How to memorise lyrics

Estimated reading time: 1 minute

For some of us, this is one of the hardest parts of learning to sing. Over the years I’ve worked out a few ways to help those lyrics go in… here are some I’ve found most helpful:

• Write them out - more than once. You don't have to stick to paper and pen, try writing with dry-wipe pens on mirrors, windows, or with chalk on a board or pavement. In fact, the more random and memorable the place the better

• Annotate your lyrics with drawings to represent what you're singing about - you don't need to be an accomplished artist. My lyric sheets are often covered in the most bizarre scribbles and stick figures and doodles. They only need to make sense to you!

• Create and visualise a story out of them: remember, again - it only has to make sense to you!

• Add colour to them - you could try verses and choruses in different colours if you struggle with remembering form, or each character or concept that you sing about could have a different colour

• Read and practice your lyrics in different places - waiting for the bus, walking the dog, in the shower, whilst cooking

• Add movement and gesture whilst reciting. One nice way of reciting is by keeping a rhythmic pace and changing direction every time you say a new line.

Let me know if any of these work for you - and if you have any other suggestions I’d love to hear them!

Laura x