Song Poems

Just thought I’d say how much I enjoyed putting music to my poem in John Anderson’s recent contest.  

 I now have two creations:  the poem itself, and a “Song Poem”.  I call it that, rather than a “Song”,  because the “lyrics” were not written with music in mind but as a poem. 

I think there’s a subtle difference.   

I like the idea of a song poem,which means one can use the words as both song or poem whichever the context demands. I’ve written quite a few of these. Poems that can be songs too go well for open mike recitals because of its musical nature & lyrical feel. There are different rules for music, so to work with someone who has more musical training is a good idea as they usually have a better ear for what will work notation wise & in terms of the music industry.