Lyric Sheets
CHECKLIST: The suggestions below are intended for pitches to Music Publishers and Music Supervisors.
FORMAT FOR A LYRIC SHEET
[ ] Typed
[ ] Single spaced
[ ] One sheet of paper
[ ] Use simple, easy-to-read fonts (Arial, Times Roman, Helvetica, etc.)
ALWAYS INCLUDE THIS INFORMATION*
[ ] Your name and names of your co-writers (at the top or bottom of the lyric sheet)
[ ] Your contact information such as phone number and email address (usually at the bottom of the lyric sheet)
*NOTE: For privacy reasons, omit your personal and contact information for songwriting meetings
OPTIONAL INFORMATION (Very Useful For Film/TV Pitches and Sync Licensing)
[ ] Who owns the copyright(s) to the composition and master recording and the date
[ ] Your mailing address
[ ] Your website address and/or a link to the song
[ ] Your publishing company name if you have one
[ ] Your PRO affiliation such as ASCAP, BMI, SESAC and CAE/IPI information
[ ] Name of Administrator (the main "go-to" person) who will contact co-writers for information and signatures
[ ] Songwriter Split Agreement(s) and Work-for-Hire Agreement(s) signed and dated
[ ] One-stop clearance and licensing available (if this is true)
[ ] Alternate mixes and stems are available
FORMAT FOR A LYRIC SHEET
[ ] Typed
[ ] Single spaced
[ ] One sheet of paper
[ ] Use simple, easy-to-read fonts (Arial, Times Roman, Helvetica, etc.)
ALWAYS INCLUDE THIS INFORMATION*
[ ] Your name and names of your co-writers (at the top or bottom of the lyric sheet)
[ ] Your contact information such as phone number and email address (usually at the bottom of the lyric sheet)
*NOTE: For privacy reasons, omit your personal and contact information for songwriting meetings
OPTIONAL INFORMATION (Very Useful For Film/TV Pitches and Sync Licensing)
[ ] Who owns the copyright(s) to the composition and master recording and the date
[ ] Your mailing address
[ ] Your website address and/or a link to the song
[ ] Your publishing company name if you have one
[ ] Your PRO affiliation such as ASCAP, BMI, SESAC and CAE/IPI information
[ ] Name of Administrator (the main "go-to" person) who will contact co-writers for information and signatures
[ ] Songwriter Split Agreement(s) and Work-for-Hire Agreement(s) signed and dated
[ ] One-stop clearance and licensing available (if this is true)
[ ] Alternate mixes and stems are available
Example Of How To Do A Lyric Sheet
As included in the #1 Best Selling Book
(in Songwriting and #1 New Release in Music Business and in Songwriting)
Hey! That's My Song! A Guide to Getting Music Placements in Film, TV, and Media
by Tracey & Vance Marino
As included in the #1 Best Selling Book
(in Songwriting and #1 New Release in Music Business and in Songwriting)
Hey! That's My Song! A Guide to Getting Music Placements in Film, TV, and Media
by Tracey & Vance Marino
Jingle Bells
James Pierpont / Sammy Songwriter / Lydia Lyricist
[OPTIONS: Labeling sections, such as Verse, Chorus, Bridge, Post-Chorus, Pre-Chorus, etc., helps Publishers, but it is also useful for Music Supervisors, Editors, Producers, etc., especially in the Film/TV Sync World]
VERSE 1
Dashing through the snow, in a one-horse open sleigh
O'er the fields we go, laughing all the way
Bells on bobtail ring, making spirits bright
What fun it is to ride and sing a sleighing song tonight, oh
[OPTIONS: Use boldface type and/or indent this section]
CHORUS
Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way
Oh what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh, hey
Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way
Oh what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh
VERSE 2
A day or two ago, I thought I'd take a ride
And soon Miss Fannie Bright was seated by my side
The horse was lean and lank; misfortune seemed his lot
He got into a drifted bank and then we got upsot, oh
[OPTIONS: Use boldface type and/or indent the word CHORUS. You don't have to print out the entire Chorus again unless there are different lyrics]
CHORUS
VERSE 3
A day or two ago, the story I must tell
I went out on the snow, and on my back I fell
A gent was riding by in a one-horse open sleigh
He laughed as there I sprawling lie but quickly drove away, oh
[OPTIONS: Use boldface type and/or indent this section]
CHORUS & INSTRUMENTAL INTERLUDE
[OPTIONS: Use boldface type and/or indent this section]
BRIDGE
Now the ground is covered in snow, enjoy it while you're young, so
Bring your friends and revel tonight and sing this sleighing song, oh
[OPTIONS: Use boldface type and/or indent the word CHORUS]
CHORUS
____________________
[OPTIONS: Contact information can be put up at the top of the lyric sheet or here where it's out of the way. Always include your contact information like email and phone number]
©1857 [OPTION: Use the current year unless there's a specific reason to use the original year] James Lord Pierpont and Snowglobe Music Publishing (BMI)
Website: www.JingleBellsSongwriter.com / Email: JPierpont@JingleBellsSongwriter.com
Phone: (617) 555.BELL / Mailing Address: 19 High Street, Medford, MA 02155
[OPTION: The info below is useful for Film/TV pitches and Music Supervisors on a deadline. However, be sure the statements are absolutely true and correct.]
One-stop licensing clearance. The composition's copyright, publishing, and master recording are all owned and controlled by James Pierpont. Stems and alternate mixes are available. Signed Writer's Split Agreement and Work-for-Hire Agreements are available.
VERSE 1
Dashing through the snow, in a one-horse open sleigh
O'er the fields we go, laughing all the way
Bells on bobtail ring, making spirits bright
What fun it is to ride and sing a sleighing song tonight, oh
[OPTIONS: Use boldface type and/or indent this section]
CHORUS
Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way
Oh what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh, hey
Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way
Oh what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh
VERSE 2
A day or two ago, I thought I'd take a ride
And soon Miss Fannie Bright was seated by my side
The horse was lean and lank; misfortune seemed his lot
He got into a drifted bank and then we got upsot, oh
[OPTIONS: Use boldface type and/or indent the word CHORUS. You don't have to print out the entire Chorus again unless there are different lyrics]
CHORUS
VERSE 3
A day or two ago, the story I must tell
I went out on the snow, and on my back I fell
A gent was riding by in a one-horse open sleigh
He laughed as there I sprawling lie but quickly drove away, oh
[OPTIONS: Use boldface type and/or indent this section]
CHORUS & INSTRUMENTAL INTERLUDE
[OPTIONS: Use boldface type and/or indent this section]
BRIDGE
Now the ground is covered in snow, enjoy it while you're young, so
Bring your friends and revel tonight and sing this sleighing song, oh
[OPTIONS: Use boldface type and/or indent the word CHORUS]
CHORUS
____________________
[OPTIONS: Contact information can be put up at the top of the lyric sheet or here where it's out of the way. Always include your contact information like email and phone number]
©1857 [OPTION: Use the current year unless there's a specific reason to use the original year] James Lord Pierpont and Snowglobe Music Publishing (BMI)
Website: www.JingleBellsSongwriter.com / Email: JPierpont@JingleBellsSongwriter.com
Phone: (617) 555.BELL / Mailing Address: 19 High Street, Medford, MA 02155
[OPTION: The info below is useful for Film/TV pitches and Music Supervisors on a deadline. However, be sure the statements are absolutely true and correct.]
One-stop licensing clearance. The composition's copyright, publishing, and master recording are all owned and controlled by James Pierpont. Stems and alternate mixes are available. Signed Writer's Split Agreement and Work-for-Hire Agreements are available.
The Finished Lyric Sheet Would Look Like This
Jingle Bells
James Pierpont / Sammy Songwriter / Lydia Lyricist
Dashing through the snow, in a one-horse open sleigh
O'er the fields we go, laughing all the way
Bells on bobtail ring, making spirits bright
What fun it is to ride and sing a sleighing song tonight, oh
CHORUS
Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way
Oh what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh, hey
Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way
Oh what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh
A day or two ago, I thought I'd take a ride
And soon Miss Fannie Bright was seated by my side
The horse was lean and lank; misfortune seemed his lot
He got into a drifted bank and then we got upsot, oh
CHORUS
A day or two ago, the story I must tell
I went out on the snow, and on my back I fell
A gent was riding by in a one-horse open sleigh
He laughed as there I sprawling lie but quickly drove away, oh
CHORUS & INSTRUMENTAL INTERLUDE
BRIDGE
Now the ground is covered in snow, enjoy it while you're young, so
Bring your friends and revel tonight and sing this sleighing song, oh
CHORUS
____________________
©1857 James Lord Pierpont and Snowglobe Music Publishing (BMI)
Website: www.JingleBellsSongwriter.com / Email: JPierpont@JingleBellsSongwriter.com
Phone: (617) 555.BELL / Mailing Address: 19 High Street, Medford, MA 02155
One-stop clearance and licensing. Stems and alternate mixes available. For more information, contact James Pierpont.
O'er the fields we go, laughing all the way
Bells on bobtail ring, making spirits bright
What fun it is to ride and sing a sleighing song tonight, oh
CHORUS
Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way
Oh what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh, hey
Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way
Oh what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh
A day or two ago, I thought I'd take a ride
And soon Miss Fannie Bright was seated by my side
The horse was lean and lank; misfortune seemed his lot
He got into a drifted bank and then we got upsot, oh
CHORUS
A day or two ago, the story I must tell
I went out on the snow, and on my back I fell
A gent was riding by in a one-horse open sleigh
He laughed as there I sprawling lie but quickly drove away, oh
CHORUS & INSTRUMENTAL INTERLUDE
BRIDGE
Now the ground is covered in snow, enjoy it while you're young, so
Bring your friends and revel tonight and sing this sleighing song, oh
CHORUS
____________________
©1857 James Lord Pierpont and Snowglobe Music Publishing (BMI)
Website: www.JingleBellsSongwriter.com / Email: JPierpont@JingleBellsSongwriter.com
Phone: (617) 555.BELL / Mailing Address: 19 High Street, Medford, MA 02155
One-stop clearance and licensing. Stems and alternate mixes available. For more information, contact James Pierpont.
Tips from Music Supervisors, Publishers, Producers, and Songwriters
- Nashville Publisher: "Think of a lyric sheet as a 'musical resume.' How you present it is very important, especially for a once-in-a-lifetime pitch opportunity."
- Indie Music Publisher: "There's no right or wrong way, but I really appreciate reading well-organized lyric sheets. It shows me the songwriter cares."
- Music Supervisor: "Lyric sheets aren't really necessary because, obviously, the listener or viewer won't have one. However, I like to see them any way, and most of my colleagues feel the same way, especially when getting to know a new songwriter and their songs."
- Nashville Publisher: "It's best to have the rhymes and phrases line up." (see the "Jingle Bells" lyrics above)
- Music Supervisor: "First impressions are important. Keep the lyric sheet simple. Remember, it's all about communication."
- Music Publisher: "Keep punctuation to a minimum. Think about the phrasing and where the singer will take a breath in each line."
- Sync Music Publisher: "My biggest pet peeve, when it comes to lyric sheets, is seeing the entire Chorus written out after every verse or song section. Please, just type the word 'CHORUS' after each verse instead of writing it all out over and over again. It gets in the way."
- Music Publisher: "Unless your Chorus has some changes, there's no need to keep writing it."
- Music Publisher: "Lyrics should always be on one page, single spaced. Always. If the song is too long to fit on one page, experiment using a slightly smaller font, change the margins and the line spacings, or even make two columns."
- Nashville Publisher: "It's funny, but if a lyric sheet looks messed up, I can't focus on hearing the song. Also, one page is enough. If it's longer than that, then write a novel."
- Music Supervisor: "I get scared when I see a long, two-page lyric sheet."
- Music Publisher: "The best fonts to use are Arial or Times New Roman or anything that's simple and easy to read. The font size should be no smaller than 10 points and no larger than 14 points."
- Music Supervisor: "Avoid using CAPS throughout. It's difficult to read and IT LOOKS LIKE THE SONGWRITER IS YELLING."
- Nashville Publisher: "I don't like being distracted by misspellings in a lyric sheet. Be sure to proofread carefully. Make sure words such as 'it's' and 'its' or 'they're,' 'their,' or 'there' are used correctly."
- Music Supervisor: "I prefer indenting sections like the Pre-Chorus, Chorus, and Bridge because it makes it easier to see where I am in the song, but that's just me."
- Nashville Publisher: "I like to glance over the lyric sheet before listening to a song. If I see words like 'moon' or 'heart' repeated several times in the Verses, Bridge, AND the Chorus, then I know the song could use some crafting and fine-tuning. 'Word duplication,' as I call it, takes up valuable songwriting real estate. Learn to use a thesaurus and your songs will be better instantly, I guarantee it."
- Sync Publisher: "Make sure every word the listener hears is written on the lyric sheet. Yes, even the 'ooh's' and 'ah's'!"
- Music Publisher: "Never include sheet music, chords (or chord symbols) on a lyric sheet. This would be a song chart. A song chart is different than a lyric sheet. Sometimes I need both, but most of the time a lyric sheet is all I want."
- Music Supervisor: "Please include the lyrics with your recording, along with artwork and metadata."
- Hit Music Producer: "Especially when working with a new artist, I like to carefully read their lyric sheets to get a better understanding ot the overall type of production and vibe that might work for the artist's songs."
- Sync Music Publisher: "Music Supervisors do searches for keywords. Our songwriters always have to provide lyric sheets because a line from their song, the title, or the theme might come up in that search. So, it's worth the effort."
- Music Publisher: "The actual copyright year of when you wrote the song is not necessary. Instead, use the current year, even if the song was written years before. I like to imagine that every song I hear is fresh and was written just for me."
- Hit Music Producer: "I need to have the different sections (Verse, Pre-Chorus, Chorus, Bridge, etc.) labeled because it makes it easier when I'm setting up and editing a recording session."
- Hit Songwriter: "I do an outline of my lyric sheet before I start writing. It helps me to see how the song is unfolding."
- Sync Songwriter: "Get in the habit of doing a lyric sheet after your song is written, produced, mixed, mastered, and ready to pitch. You never know when you'll get a last-minute opportunity, and you want to make sure all of the information is accurate on the lyric sheet. Imbed the lyrics into the mp3. I swear I get placements because I do this."
- Music Supervisor: "I don't really care how you do your lyric sheet as long as your SONG is great."
- Hit Songwriter: "If you are a hit songwriter, none of this information matters. You don't need a lyric sheet!"
