• Published by Hal Leonard 292 Pages

• 292 pages, 81 inch. x 11 inch. By Sheila Davis

• Artist: Sheila Davis

The problem with "Workbook" is the exercises, which are the heart of the book and what distinguish it from "Craft". In most every case, Davis either 1) gives the reader/student a scenario about which to write a few lines or 2) asks the student to fill in the blank of a lyric she's already written. Unfortunately, most of Davis' scenarios and exercise verses are unbearably cheesy. From this reader's point of view at least, it's hard to finish writing a lyric you can't bear to read. Thus the exercises are more discouraging than helpful, and it's tough for the reader/student to feel like he's actually learned something.

Which is not to say that I disagree with Davis' basic argument that the fundamentals of the craft are undervalued and understudied. Davis correctly argues that inspiration, naively presumed by amateurs to be 90% of songwriting, is in fact only 5%.

And yet that 5% is vital. All persons need to feel the occasional sense of accomplishment to continue their pursuit of learning. This workbook robs students of much of their chance to feel that sense of accomplishment. Therefore "Workbook" will more likely help untalented writers to become mediocre than it will help talented ones to be great.

Still, "Workbook" is not without merit. The section on "Writing With The Whole Brain" is excellent. Also, the charting exercises accompanying that chapter are great for finding titles and for seeing idea connections that one might not grasp in a linear exploration. This section alone gives "Workbook" an extra star, though one wonders why the section hasn't been included in a fresh addition of "Craft".

It's unlikely that any talented, honest, aspiring songwriter will be hurt by this book. But with the notable exception of the "Whole Brain" section, he's unlikely to be helped much, either. Get "Craft" and read it cover to cover as many times as feasible. Borrow a friend's copy of "Workbook".

8 of 8 found the following review helpful:


Successful Lyric Writing  Apr 14, 2000 By Tony Oliveira
Through the years I have come across some music theory books that briefly and in a few pages illustrate how to write lyrics for songs. I finally found what I was looking for in this comprehensive book 'Successful Lyric Writing'. This is a structured course covering the subject in detail. I am now learning to identify with various true to life situations, either directly or indirectly involved and thus express these feelings in song. Sheila Davis' work has brought to the forefront my creativity on the subject, for which I believe we all have. To me, this book is a tool which I constantly use in my quest to be one with the music.

Tony Oliveira - South Africa

7 of 7 found the following review helpful:


Successful Lyric Writing Is a Success  Apr 23, 2000 By Gary Bagley
In this book, Sheila Davis has designed a course of study that beautifully introduces the concepts of songwriting in an understandable and helpful order. Being a teacher, I value any book that offers students a chance to build skills through practical exercises.

Davis's exercises allow the student to explore concepts in whatever song style in which they write.

What I like best about this workbook is the section on "The Whole Brain." Once students have mastered the craft of lyric writing, Davis focuses on means of finding inspiration and beginning the writing process.

This book was a tremendous help to me and my fellow students as we began our journey into the world of songwriting. Thank you, Sheila Davis!

6 of 6 found the following review helpful:


The absolute #1 book on lyric writing!  Feb 20, 1999
I do not know Sheila Davis, nor have I ever even met her, but I have been using her book for years in the university night school course I teach. This book, and her book, "The Craft of Lyric Writing," are easily the premier books in the field. She's the first one to offer a textbook approach to lyric writing, to really put into words what goes on, subconsciously, when one writes a lyric, the how to's, the do's, and the don'ts. If there was a "Grammy" for song "book" writing, she would win it, hands down.

5 of 5 found the following review helpful:


Thank you, Dr. Sheila!  Nov 21, 2003 By joel fass
Ms. Davis's other book, "The Craft of Lyric Writing", was recommended to me. Looking in the library this one was the next book over, (oh, great fortune!) so I took both out. I have just ordered both for purchase because, as a composer of some experience who has now made the leap of trying lyric writing (and anyone that thinks it's easy is kidding himself) I cannot imagine my library without them.

Her step-by-step suggestions, professional and well-considered insights, and many examples demonstrating things like writers' consistent viewpoint, simplicity/clarity, etc. (or lack thereof) have already resulted in a successful rewrite of a tune that was driving me bonkers.

Finally, for what it's worth, I'm not only not a 'book person' when learning something, but have no use for 'success formulas' and can smell snake oil a mile away---and this sure aint either.

Thank you, Dr. Sheila. You've made me a better songwriter.

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