February Challenge 09!

[up-fiddler]

The challenges were initiated when there was a period of drought here in the songwriting forum and no one had posted any new music for quite some time. Instead of writing music the majority of threads had turned into the “Why Does My Voice Suck?” and “How Do I Get Started?” type of dialogues. (I am NOT demeaning those type of threads because they do have value in a different way.) The first challenge was used to jumpstart everyone back into lyric production. Personally I have found that that act of critiquing several songs and being assured that you would get several equally honest reviews in return has been MANY times more useful than asking my family/friends, "Well, what do you think of this?" I hope this explains how we got to this point.

The nature of the challenges has been diverse and that fact makes it difficult to put them into an album with any kind of a cohesive theme. For me, the challenge songs have been mostly throwaways. I have done them for the sake of growth. By and large, I feel that the participants have done likewise. There is only one out of seven which I have used on an album.

I have had an idea batting around in my feeble brain for the last few days. I haven't tried anything with it yet so thought that it might be a good opportunity for a different type of challenge. So here it is for those of us who care to take the shot. If no one does take a shot at this one or if there is another who cares to step up and issue a different challenge that is fine. My feelings certainly won’t be hurt.

Many rhyme schemes, and lack thereof, are employed in the writing of lyrics. One which is almost NEVER used is the lowly Limerick. The Challenge is this…….the verses to the song must rhyme in a limerick pattern AND not be humorous/bawdy in the classic limerick fashion. (No man from Nantucket look-alikes!) In other words the first, second, and fifth lines of the verses need to rhyme and the third and fourth lines need to rhyme. (1,2,5 & 3,4) The song may certainly contain humor……just not limerick humor. Do NOT start with “There once was a man from….” There are no rhyme restrictions on the bridge or choruses. I think to do so would severely limit the songwriter and the material. Any Challenge would need a deadline and this one is February 28 at midnight local time. Songs may be entered as lyrics only, recorded music, or video productions depending on the writer’s time, ability, and resources. The hard part of the Challenges is waiting until all entries are in before responding with individual comments/reviews.

[Frankie Rage]

I'm in...

Did I tell you I used to be a young man called Fritz?

[up-fiddler]

Originally Posted by Frankie Rage

I'm in...

Did I tell you I used to be a young man called Fritz?

There once was a man named Dave....... Ahhhhhh, yes. The classics of our youith have returned.

[formant74]

So no rhyming a word with the same word, right? Oh wait, that's rap lyrics. My bad.

[icystorm]

Hi Dave,

I really enjoyed the December/January challenge, but I will have to sit this one out. I don't have much free time this month and I'm already engaged in new song.

I am looking forward to reading/hearing what you and the other contributers produce! It looks like it will be a lot of fun and I regret not being able to participate this time around.

I look forward to a future challenge when I have a little more time to participate and give it my best.

Cheers,
Joseph

[up-fiddler]

...a very long time once the inspiration demons get stuck in your head. Perhaps something will come together for you near the deadline. Maybe a lyrics only entry?

[icystorm]

Originally Posted by up-fiddler

...a very long time once the inspiration demons get stuck in your head. Perhaps something will come together for you near the deadline. Maybe a lyrics only entry?

I'll certainly try, Dave!

Cheers,
Joseph

[gecko zzed]

Originally Posted by up-fiddler;3094740[SIZE="3"

One which is almost NEVER used is the lowly Limerick.

As an example of freakish coincidence, I noticed that the chorus of "Somewhere" is structurally the same as a limerick:

"Somewhere the spark went missing,
Somewhere the lights grew dim,
Though I recall
The surge before,
Somewhere I just gave in".

Though the rhyming scheme is not as strict as you'd normally find in a limerick, the structure is present.

So . . . can I re-enter "Somewhere" as Feb's challenge, please, huh?

[up-fiddler]

Originally Posted by gecko zzed

As an example of freakish coincidence, I noticed that the chorus of "Somewhere" is structurally the same as a limerick:

"Somewhere the spark went missing,
Somewhere the lights grew dim,
Though I recall
The surge before,
Somewhere I just gave in".

Though the rhyming scheme is not as strict as you'd normally find in a limerick, the structure is present.

So . . . can I re-enter "Somewhere" as Feb's challenge, please, huh?

You CAN.......but will it actually make you happy to do so? You are driven (Pun intended.) my friend and I don't think that you would be very content to sit upon your laurels and watch the rest of us work, suffer, and grow through the month. I knew there was a reason I liked "Somewhere" though.........
There once was a man named geckozzed,
Who had these great songs in his head
When it came to the challenge
He decided to avenge
Himself and just lie in his bed.

Now get back to work on that song!

[cnix]

If I can find my creative pencil, which has been lost for some time, I may try my luck at this challenge. As a bonus, if I do come up with something, I will only use mic's and pre-amps from the Group Buy for the recording.

Charlie

[up-fiddler]

Originally Posted by cnix

If I can find my creative pencil, which has been lost for some time, I may try my luck at this challenge. As a bonus, if I do come up with something, I will only use mic's and pre-amps from the Group Buy for the recording.Charlie

That would be very cool to do so. Welcome in, the limerick is proving to be a quiet taskmaster for many of us. I don't know how many finished products there will be that conform to the spirit of the challenge. If I had known it to be this tough I would have thought of something else. Anyhooooo....Welcome in to the pool.

[Whatmysay]

Originally Posted by up-fiddler

That would be very cool to do so. Welcome in, the limerick is proving to be a quiet taskmaster for many of us. I don't know how many finished products there will be that conform to the spirit of the challenge. If I had known it to be this tough I would have thought of something else. Anyhooooo....Welcome in to the pool.

Dave you are so right on this one - its a killer. I thought 'oh yeah got this nailed', but oh no nothing is happening. At least my in-laws have left and I've got my spare room back - that might help