bowie-and-lyrics/) - Tony Visconti talking about David Bowie andlyrics for "Heroes".
- [Spotify: How do you make it work](https://a-lyric.com/2018/05/spotify-how-do-you-make-it-work/) - Streaming service Spotify wants to encourage artists to get more active on its streaming service, notably by providing a series of how-to videos called The Game Plan.
- [Chinese anthem law sparks protest in Hong Kong](https://a-lyric.com/2020/05/chinese-anthem-law-sparks-protest-in-hong-kong/) - Protesters in Hong Kong took took to the streets shouting pro-democracy slogans in Hong Kong in reaction to the so-called "anthem law".
- [RIP: Pete Seeger](https://a-lyric.com/2014/01/rip-pete-seeger/) - “It is better to have struggled and lost, than never to have struggled at all.” - Pete Seeger in the film “Seeing Red” Pete Seeger, the quasi-legendary American folk singer, died January 27 2014 at the age of 94. Younger readers might be thinking, "Pete who?" I think a list of his best-known tunes gives
- [Will Lara Trump really release a Tom Petty song?](https://a-lyric.com/2023/09/will-lara-trump-really-release-a-tom-petty-song/) - Is Lara Trump and Tom Petty really a thing? Or is this a publicity stunt?
- [Music and politics: Will they ever learn?](https://a-lyric.com/2005/08/music-and-politics-will-they-ever-learn/) - Music and politics just don't mix too well, as Angela Merkel finds out
- [Are One Direction's lyrics creepy?](https://a-lyric.com/2014/10/are-one-directions-lyrics-creepy/) - Are One Directions' lyrics creepier than The Police? Serge Gainsbourg? Screaming Jay Hawkins?
- [Shell Shock: opera by Nick Cave, Nicholas Lens and Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui](https://a-lyric.com/2014/10/shell-shock-opera-by-nick-cave-nicholas-lens-and-sidi-larbi-cherkaoui/) - The opera Shell Shock by Nick Cave, Nicholas Lens and Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui is impressive, but fails in one important way.
- [Don Giovanni at the Monnaie](https://a-lyric.com/2014/12/don-giovanni-at-the-monnaie/) - The new production of Don Giovanni is heavy on visual provocation, but delivers on the singing and music
- [“To be Sung”: opera vs meaning](https://a-lyric.com/2016/01/to-be-sung-opera-vs-meaning/) - Pascal Dusapin's third opera, a musical translation of texts by modernist Gertrude Stein produced by the Monnaie, explores the limits of meaning
- [Queen asks Trump to stop using their music - again](https://a-lyric.com/2016/07/queen-asks-trump-to-stop-using-their-music-again/) - Queen have again expressed their frustration that Donald Trump is using their 1977 single ‘We Are The Champions’ at his rallies.
- [RIP: Prince Buster](https://a-lyric.com/2016/09/rip-prince-buster/) - The inspired producer, writer and performer Prince Buster has left a legacy of hundreds of ska tracks.
- [The Academic create the ultimate loop on Facebook](https://a-lyric.com/2018/02/the-academic-create-the-ultimate-loop-on-facebook/) - Irish Band The Academiccuses live delay to create layered version of song
- [“Lyrics… the source of memory”?](https://a-lyric.com/2005/03/lyrics-the-source-of-memory/) - The brain fills in the gaps Interesting news item in Money Plans, of all places. Researchers at Dartmouth College have been playing around, seeing which parts of the brain are used when people listen to music. They monitored brain activity as people listened to music, and then checked which parts of the brain were used
- [Franz Ferdinand: What does it all mean?](https://a-lyric.com/2005/10/franz-ferdinand-what-does-it-all-mean/) - Scottish band Franz Ferdinand have been on the rise for a year or two already. Their bright slightly retro sound caught the attention of radio programmers in the UK, Europe and subsequently the US. But if you're having problems working out the lyrics, you're not the only one. Although the band assure people that there
- [Patti Labelle: “lyrics aren’t there anymore”](https://a-lyric.com/2005/11/patti-labelle-lyrics-arent-there-anymore/) - Patti has been turning out hits since the early sixties, and is still touring today. "Lady Marmelade (Voulez-vous coucher avec moi?)" was her steam-rolling hit from 1975. In an article in The Washington Post, Labelle had this to say about today's scene: "The music has started to suck. No, maybe it doesn't suck, it's just
- [Kate Bush on lyrics and diarrhoea](https://a-lyric.com/2005/11/kate-bush-on-lyrics-and-diarrhoea/) - Little boy reviewers worldwide are quivering: a new Kate Bush album has been released. Why quiver? This article on OHM is a good summary of the Bush phenomenon - or rather the relationship of little boys to the mystery woman. Yet this image is misleading at best, as she demonstrates when talking about lyrics and
- [RIP: Charles Aznavour](https://a-lyric.com/2018/10/rip-charles-aznavour/) - The death of Charles Aznavour in late September 2018 is not a tragedy because of his age; it is a tragedy because he was so good at doing what he did.
- [Most Canadians do not want to change national anthem](https://a-lyric.com/2013/10/most-canadians-do-not-want-to-change-national-anthem/) - 65% of Canadians do not want to change their national anthem to make it more inclusive, going from, "...in all thy sons command" to "...in all of us command".
- [Lyrics for "Maniac", "Red Solo Cup" and others up for auction](https://a-lyric.com/2013/11/lyrics-for-maniac-red-solo-cup-and-others-up-for-auction/) - Handwritten song lyrics for hit songs such as “Maniac,” “If Tomorrow Never Comes” and “The Gambler” are up for auction on eBay
- [Will Irish Eurovision entry survive Russian anti-gay laws?](https://a-lyric.com/2018/02/will-irish-eurovision-entry-survive-russian-anti-gay-laws/) - Could video of the Irish Eurovision entry "Together" lead to a broadcast ban in Russia due to anti-gay laws?
- [Ukraine's Eurovision entry "Siren Song" is not going to Tel Aviv](https://a-lyric.com/2019/02/ukraines-siren-song-is-not-going-to-tel-aviv/) - The winner of Ukraine's Eurovision selection is not going to the event at Tel Aviv. "Politics", say the organisers. "Contracts", says the singer.
- [Yahoo offers the "real" lyrics](https://a-lyric.com/2007/04/yahoo-to-offer-the-real-lyrics/) - Find the real lyrics to songs on the web From experience, I can tell you that finding accurate lyrics on the web is actually quite hard. The vast majority of lyrics you find seem to be submitted by listeners. I don't think I have ever come across lyrics of mine that are 100% accurate. Someone
- [Iran's Mehdi Yarrahi prosecuted for headscarf song](https://a-lyric.com/2023/08/irans-mehdi-yarrahi-prosecuted-for-headscarf-song/) - As part of the repression of the headscarf campaign, singer Mehdi Yarrahi is being charged for releasing "RooSarito" (your headscarf).
- [British town bans anti-gay lyrics](https://a-lyric.com/2007/12/british-town-bans-ant-gay-lyrics/) - I've always been a little uncomfortable with the campaign against dancehall, as it has echoes of the thought police in action. But I've always been very uncomfortable with some of the extremely violent anti-gay lyrics as well. Now the British resort Brighton has become the first UK town to officially ban licensed venues from playing
- [Imus, Hos and Snoops](https://a-lyric.com/2007/04/imus-hos-and-snoops/) - Can Snoop Dogg call a black woman a whore? Who can and cannot call black women "whores"? Who can or cannot call coloured people "niggaz" (as if the z makes any real difference)? It's funny that it took an aging loudmouth radio presenter - Don Imus - to finally bring the issue of bling lyrics
- [Sting to release lyrics as book](https://a-lyric.com/2007/05/sting-to-release-lyrics-as-book/) - Sting - The Lyrics I just read that Sting will release the lyrics to Police as a book later in the year. Sounds like a good idea. And perhaps it will put to rest a lot of the speculation about his lyrics. My favourite misunderstanding is "Every Breath You Take", a song that sounds like
- [Where Did Our Love Go - Waku Erauw lyrics](https://a-lyric.com/2021/11/where-did-our-love-go-waku-erauw-lyrics/) - The Waku family with Yves "Soulboy" Erauw in "Where Did Our Love Go" with lyrics
- [UK anthem to be revised?](https://a-lyric.com/2007/12/uk-anthem-to-be-revised/) - There are moves to rewrite some of the lyrics to the UK anthem "God Save the Queen", notably the line that calls for the Scots to be crushed.
- [My name in lights thanks to Waiting / Vermist!](https://a-lyric.com/2007/11/my-name-in-lights/) - "Waiting" featured in the movie "Vermist" (2007) directed by Jan Verheyen.
- [Writing a song for crowd-funded movie "KM Zero"](https://a-lyric.com/2023/05/writing-a-song-for-crowd-funded-movie-km-zero/) - When asked to write some words for the theme song for "KM Zero", I learnt more about adapting a song to movies and also about crowd-funding
- [Brexit: the John Lennon connection](https://a-lyric.com/2017/06/brexit-the-john-lennon-connection/) - Iconic song "Imagine" gets quoted twice in the same day by EU politicians
- [RIP: Scott Walker](https://a-lyric.com/2019/03/rip-scott-walker/) - From pop sensation to a creative inspiration for Bowie and others, the death of Scott Walker was saluted by many stars
- [No Time to Die: what do the words mean?](https://a-lyric.com/2020/02/no-time-to-die-what-do-the-words-mean/) - "No time to die". What do the lyrics mean? I'd say Billie Eilish and her brother have written a great Bond theme true their own style and the character's essence.
- [Do lyrics promote teen sex?](https://a-lyric.com/2006/08/do-lyrics-promote-teen-sex/) - A scientific study suggest that "sexually degrading" song lyrics might play an effect in sexual activity in teens. Is that your experience?
- [Think this song is about you?](https://a-lyric.com/2007/05/think-this-song-is-about-you/) - Pakistani singer Abrar-ul-Haq has had to face the law frequently for his lyrics
- [Bono talks about new song "Wave of Sorrow"](https://a-lyric.com/2007/11/bono-talks-about-new-song-wave-of-sorrow/) - A fascinating glimpse into Bono's creative process. U2 has been re-visiting tracks from "The Joshua Tree", and in particular the unfinished "Wave of Sorrow"
- [RIP: Monty Norman, writer of the James Bond theme](https://a-lyric.com/2022/07/rip-monty-norman-writer-of-the-james-bond-theme/) - RIP Monty Norman, probably the least-known of the best-known music writers for film and screen, creator of the James Bond theme
- [Perry Rose: Glasgow](https://a-lyric.com/2009/06/perry-rose-available-on-amazon-france/) - Perry Rose "Glasgow" lyrics. I co-wrote a whole bunch of songs with Perry Rose over the years. "Glasgow" is a bit different.
- [RIP: English lyricist Barry Mason](https://a-lyric.com/2021/04/rip-english-lyricist-barry-mason/) - RIP English lyricist Barry Mason. The news that Barry Mason died in April 2021 at the age of 86 came as a surprise. It was also a reminder that there are thousands of lyricists and composers out there whose name are not well known. Yet their songs are among the most well-known in music history.
- [The meaning of Mika's "Grace Kelly"](https://a-lyric.com/2007/06/the-meaning-of-mikas-grace-kelly/) - A debate about the meaning of Mika's hit single "Grace Kelly". Make sure to read the comments!
- [Social media, music and the coronavirus lockdown](https://a-lyric.com/2020/03/social-media-music-and-the-coronavirus-lockdown/) - I don't sing or play an nstrument. But my co-criters do. Here are a few tips about staying connected with fans and followers in a lackdown
- [How clean is your music metadata?](https://a-lyric.com/2011/05/how-clean-is-your-metadata/) - All of our lyrics and music end up as files and are managed in large banks of other files. If your data is not in order, you won't get paid.
- [Kanye West vs Gene Vincent](https://a-lyric.com/2018/04/kanye-west-vs-gene-vincent/) - How about mashing the lyrics of Kanye West's "Lift Yourself" and Gene Vincent's "Be-Bop-A-Lula"?
- [They know everything we do](https://a-lyric.com/2020/09/they-know-everything-we-do/) - Yes, you are being watched! That's what happens when you surrender to social media. ;-) At least now you have the soundtrack to go along with it, courtesy of a polka by Johann Strauss.
- [RIP: bluesman Rosco Gordon](https://a-lyric.com/2002/07/rip-bluesman-rosco-gordon/) - It was another age, of course. But I can't help thinking about the blues songwriter Rosco Gordon who died recently. He and Jimmy McCrackin wrote "Just a Little Bit" in the fifties and played it to a record company who passed on the song - but decided to copyright it anyway just in case. It
- [Marka: Open Your Eyes](https://a-lyric.com/2006/05/marka-open-your-eyes/) - Here's an oddity. I wrote a song with the Belgian rocker Marka many moons ago, which he just recently dusted off and turned into a hybrid bossa nova. He also added French lyrics to add a little "je ne sais quoi", keeping the title "Open Your Eyes". Train-spotters might find it in a previous version
- [The Rubinoos lyrics vs. Avril Lavigne lyrics: What do you think?](https://a-lyric.com/2007/07/the-rubinoos-vs-avril-lavigne-ouch/) - The Rubinoos are a 70s power-pop outfit whose trademark tune was "I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend". They sued Avil Lavigne for "I Wanna Be Your Girlfriend".
- [Bobby Womack: "It's All Over Now"](https://a-lyric.com/2007/09/bobby-womack-its-all-over-now/) - I have been re-reading "Uncommon Sound" about some of the guitar players that changed the face of music. I came across a quote from Bobby Womack, whose song "When The Weekend Comes" was a favourite of mine for some time. One of his best-known compositions is "It's All Over Now", a hit for the Rolling
- [Classic lyrics to be auctioned for UK charity](https://a-lyric.com/2010/11/classic-lyrics-to-be-auctioned-for-uk-charity/) - Britain's PRS has organised a wonderful charity drive. On December 15 2010 they will put up for auction the lyrics of classic songs handwritten by the lyricist themselves! The proceeds go to the Teenage Cancer Trust.
- [French singer gets Irish award - but who wrote the song?](https://a-lyric.com/2011/11/french-singer-gets-irish-award-but-who-wrote-the-song/) - French singer Michel Sardou was awarded the "freedom of Connemara" at a ceremony at the Irish embassy in Paris recently. The award is to thank him for 30 years free advertising for the region thanks to the huge and enduring hit, "Les lacs du Connemara" (the lakes of Connemara)
- [Eurovision: Georgia borders on the political](https://a-lyric.com/2009/02/eurovision-georgia-borders-on-the-political/) - news Georgia's Eurovision entry was dropped in 2009 due to its political nature - not the first nor the last country to be removed.
- [Eminem explains his gay lyrics, kinda](https://a-lyric.com/2013/11/eminem-explains-his-gay-lyrics-kinda/) - In an interview with Rolling Stone, Eminem tries to defuse his use of the word gay, by explaining that it is one of many insults one could banter around
- [Avril Lavigne "exonerated" by writers that claimed plagiarism](https://a-lyric.com/2008/01/avril-lavigne-exonerated-by-writers-that-claimed-plagiarism/) - I mentioned some time back that Avril Lavigne's "I Wanna be Your Girlfriend" was the subject of a lawsuit by eighties band The Rubinoos who felt it was too close to a song of theirs with almost the exact same chorus, "I Wanna be Your Boyfriend". At the time, people were claiming she "ripped them
- [“Lyrics” top search engines again](https://a-lyric.com/2005/12/lyrics-top-search-engines-again/) - Even I was surprised by the recent announcement by Infospace that "lyrics" was the most searched term on Dogpile.com so far in 2005. Services such as WordTracker often rank "lyrics" in the top ten searches. But snatching the n° 1 spot is something else! Dogpile compiles the results of the major search engines including Yahoo
- [Iceland causes Eurovision ripple](https://a-lyric.com/2006/05/iceland-causes-eurovision-ripple/) - Iceland's entry for the Eurovision Song Contest is causing ripples. The song, "Congratulations", is sung by Sylvia Night, a fictional character created by actress Agusta Eva. The song contains the line, "I'll fucking win". The organisers, EBU, have formally warned that if she sings the song on the night, Iceland will be breaching two rules.
- [Black Eyed Peas: “My Humps”](https://a-lyric.com/2006/09/black-eyed-peas-my-humps/) - Apart from the actual lyrics, "My Humps" is also a brilliant singalong, with a rhythm as easy as a nursery rhyme. I also really like the very spartan arrangement and production.
- [U2/Green Day: “The Saints are Coming”](https://a-lyric.com/2006/10/u2green-day-the-saints-are-coming/) - Reading the lyrics of "The Saints are Coming", it's no surprise that U2 chose it as a song to celebrate the re-opening of New Orleans' Superdome with Green Day. The song, written by singer Richard Jobson and guitarist Stuart Adamson of Scottish punk group The Skids, made an impression on the Dublin band as it
- [Bowwow: Fresh Azimiz](https://a-lyric.com/2006/10/bowwow-fresh-azimiz/) - I'm still getting an AWFUL lot of requests for this one, so I thought I'd give it a look. Some heavyweight talent is involved in this track, which plays well on radio. But I hope I don't ruffle too many feathers when I say I feel cheated on the actual lyrics. The title is cool
- [Moby & Mylene Farmer: Slipping Away](https://a-lyric.com/2006/12/moby-mylene-farmer-slipping-away/) - Mylène Farmer is a breathless French singer known for rather grand fluffiness. And she does herself proud on this track with Moby!
- ["Patience" by Take That pays off at Brits](https://a-lyric.com/2007/02/patience-by-take-that-pays-off-at-brits/) - British band Take That make comeback with a song that is lyrically a classic case of "keep it simple, stupid".
- [Israeli Eurovision entry sparks debate](https://a-lyric.com/2007/03/israeli-eurovision-entry-sparks-debate/) - some people are questioning if Israel is not pushing the limit of humour a little on Eurovision with a topical comedy track called "Push the Button".
- [Gwen Stefani: "don't take all my lyrics literally"](https://a-lyric.com/2007/03/gwen-stefani-dont-take-all-my-lyrics-literally/) - Columnists have been speculating that the lyrics to Gwen Stefani's "Breakin' Up" reflected on the state of her relationship with husband Gavin Rossdale
- [French candidate threatens to re-write national anthem](https://a-lyric.com/2007/04/french-candidate-threatens-to-re-write-national-anthem/) - National anthems are, on the whole, a bloodthirsty genre. It's funny that while debate rages around violent or pornographic songs and video games, we still stand up to shout (I can hardly say sing) encouragements to kill, seek revenge, conquer and ethnically cleanse. If you think I'm exaggerating, I invite you to check the anthems
- [Tip of the Week: Lords and Thieves](https://a-lyric.com/2007/08/tip-of-the-week-lords-and-thieves/) - This is more of a plug than a tip. I've written often with Perry Rose over the years. I just discovered this track on You Tube. Perry was invited by fiddle player Luc Pilartz to play a tune with him. He chose "Lords and Thieves", to which I had contributed some lyrics. I don't know
- [RIP: Norman Whitfield](https://a-lyric.com/2008/09/rip-norman-whitfield/) - It's a sad fact that songwriter/producer Norman Whitfield was not better known at the end of his career.
- [Why do Israeli singers sing in English?](https://a-lyric.com/2009/07/why-do-israeli-singers-sing-in-english/) - This title from the Ha'aretz newspaper caught my eye. Why do Israeli singers sing in English rather than Hebrew? The debate is an old one, and has been mirrored in many countries. On the one hand, there are the people that worry about cultural identity. On the other, are performers that either don't care or
- [2 Unlimited to reform?](https://a-lyric.com/2009/02/2-unlimited-to-reform/) - The e-mail has been heating up with a rumour that 2 Unlimited are about to reform. The group was one of the 90s most successful pop acts, racking up millions of sales on the back of hits such as "No Limits and "Jump for Joy" and popularising the boy-girl duo as a format. The group
- [So Solid lyrics analysed in court](https://a-lyric.com/2005/10/so-solid-lyrics-analysed-in-court/) - London rap outfit So Solid have found themselves back in court
- [Jay Z vs. Cristal: Who said what?](https://a-lyric.com/2006/06/jay-z-vs-cristal-who-said-what/) - The head of Cristal champagne was claimed to have stated that the attention of the Hip-Hop community was "unwelcome". Jay Z has declared this to be "racist".
- [99.7% of young Jamaicans watch videos for lyrics](https://a-lyric.com/2007/02/997-of-young-jamaicans-watch-videos-for-lyrics/) - A fascinating analysis of the relationship between lyrics, the way they are understood, and the way kids learn them in Jamaica.
- [Tony Blair in UK charts?](https://a-lyric.com/2007/03/tony-blair-in-uk-charts/) - A British pressure group decided to record a version of "War" with a Tony Blair lookalike and try and get in the charts. And they did, briefly...
- [Plug: "Vermist/Missing" debuts as TV series in Belgium](https://a-lyric.com/2008/03/plug-vermistmissing-debuts-as-tv-series-in-belgium/) - I can't resist a plug for the TV series "Vermist/Missing", taken from the film of the same name directed by Jan Verheyen. It will debut on Belgium's VT4 channel
- [Lyrics "provide significant backdrop to our lives"](https://a-lyric.com/2008/07/lyrics-provide-significant-backdrop-to-our-lives/) - A UK body that promotes reading skills has just released figures that are interesting. In surveys, the "National Year of Reading" found that 90% of people found that reading lyrics
- [Lyric t-shirts to go on sale in British supermarkets](https://a-lyric.com/2009/06/lyric-t-shirts-to-go-on-sale-in-british-supermarkets/) - Fancy t-shirts with slogans such as "The boys are back in town" or "Born to be wild"? Well, there's good news and not-so-good news. British retailer Asda has just unveiled a major range of t-shirts under the George label that feature song titles administered by Universal. The idea (commendable) is that the writers benefit from
- [A brand new old trick: the Song Generator](https://a-lyric.com/2009/07/a-brand-new-old-trick-the-song-generator/) - An iPhone application has been launched to help lyricists that are stuck for words
- [The future's not ours to see](https://a-lyric.com/2001/10/the-futures-not-ours-to-see/) - RIP: writer of "QUe Sera" and "Mona Lisa" Not many people noticed the fact, but one of the world's most prolific songwriters just passed away. Few people outside the business know the name Jay Livingstone, although everyone has sung his hits which included "Que Sera, Sera", "Mona Lisa" and/or "Bonanza" (yep, the cowboy series). All
- [And now: the war on lyrics](https://a-lyric.com/2005/12/and-now-the-war-on-lyrics/) - And just when you thought it was safe to listen to music, war breaks out again. This time, lyrics are at the root of the issue. Song lyrics are frequently amongst the top ten search terms on the web - no small feat. As a lyricist, I'm flattered by your attention. But the US publishing
- [Elvis Costello, Hindi pop and The Turtles](https://a-lyric.com/2004/04/elvis-costello-hindi-pop-and-the-turtles/) - I've been watching some lyric news stories in the press recently. Funny how news-worthy they can be. Elvis Costello, for example, has grown up and signed a deal for a number of books. He promises a "series of intimate narrative chapters taking their cue from the styles, themes and characters found in a number of
- [Indie musicians vote for major as favourite label!](https://a-lyric.com/2004/09/indie-musicians-vote-for-major-as-favourite-label/) - Here's a good one. The Swedish music resource HitQuarters ran a poll to check who their members would like to sign to. Surprise, surprise: the American major label Arista came out on top. Given that lots of musicans and message boards are constantly slagging off major labels for their greed and short-sightedness, it seems weird
- [Track of the Day on Garageband](https://a-lyric.com/2005/03/track-of-the-day-on-garageband/) - Well now, I'm feeling pretty chuffed. Just got word that "Angel" will be Track of the Day on Garageband.com tomorrow, Saturday 26 following some pretty enthusiastic reviews! "Angel" was written with Kris Kristoffels a while back. This version was arranged by Herman Martin, with Muzzy Horn doing some tasteful guitar and growly vocals.
- [BBC rapped over lyrical content](https://a-lyric.com/2006/06/bbc-rapped-over-lyrical-content/) - The debate concerning lyrical content will seemingly never go away. Faced with a marked increase in violence, Britain is asking questions about the media's role. New Conservative leader David Cameron recently pointed the finger at the media and local rappers that "promote" weapons and violence. One of the rappers, Lethal Bizzle, has since hit back
- [London, London: the refugee’s view](https://a-lyric.com/2006/06/london-london-the-refugees-view/) - Cibelle track echoes previous generation's refugee issues Given the debate about refugees that is currently raging across the world, Cibelle's choice of "London, London" as a single is accidentally topical. Written by Caetano Veloso, one of the founders of the Tropicalia movement, it is a simple, breezy account of staying in London and feeling safe
- [Song lyrics go legit](https://a-lyric.com/2006/07/song-lyrics-go-legit/) - As reported several months ago on A-Lyric, the music business and web companies have been searching for ways to do business with song lyrics. In an interesting deal, the music database company Gracenote has signed deals with hundreds of publishers and will start integrating approved lyrics into a range of services. The idea is to
- [Misheard lyrics: Michelin Man](https://a-lyric.com/2006/08/misheard-lyrics-michelin-man/) - There's always a lot of fun to be had from misheard lyrics. Remixer Nathan Jay has taken the Chinese pop song "Ye Man You Xi" by Jolin Tsai and given it a literal interpretation as if it was written in English. The result is easily the video of the week.
- [Boy band praises Nasrallah](https://a-lyric.com/2006/08/boy-band-praises-nasrallah/) - Hezbollah leader gets tribute song The Lebanese guerrilla leader Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah is the subject of a song that is being circulated widely in Palestine. A five-piece wedding band, Firkat Ishaman, rewrote lyrics to an existing song to praise the man that has become a folk hero in many parts of the Middle East following
- [“Sexy Back” lyrics salute James Brown](https://a-lyric.com/2006/09/sexy-back-lyrics-salute-james-brown/) - I had a look at the lyrics of Justin Timberlake's "Sexy Back"? There's not much there! It probably ranks as one of the songs with the fewest individual words in the charts. But so what? When I listen to the track I keep hearing the ghosts of two of Timberlake's heroes: James Brown and Prince.
- [Jamaican stars agree to tone down anti-gay sentiment](https://a-lyric.com/2007/06/jamaican-stars-agree-to-tone-down-anti-gay-sentiment/) - Beenie Man and others agree to tone down anti-gay lyrics in reggae songs.
- [Lyrics: The skeletons in the cupboard](https://a-lyric.com/2007/07/lyrics-the-skeletons-in-the-cupboard/) - Have you ever thought back about songs that seemed perfectly innocent when you were young but take on a whole different colour when you grow up? The UK's Charlie Brooker details that in a fun article in The Guardian. He also takes a look at two current tracks he likes, but doesn't dare sing out
- [RIP: Lee Hazelwood](https://a-lyric.com/2007/08/rip-lee-hazelwood/) - One of music's most remarkable writers is no more One of the truly great songwriters and all-round characters has just died. Chances are that lee Hazelwood will be best remember for "These Boots are Made for Walking" (a great song in itself). But there was more - far more - to this incredible writer, producer
- [Tip of the week: Superbus](https://a-lyric.com/2008/06/tip-of-the-week-superbus/) - A perfect pop band (Superbus) playing a perfect pop tune ("Heart of Glass"). It doesn't get much better than this on a rainy Friday. But what about the words? Once I had a love and it was a gas Soon turned out, had a heart of glass Seemed like the real thing, only to find
- [Austria pulls out of Eurovision](https://a-lyric.com/2007/11/austria-pulls-out-of-eurovision/) - So the unthinkable has happened: a country has decided to NOT take part in the Eurovision Song Contest. I remember hearing comments in Dublin after multiple wins that it was costing too much and that Ireland couldn't afford to win again. But to not take part at all is quite dramatic. Why the fuss? The
- [What the Beck?](https://a-lyric.com/2008/02/what-the-beck/) - While preparing the deluxe edition of his album "Odelay", someone at his label pasted in lyrics to the "The New Pollution" that they found on a website.
- [Lyric sites are spam?](https://a-lyric.com/2008/04/lyric-sites-are-spam/) - If you apply Google's standards, most lyric sites are spam as they consist of automatically generated pages of copied information with no added value.
- [Lyric Culture puts lyrics on clothes](https://a-lyric.com/2008/08/lyric-culture-puts-lyrics-on-clothe/) - I just came across an article in The Guardian about a company called Lyrics Culture (follow the link so I don't have to quote the whole thing). Their idea is simply to stick lyrics on T-shirts and clothes and sell them. So? So not much, except for one thing. They have come to an agreement
- [Shimon Peres lyrics offered to world musicians](https://a-lyric.com/2008/08/shimon-peres-lyrics-offered-to-world-musicians/) - The Israeli president Israel Shimon Peres wrote a few lyrics called "Ray of Hope" last year, and invited musicians to add music. So far, some 57 songs have been created.
- [Palin and McCain outrage Nancy Wilson](https://a-lyric.com/2008/09/palin-and-mccain-outrage-nancy-wilson/) - There must be a job somewhere choosing music for politicians in campaigns and at rallies. I sometimes cannot believe how wrong they can get things. The McCain camp has been very publicly slammed by Heart's Nancy Wilson for using the song "Barracuda" during the recent republican convention. In a comment to Entertainment Weekly, she had
- [RIP: Founder member of Pink Floyd dies](https://a-lyric.com/2008/09/rip-founder-member-of-pink-floyd-dies/) - Rick Wright, one of the founders of Pink Floyd, died of cancer on September 15 2008 at the age of 65. Wright was a renowned musician, providing the distinctive Hammond organ playing for Pink Floyd, as well as being a songwriter. He provided tunes for several early Floyd tracks, including 'Paintbox', 'Remember A Day' and
- [Womanizer: The return of Britney Spears](https://a-lyric.com/2008/10/womanizer-the-return-of-britney-spears/) - I must admit: I wasn't expecting this. Watching Britney Spear's recent career has been a painful exercise, as a cute child star hit the worst times you could ever wish on her (or her family). But on "Womanizer" she's back, almost as if nothing had happened. The photos look great, the production is slick, the
- [Modest Mouse "Dashboard" picks up BMI award](https://a-lyric.com/2008/10/modest-mouse-dashboard-picks-up-award/) - Modest Mouse's single "Dashboard" picked up the award for the College Song of the Year from BMI recently, topping a strong career since 2006's "We Were Dead before the Ship Even Sank" (although they've existed since 1994). I've always enjoyed the band for their titles such as "This is a Long Drive for Someone With
- [Jacques Brel lyrics sell for $170,000](https://a-lyric.com/2008/10/jacques-brel-lyrics-sell-for-170000/) - The recent sale of Brel lyrics and memorabilia generated intense interest in Paris recently, as it coincided with the 30th anniversary of the Belgian's death.
- [Tip: The return of Grace Jones](https://a-lyric.com/2008/11/tip-the-return-of-grace-jones/) - Grace Jones singing "Corporate Cannibal" put her finger right on the pulse with the lyrics of "Corporate Cannibal".
- ["You Raise me Up" scores 1 million airplays](https://a-lyric.com/2008/11/you-raise-me-up-scores-1-million-airplays/) - Irish songwriter Brendan Graham has been included in the world’s top songwriters. His song "You Raise Me Up" has been awarded "Million-Air’" status by BMI.
- [Perry Rose show to be broadcast on Dec 31](https://a-lyric.com/2008/12/perry-rose-show-to-be-broadcast-on-dec-31/) - Perry Rose was organised a special show during the summer. It sold out pretty quickly. RTBF radio were on hand and recorded it, broadcasting it in two parts.
- [TIP: Amanda Ghost, "Blood on the Line"](https://a-lyric.com/2008/12/tip-amanda-ghost-blood-on-the-line/) - Amanda Ghost is perhaps best-known for having co-written "You're Beautiful" with James Blunt. She also wrote "Beautiful Liar" for Beyonce and Shakira. But as you'll see from this and other tracks of hers, she's a compelling singer and songwriter on her own.
- [Miley Cyrus forgets lyrics, does OK and the Internet still gets excited](https://a-lyric.com/2009/02/miley-cyrus-forgets-lyrics-does-ok-and-the-internet-still-gets-excited/) - Miley Cyrus fluffed a line, but managed to get through the song without falling apart. Otis Redding was notorious for forgetting lines and improvising.
- [Last minute: June 1 deadline for Ray Davies workshop in London](https://a-lyric.com/2009/05/last-minute-june-1-deadline-for-ray-davies-workshop-in-london/) - Ray Davies The Kinks frontman and songwriter is tutoring a week-long, residential songwriting course at Arvon Lumb Bank, UK, November 23-28th.
- [U2: top 5 literary moments](https://a-lyric.com/2009/06/u2-top-5-literary-moments/) - This one comes from the U2 site atU2.com, but is interesting nonetheless. Rock bands are rock bands, and they don't necessarily have to kiss the cloth of other art forms. In fact, it can be embarrassing seeing a performer from one discipline twisting him or herself to accommodate others (think of the singers from Bowie
- [Dana Winner nominated for 2 Belgian awards](https://a-lyric.com/2009/07/dana-winner-nominated-for-2-belgian-awards/) - I just finished working on a track for the Belgian singer Dana Winner, who has released a string of albums in the Benelux and South Africa. She is also near the end of a major tour. This morning's e-mail included news that she has been nominated in two sections of the "Zomerhit" awards for Belgium's
- [LyricWiki stops supplying lyrics to applications](https://a-lyric.com/2009/08/lyricwiki-stops-supplying-lyrics-to-applications/) - LyricWiki is about to stop supplying lyrics to a number of sites and applications.
- [RIP: Willy De Ville](https://a-lyric.com/2009/08/rip-willy-de-ville/) - Willy De Ville created songs of musical intelligence and flair. From the Latino "Spanish Stroll" to the swamp soul revival of the 80s, he had an unerring ear for a strong melody and lyric.
- [Songs in code: the logic behind emotions](https://a-lyric.com/2009/08/songs-in-code-the-logic-behind-emotions/) - What happens when coders take a look at songs and determine the logic behind the songs? A geeky in-joke has now become one of Twitter's funniest trends.
- [Vera Lynn re-enters British charts at age 92](https://a-lyric.com/2009/09/vera-lynn-re-enters-british-charts-at-age-92/) - Dame Vera Lynn is back in the UK charts with a compilation based around "We'll Meet Again", the song written for the movie of the same name in 1939.
- [China to "review" online song lyrics](https://a-lyric.com/2009/09/china-to-review-online-song-lyrics/) - Song lyrics found to be vulgar, violent, or in otherwise poor taste now face removal from Chinese Web sites.
- [Perry Rose co-writes with my comments](https://a-lyric.com/2009/09/perry-rose-co-writes-with-my-comments/) - A selection of songs written by Perry Rose, with comments from lyricist Michael Leahy.
- [RIP: Ellie Greenwich](https://a-lyric.com/2009/08/rip-ellie-greenwich/) - Although many music fans might not know her name, Ellie Greenwich is the writer and co-writer on a string of all-time classics that include "Be My Baby", "Da Doo Ron Ron", "River Deep, Mountain High". She died in New York in August 2009.
- [Michael Jackson: RIP](https://a-lyric.com/2009/06/michael-jackson-rip/) - Image via WikipediaI'm not going to add much to the obits flowing in about Michael Jackson. To be honest, I'm kind of dreading the flood of revelations that will inevitably surface about a man who could do nothing like anyone else for better or for worse. His death was obviously unexpected and is strangely an
- [“Hadji Girl”: desert storms in teacups?](https://a-lyric.com/2006/06/hadji-girl-desert-storms-in-teacups/) - A song written by an American soldier has caused an uproar because of its subject.
- ["Days of Fire": a witness to terror](https://a-lyric.com/2008/11/days-of-fire-a-witness-to-terror/) - With the shocking Mumbai attacks still playing out as I type this, I can't help thinking back to other attacks and other wars with their cast of innocent victims. But attacks also leave witnesses. Nitin Sawhney and Natty appear together on the remarkable "Days of Fire", the opening track on Sawhney's latest album "London Undersound".
- ["Send me an Angel", the Pop Idol version](https://a-lyric.com/2009/01/send-me-an-angel-the-pop-idol-version/) - A version of "Send me an Angel" sung by Nathalie Makoma, best known as the lead singer of Makoma. Nathalie is a Gabanese vocalist living in the Netherlands. This was one of the songs she sang on a local pop show called "Idols".
- [Whatever happened to CB Milton?](https://a-lyric.com/2008/11/whatever-happened-to-cb-milton/) - Eurodance star CB Milton has re-surfaced as Clarence Bekker in Playing for Change.
- [Oops, wrong anthem!](https://a-lyric.com/2008/06/oops-wrong-anthem/) - Swiss TV channel SRG caused consternation during the Germany-Austria Euro 2008 match when the German anthem was subtitled with the words, "Deutschland, Deutschland Uber alles... (Germany over all)".
- [Quote of the week: "cheerful Spaniards"](https://a-lyric.com/2007/12/quote-of-the-week-cheerful-spaniards/) - The Spanish national anthem has no lyrics. So a competition was opened, with 7000 people sending in their proposals.
- [Former Salt'n Pepa star speaks out against misogynist lyrics](https://a-lyric.com/2005/11/former-salt’n’pepa-star-speaks-out-against-misogynist-lyrics/) - Cheryl "Salt" James is joining other Hip-Hop celebrities in encouraging people to speak out against misogynist lyrics.
- [McCartney lyrics for sale](https://a-lyric.com/2006/11/mccartney-lyrics-for-sale/) - Auctioneers at Christie's in New York have put an estimate value of £167,000 or $300,000 for a copy of "Maxwell's Silver Hammer", handwritten by Sir Paul McCartney.
- [Tip: Jack Stafford Foundation](https://a-lyric.com/2009/08/tip-jack-stafford-foundation/) - A video of "Cedar Room" from the album "Long Live Love", plus tour dates in Germany, the US, Switzerland and Belgium.
- [30 million lyric fans can't be wrong](https://a-lyric.com/2009/01/30-million-lyric-fans-cant-be-wrong/) - One of the most interesting meetings at this year's Midem music conference in Cannes was a panel devoted to lyrics as a business. As regular readers of A-Lyric.com probably know by now, music lyrics are frequently in the top 10 search terms. The interest in song lyrics is phenomenal, and shows no signs of abating.
- [Licensing songs from A-Lyric](https://a-lyric.com/2008/12/licensing-songs-from-a-lyric/) - I've been doing little pre-spring cleaning. Someone pointed out that it was quite difficult to find the songs that I had worked on myself on the site - and she had a point. So I've simplified things a little. I removed the ringtones that no one was interested in and re-named a page Songs/Licensing. The
- [Singapore debuts "Don't Forget the Lyrics"](https://a-lyric.com/2008/11/singapore-debuts-dont-forget-the-lyrics/) - With "Don't Forget the Lyrics", Singapore is now the 30th country to host a lyric-based TV competition. Along the lines of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?", the game pushes contestants to sing the missing lines of songs. The prize at the end of the rainbow? A cool $500,000. The show is hosted by local
- [Mel B removes references to Eddy Murphy](https://a-lyric.com/2008/10/mel-b-removes-references-to-eddy-murphy/) - Despite having one track with a working title of "Beverly Hills C*ck", Mel B is removing references to former lover Eddy Murphy from her upcoming album, according to reports on the China Daily News. Two songs in particular, 'Second Hand Lover' and 'Reflections In A Broken Mirror', will be scotched. The former Spice Girl, currently
- [Robbie Williams song in trouble](https://a-lyric.com/2006/09/robbie-williams-song-in-trouble/) - Robbie Williams, the loudmouth former member of Take That, is back in the news. It is now widely known that Williams was very unhappy during his boy band days. And according to Williams, a lot of the blame for that should be laid at the door of the then-manager Nigel Martin-Smith. In his upcoming album
- [Toumani Diabeté track is pulled from Sony game](https://a-lyric.com/2008/10/toumani-diabete-track-is-pulled-from-sony-game/) - In a pretty radical move, Sony Entertainment has decided to pull a track by the Malian harp player Toumani Diabete from the upcoming Little Big Planet game. The track "Tapha Niang" contains two lines quoted from the Quran. After a poster on a Sony message board started complaining, the company decided to withdraw the track
- [Boy George samples Obama](https://a-lyric.com/2008/10/boy-george-samples-obama/) - I'm not sure what to make of this. 80s icon Boy George has recorded a song using a sample of the US president candidate Barack Obama. But, it's hard to know what exactly the point is, or what he intends to achieve. "Yes We Can" is somewhere between a very private statement and a feelgood
- [BASCA nominations announced](https://a-lyric.com/2006/04/basca-nominations-announced/) - The British Academy of Composers & Songwriters and PRS announced the 51st Ivor Novello Awards today, April 24. I quote: "For more than fifty years the Ivors have been the only annual event to exclusively honour this vital source and fulcrum of the music industry's existence and prosperity - the music writer." What can I
- [Nu Groove alert: Plan B from London](https://a-lyric.com/2005/12/nu-groove-alert-plan-b-from-london/) - In the first of an occasional series, we can't help throwing a metaphorical coin into the cap of Plan B, a 21 year-old Londoner that stands up and raps (for want of a better word) about the world around him. "When people hear 'Kids' on radio, everything they're scared of about the city is in
- [Topical tip: 10cc in "Wall Street Shuffle"](https://a-lyric.com/2008/09/topical-tip-10cc-in-wall-street-shuffle/) - They seem like more innocent days. Here is the British group 10cc with their 1974 hit "Wall Street Shuffle". And if you're looking for further proof of the power of a good lyric, 10cc provide it once again. It's hardly surprising that the group knocks the greed of Wall St, and I'm surprised more radios
- [Tip of the Week: "Time" by Babygod](https://a-lyric.com/2008/07/tip-of-the-week-time-by-babygod/) - Nope, it's not the song by David Bowie (which is ripe for a cover, I'd say). The new single from Glasgow band Babygod, "Time", is being seriously tipped at the moment. I must admit that just like it says in the lyrics (click through to read them), I came across the band when I was
- [Germany considers blacklisting homophobic reggae lyrics](https://a-lyric.com/2008/07/germany-considers-blacklisting-homophobic-reggae-lyrics/) - The issue of homophobic reggae lyrics is back in the news yet again, with an announcement that the German government is considering blacklisting homophobic lyrics from Jamaican performers. Artists such as Elephant Man and TOK are under scrutiny. Censorship is always a touchy issue - but no less touchy than the protection of minorities. So
- [US army remembers that some of its sons are daughters](https://a-lyric.com/2008/06/us-army-remembers-that-some-of-its-sons-are-daughters/) - My, my how times change. This item covered in journals such as Forbes and the International Herald Tribune, no less, is an indication of two things. The first is the importance of words. The second is the increasing number of women in armies around the world. The story they are covering is the announcement of
- [Lennon lyrics: "worth something one day"](https://a-lyric.com/2008/04/lennon-lyrics-worth-something-one-day/) - The New York Times ran a short piece about the then 16 year-old Gail Renard who snuck into the bed-in organised John Lennon and Yoko Ono in Montreal in 1969. At one stage, she witnessed some 50 people sing "Give Peace a Chance". Choirboys included Timothy Leary and Allen Ginsberg as well as Petula Clark.
- [Eurovision: One MP moans about the English lyrics](https://a-lyric.com/2008/04/eurovision-one-mp-moans-about-the-english-lyrics/) - I sometimes wonder if there's a large book with complaints one can make about Eurovision entries that people pull out every year. French MP Jacques Myard is complaining that France's Eurovision is partly in English. Post-modern dandy Sebastien Tellier's "Divine" is in English (of sorts). Almost predictably, a number of politicians have taken it upon
- [Massive Attack writes music for Nathan Drake's Trail](https://a-lyric.com/2007/12/massive-attack-writes-music-for-nathan-drakes-trail/) - UK band Massive Attack produced the music for the upcoming PlayStation game "Uncharted: Drake's Fortune". The title refers to a mythical treasure stashed away by Sir Francis Drake.
- [UK: BBC launches song contest with coaching](https://a-lyric.com/2007/11/uk-bbc-launches-song-contest-with-coaching/) - There are no lack of song contests out there. But few come with the support of BBC Radio 2. Under the New Talent banner, they are hosting a contest to find new songwriting talent and provide coaching to the writers. So rather than a one-off goody bag, up to 60 songwriters will get a chance
- [Kylie Minogue goes naughty](https://a-lyric.com/2007/10/kylie-minogue-goes-naughty/) - The rumour machine is getting into action on the upcoming Kylie Minogue album. As you could expect from an album that will be called "X", some of the lyrics will be raunchy. In second-hand news I'm taking from The Sydney Morning Herald, we can expect lines like, "Time to strip down/Just pop that zipper for
- [The war on words - again](https://a-lyric.com/2007/09/the-war-on-words-again/) - In a move which hardly comes as a surprise, America's National Music Publishers Association (NMPA) has upped the pressure on lyric sites. In case you have been on Mars, you are probably aware that lyrics are an inherent part of songs and are therefore covered by a copyright. Until recently, no one had thought to
- [Boy George slammed by former band](https://a-lyric.com/2006/11/boy-george-slammed-by-former-band/) - In some ways, it's good to see Boy George back in catty form. Unless you are former members of Culture Club, that is. The singer and DJ has been scathing of his criticism of the band and its new singer, Sam Butcher, who are currently organising a 20th anniversary tour in the UK as Cultue
- [Jack Adaptor: More English eccentrics](https://a-lyric.com/2006/03/jack-adaptor-more-english-eccentrics/) - I've decided to start featuring new music on a-Lyric. I'm starting the ball rolling with more English eccentrics: Jack Adaptor. The London duo write slack pop à la Beck or a Tom Waits before he started not shaving. There is little of specific merit in the lyrics, except I can understand the words and remember
- [Tip of the week: Gabriel Rios](https://a-lyric.com/2007/03/tip-of-the-week-gabriel-rios/) - For once, I don't have the lyrics. But I do have the distinct impression this track is brilliant. Gabriel Rios is a Puerto Rican living in Europe. "Angelhead" is the name of the single and his new album. Check it out and leave a message. I'm looking for the lyrics, by the way. Link fixed
- [Haiti: Lyrics lampoon UN](https://a-lyric.com/2007/02/haiti-lyrics-lampoon-un/) - As its policing role brings it to some of the world's most violent areas, the UN is used to dealing with violence. But people in the impoverished island of Haiti are having a go at the UN using a more subtle weapon: lyrics. The country hosts some 9000 UN troops, charged with bringing stability and
- [We've moved, we've changed](https://a-lyric.com/2007/02/weve-moved-weve-changed/) - Thanks for dropping by. As you can see, we have moved - and I'm still in the process of unpacking virtual boxes. The new design is easier to use, and faster. Plus you can now navigate by Tags such as Tribute, RIP, Awards and Meanings. I've put a few in on this article for you
- [Arise, sir Perry!](https://a-lyric.com/2005/11/arise-sir-perry/) - I know a knight! My long-time writing partner, Perry Rose, just received a knighthood. I speak not in jest. He was given the honour by Minister Fadila Laanan in Brussels last week. So he is now enrolled in the Order of Leopold II - a distinction that was created after the First World War. Perry
- [Hank Williams lyrics notes “stolen”](https://a-lyric.com/2006/10/hank-williams-lyrics-notes-stolen/) - How much can a notebook be worth? In the case of one of country music's best-known songwriters, quite a lot. $250,000, in fact. Music publisher Sony/ATV has filed a lawsuit against a pair of collectors after reading about them in an article. Stephen Shutts and Robert Reynolds run the Honky Tonk Hall of Fame, and
- [Whatever happened to pearLyrics?](https://a-lyric.com/2007/02/whatever-happened-to-pearlyrics/) - Mac users might remember (or still be running) a funky little application called pearLyrics that goes out and finds the lyrics of songs playing on your iTunes. Over a year ago, its creator, Walter Ritter, fell foul of the industry's crackdown on lyric sites. Citing infringement of copyright, the US publisher Warner-Chappell sent out a
- [Possible disruption](https://a-lyric.com/2007/01/possible-disruption/) - Over the coming days, we will be working on the database behind a-Lyric, notably making it far easier to find older articles about artists you are interested in.So bear with us. if we go down for a while, try again in a few hours. Meanwhile, don't forget there's a Search box in the top right
- [George Harrison lyrics bag $300k](https://a-lyric.com/2007/01/george-harrison-lyrics-bag-300k/) - Someone did well! $300,000 is the tidy sum that someone coughed up recently for handwritten lyrics to the George Harrison tune "While my Guitar Gently Weeps". Again, I don't know what to think of it. On the one hand, it's nice that lyrics are in such demand. But needless to say, George won't see any
- [Lyrics top search engine results](https://a-lyric.com/2006/12/lyrics-top-search-engine-results/) - I sometimes get the feeling I'm repeating myself. According to the British site Wordtracker, song lyrics topped the "surge report" for the last 48 hours. Wordtracker tracks topics used on a variety of engines. The reason I feel I'm repeating myself is that I have posted similar comments several times already. Yup, people seem interested
- [The Stones rock China, politely](https://a-lyric.com/2006/04/the-stones-rock-china-politely/) - Reports from China are calling The Rolling Stones' first concert there on Saturday April 8 their tamest in 30 years. But then other reports are highlighting its "political edge", calling it "risqué", lambasting it as a foreigners' party and still others are calling it "raucous". So it's probably advisable to make up your own mind.
- [Gimmick time: Your own nametone](https://a-lyric.com/2006/03/gimmick-time-your-own-nametone/) - I couldn't help enjoying this gimmick. How about having a ring tone that calls you by name? Or even better, sings you by name. This little gimmick does just that. Type in a name (nothing too adventurous) and try it. Personally, I think the reggae version works best. Gimmicky, I know, but fun. Choose a
- [Oscar and Muslims irate at lyrics](https://a-lyric.com/2006/03/oscar-and-muslims-irate-at-lyrics/) - Lyrics have been the subject of more debate this week. The Oscars opened the proceedings when "It's Hard to be a Pimp Out Here" from "Hustle and Flow" won the Best Original Song. Many people questioned whether it wasn't making prostitution glamorous. But the truth is that the song won simply as it was the
- [RIP: Bruce “Sesame Street” Hart](https://a-lyric.com/2006/02/rip-bruce-sesame-street-hart/) - Spare a thought for Bruce Hart, the lyricist who came up with the famous line, "Can you tell me how to get, how to get to Sesame Street". It must be one of those songs that always seemed like it was out there for millions of people. But of course, someone had to come up
- [Favourite lyrics too complicated?](https://a-lyric.com/2006/02/favourite-lyrics-too-complicated/) - Every lyricist has heard the dreaded words too often: can't you make it a little easier? But now the comment is coming from British literacy experts that have come to the same conclusion. As part of the Get On literacy campaign, they sat down and analysed the top 10 karaoke hits, including Robbie Williams' "Angels",
- [“…only way to sell is to sound obscene”](https://a-lyric.com/2006/02/only-way-to-sell-is-to-sound-obscene/) - Does this sound familiar or what? But no, we're not talking about the bling scene in the US, these are comments made about Ghana's once-exciting Hiplife scene, so well defined by Reggie Rockstone. Is it comforting to know that people in Ghana are asking the same questions about their popular music as us? Truth is,
- [Ziyi Zhang learns English the DIY way](https://a-lyric.com/2006/01/ziyi-zhang-learns-english-the-diy-way/) - You have to love popular culture. The web is full of reports with the lovely Ziyi Zhang ("Memoirs of a Geisha") supposedly claiming "Eminem was my English teacher". The mind boggles. The reports state that Zhang apparently started learning English through advertising and, um, Eminem. "I loved to watch the commercials because they pronounce their
- [Funny lyrics: the jury is out](https://a-lyric.com/2006/01/funny-lyrics-the-jury-is-out/) - After Christmas and New Year, I'm feeling a little lazy. So I couldn't help linking to a discussion about "funny" lyrics on the UK's Digital Spy. Funny ha-ha or funny-peculiar? Well, this where it gets interesting, as what some people think is funny, are just some of the worst lyrics on the planet for other
- [Link of the day: misheard lyrics](https://a-lyric.com/2005/12/link-of-the-day-misheard-lyrics/) - Just got an e-mail from the UK's Answerbank with the following list of misheard lyrics. I don't know where they got them, but everyone has a list of things like this. Sing Something Silly Misheard song lines (and the proper lyrics). Rocket Man - Elton John "Rocket man, burning up like cheese and pheromone" ("Rocket
- [$90,000 to stay at home and write rap](https://a-lyric.com/2005/11/90000-to-stay-at-home-and-write-rap/) - Nope, it's not a get-rich-quick scheme. $90,000 is the amount that a school in Pennsylvania will have to pay an eight-grader for expelling him for posting violent rap lyrics on the web! The Accidental Lyricist says: "We should be so lucky". Joking aside, this is another in the longish list of cases where people are
- [Burt Bacharach says it with words](https://a-lyric.com/2005/10/burt-bacharach-says-it-with-words/) - {mosimage}He is the songwriter's songwriter, the Earl of 60's Cool, sophisticate incarnate. But until now, he has never written the words to his own songs. At the age of 77, Burt Bacharach is releasing an album featuring his own lyrics. And boy is he angry... With "At This Time", Burt Bacharach is taking the unusual
- [Barabra Streisand lost for words](https://a-lyric.com/2005/09/barabra-streisand-lost-for-words/) - I was just reading about how Barbara Streisand gave up live performances 27 years ago because she forgot the lyrics to 3 songs on stage at Central Park. Is that all? Surely someone should introduce her to cueing screens, like the prompters you see on television. The Stones use them, after all. And they write

## Pages

- [Links](https://a-lyric.com/links-2/) - Links that are handy for songwriters
- [Lyrics](https://a-lyric.com/lyrics/) - A selection of songs co-written by Irish lyricist Michael Leahy, with comments. What was the story behind the tracks? Feel free to leave your own thoughts
- [It's a Loving Thing](https://a-lyric.com/lyrics/its-a-loving-thing/) - The original lyrics to "It's a Loving Thing", a Eurodance hit for CB Milton in the nineties and now available as a download.
- [The Chit Chat Polka - official lyrics](https://a-lyric.com/the-chit-chat-polka-official-lyrics/) - A polka about gossip? That would have to be the Chit-Chat Polka. And that would have to be about Facebook! Watch the lyric video
- [Tips](https://a-lyric.com/tips/) - You have some lyrics or half a song. Need some songwriting tips?
- [I post rarely - so don't miss any pieces!](https://a-lyric.com/i-post-rarely-so-dont-miss-any-pieces/) - Very occasionally, I drop a newsletter. And even more occasionally it includes new music. Add your e-mail address below for a welcome message and some links. Unless my site is broken again, in which case nothing will hapen until I fix it. It goes without saying, so I'll say it anyway: your data is never
- [Songs/Licensing](https://a-lyric.com/music-downloads/) - A selection of songs written by lyricist Michael Leahy that are available for licensing into movies, ads or television by him.
- [The best of Marc Moulin](https://a-lyric.com/interviews/marc-moulin/the-best-of-marc-moulin/) - Most people discovered Marc Moulin through his recent Blue Note albums. His Best of album reveals a jazzman with an electro heart.
- [Erik Truffaz](https://a-lyric.com/interviews/erik-truffaz/) - French jazz trumpeter Erik Truffaz in conversation with Michael Leahy in 2002.
- [Herman Martin "In the Shadows" lyrics](https://a-lyric.com/lyrics/herman-martin-in-the-shadows-lyrics/) - In the Shadows lyrics, in the words of the lyricist Michael Leahy. Music by Herman Martin
- [Marc Moulin](https://a-lyric.com/interviews/marc-moulin/) - Electronic grooves and jazz are the new thing, as they would have said during the original 'cool school' period. "I don't consider 'Top Secret' a jazz album," notes Marc Moulin.
- ["Closer 2U" official lyrics](https://a-lyric.com/lyrics/closer-2u-lyrics/) - "II" - the lost album of #2unlimited. OK, it was a bad idea - but there was at least one good track. Check the lyrics and full story here
- [Nothing Like the Rain lyrics](https://a-lyric.com/lyrics/nothing-like-the-rain/) - "Nothing Like the Rain" lyrics from 2 Unlimited, with links for karaoke and sheet music.
- [Nipple lyrics](https://a-lyric.com/lyrics/nipple-lyrics/) - "Nipple" was supposed to sound like an early Roxy Music track but turned into the first SM lesbian jazz ballad. See how...
- [Yves Erauw](https://a-lyric.com/interviews/yves-erauw/) - Singer Yves Erauw went from singing jazz standards in his native Belgium as a teenager to playing at a Las Vegas club and appearing on The Voice.
- [David Stark: Song placement](https://a-lyric.com/interviews/david-stark-song-placement/) - David Stark of songwriting tipsheet SongLink talks about what songwriters can do for song placement, writing songs for name artists.
- [Interviews](https://a-lyric.com/interviews/) - Michael Leahy's archive of interviews with songwriters, many which come from his reviews for The Bulletin
- [Open Your Heart lyrics](https://a-lyric.com/lyrics/open-your-heart-lyrics/) - The certified song lyrics of CB Milton's hit "Open Your Heart".
- [Where Are You Now lyrics](https://a-lyric.com/lyrics/where-are-you-now-lyrics/) - 2 Unlimited's "Where Are You Now" lyrics were written at the last moment for the 1993 album "No Limits!". Get the official lyrics with notes from the lyricist
- [Mary Black](https://a-lyric.com/interviews/mary-black/) - Irish singer Mary Black in interview with lyricist Michael Leahy
- [We Can Break Away lyrics](https://a-lyric.com/lyrics/we-can-break-away-lyrics/) - The lyrics and story behind "We Can Break Away" sung by the 90s girl band Indiana, but originally a hit for Italian star Ambra Angiolini
- [Send me an Angel lyrics](https://a-lyric.com/lyrics/send-me-an-angel-lyrics/) - The original lyrics to CB Milton's Eurodance hit "Send me an Angel", with download iTune mp3 links.
- ["Come to Me", the official lyrics](https://a-lyric.com/lyrics/come-to-me-the-official-lyrics/) - The official lyrics of Harry Coseman singing "Come to Me". You can easily spot it as a re-working of Johann Strauss' "Wiener Blut/Vienna style"
- ["Come to Me" Strauss lyrics](https://a-lyric.com/lyrics/come-to-me-strauss-lyrics/) - The official lyrics to Johann Strauss' "Come to Me", sung by the Flemish crooner Harry Coseman with the Strato-Vani orchestra.
- [Vermist](https://a-lyric.com/music-downloads/vermist/) - The song "Waiting", as featured in the hit Belgian movie "Vermist" by Jan Verheyen. Music by Steve Willaert, lyrics by Michael Leahy
- [Arto Lindsay](https://a-lyric.com/interviews/arto-lindsay/) - New York guitarist and producer Arto Lindsay answers a quick Q&A with Michael Leahy.
- [Love Me - 8-rix](https://a-lyric.com/lyrics/love-me-8-rix/) - "Love Me" from 8-rix, given the lyric video treatment, with full lyrics and some background info that boyfriends will hate.
- [Wim Mertens](https://a-lyric.com/interviews/wim-mertens/) - Pianist Wim Mertens in conversation with lyricist Michael Leahy talks about getting back to "who he is".
- [Michel Herr](https://a-lyric.com/interviews/michel-herr/) - Belgian pianist Michel Herr in an interview with Irish lyricist Michael Leahy.
- [Contact me](https://a-lyric.com/about-2/) - Irish lyricist Michael Leahy can be reached relatively easily. Just visit this page.
- [Habib Koité](https://a-lyric.com/interviews/habib-koite/) - Malian guitarist Habib Koité talks about songwriting, Jimi Hendrix and the musical styles of Mali.
- [An Pierlé](https://a-lyric.com/interviews/an-pierle/) - The Belgian songstress in conversation with Michael Leahy in 2002.

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