Since I put up a page on the main website about the worst music lyrics, I’ve gotten a few emails. Here is one I would like to share that is from Kim W.

“I think these two songs, whose bad lyrics have been stuck in my head since the 70’s, need to make the Worst Lyrics list:

“Paul McCartney, Live and Let Die: “But in this ever-changing world in which we live in”. Seriously. He got the preposition placement right. . . and then he blew it anyway. Duh.

“Styx, Come Sail Away: “On board I’m the captain, so climb aboard”. Can you say redundant?

“Thanks for considering my submission.”

Yes, I agree and I feel a hairball coming up right now.

Even though the Internet has more resources for musicians, bands and others interested in the business of music, there are some resources for lyricists if you know where to look. For instance there is the Songwriters Resource Network which has a section for lyricists only and a section where lyricists can make connections with other songwriters, musicians, artists and producers.

Another resource is Song Lyricist which features news and articles about writing lyrics plus a connections section where lyricists, songwriters and composers can meet. Now, if you’d like to talk more freely in a message board format then there are a couple of resources for lyricists that are fairly active.

A message board called Songwriter Forums has a section just for lyricists to share with others, receive feedback on their lyrics and help others with the craft. And the last resource I’d like to talk about is a section of the Writers Block Forums that also has a section for lyricists only.

Of course, these aren’t the only lyric writer’s hangouts online, but these will get any budding lyricist started. Hope you get an education from these resources and come back and post a comment of what you’ve learned.

Broadway musical Avenue Q has been poking fun at George W. Bush since 2003 and now that he’s out of office, the Q is wondering just what to do? The answer is hold a contest to see who can come up with a new set of lyrics for the play.

Rapper will.i.am is a fan of Obama an in order to pay tribute to the new President, he is willing to fudge his lyrics just a bit. According to Hot Air, lyrics linking the CIA to terrorists (first written under the Bush leadership) will now change at least for a little while as a tribute to Obama.

And, of course, Britney’s back in the news and on the charts, but one of her songs is being given the silent treatment by radio stations everywhere. In order to gain the much appreciated, and financially lucrative air time, Britney has to take the F-word out of her lyrics one on of the tracks from her Circus album.

Changing song lyrics is nothing new and the motivations are many. Pocketbooks and politics are usually the top two reasons for the change.

As 2008 turns into 2009, the huge ball in Times Square of New York City will be fitted with thousands of LED lights and will stay up year around. This is the perfect time to grab a cup of hot coca and sing Auld Lang Syne to whomever is around you.

Auld Lang Syne Lyrics

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne?

CHORUS:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We’ll tak a cup of kindness yet,
For auld lang syne!

And surely ye’ll be your pint-stowp,
And surely I’ll be mine,
And we’ll tak a cup o kindness yet,
For auld lang syne!

We twa hae run about the braes,
And pou’d the gowans fine,
But we’ve wander’d monie a weary fit,
Sin auld lang syne.

We twa hae paidl’d in the burn
Frae morning sun till dine,
But seas between us braid hae roar’d
Sin auld lang syne.

And there’s a hand my trusty fiere,
And gie’s a hand o thine,
And we’ll tak a right guid-willie waught,
For auld lang syne

For the women, other formidable forces as witnessed last night include the amiable Alaina Whitaker, rockin’ nurse Amanda Overmyer, the luscious Alexandrea Lushington, the effervescent Asia’h Epperson, the little mouse who roared Ramiele Malubay and the “yes” girl Syesha Mercado.

My picks from last night’s competition are the little mouse who roared and rockin’ nurse to go to the finals (of course, Carly could possibly kick either one of these to the curb as well). Kristy Lee Cook has had her ups and down, and though she’s babalicious she had another off night due to the flu.

American Idol predictions for the men, include the dauntingly daring David Archuleta, Aussie ass-man Michael Johns and delightfully demonstrative Danny Noriega. In what could come down to the young lions against the old, expect David Archuleta to battle Michael Johns in the finals.

Of course, as we all know, anything can and will happen so these American Idol predictions need to be taken with a grain of salt. And, of course when the final two are announced, hindsight will be clearer than foresight, so sit tight and enjoy the singing fight in the weeks and months to come.

The title song, “Discipline,” which is the 20th track on the album, shows off Janet as a bit of an erotic fembot who may just make someone’s day on the BDSM scene. In the song “Luv” Janet Jackson compares falling in love to a car wreck, with the same shock and surprise as one who’s been broadsided.

The Luv lyrics say, “I can’t believe the way you wrecked into my heart / I think I should sue ya.” But, Jackson also carries on the Discipline motif and imagery when she sings, “I had the right of way / I saw the sign you disobeyed.” Perhaps some bad boy needs a spanking about now?

The song “Rock Wit U,” not to be confused with the Alicia Keys song of the same name is a sensual track of a similar theme to the Keys endeavor. Janet’s Rock Wit U has a decidedly techno feel and sexual overtones that let her purr the words to the lover in her song.

On first listen “Feedback” may be a bit confusing as there is a double meaning to the word. The Feedback lyrics say, “So here’s my demonstration / A peep show /Tonight my body’s an exhibition baby.” But, then Jackson goes onto clarify that Feedback is also a musical term that singers and bands will be familiar with when she sings, “Strum me like a guitar blow out my amplifier / When you hear some feedback keep going take it higher.”

Janet Jackson Discipline Tracks

1. I.D. (Interlude)
2. Feedback
3. LUV
4. Spinnin (Interlude)
5. Rollercoaster
6. Bathroom Break (Interlude)
7. Rock With U
8. 2nite
9. Can’t B Good
10. 4 Words (Interlude)
11. Never Letchu Go
12. Truth Or Dare (Interlude)
13. Greatest X
14. Good Morning Janet (Interlude)
15. So Much Betta
16. Play Selection (Interlude)
17. The 1 feat. Missy Elliott
18. What’s Ur Name
19. The Meaning (Interlude)
20. Discipline
21. Back (Interlude)
22. Curtains

When I listened to Discipline and watched the video I had to wonder how many fans will be screaming for a wardrobe malfunction (and of course a little whip action). There is a good video also that shows snippets of songs from the entire Discipline album. Now, go watch and listen or else you will be severely punished.

The quality of the music and lyrics and especially the relationship between the two will be the main criteria in the judging, so go solo or team up with your favorite songwriting companion for this one. The winners will be announced in April and be asked to perform at the RWC Poetry Cafe.

So, if you’re in the area and meet this criteria, why not give this contest a whirl? Who knows, you could just be the next American songwriting phenom and tell Dylan it’s time to move over.

The usually, surly Simon the Scowl Cowell, gave the Leming an uncharacteristic break by giving the lad a “Yes” vote after an atypical off-performance. This less than stellar performance was preceded by a youthful meltdown the night before.

The lad had a conflict with the band as he was trying to work out a song in the wee hours of the morning. But, lack of sleep, frustration and a feeling of being unprepared on the World’s Largest Talent Show, led Josiah to dismiss the band, in a bit of a grandstand, followed by a forgettable a-capella tune.

The feedback from the judges, lack of sleep and stress brought Leming to tears. It was almost Bad News Baby for the lad, when the American Idol judges decided to give the kid a break. The good news is that Josiah Leming is filled with talent and can be one of the frontrunners as long as he can keep his youthful immaturity in check.

The bad news is that one more mistake like this one and this Leming will follow other Idols off the cliff, jump the shark and end up as fish food as is the destiny for most who venture onto this show. With any luck, however, Josiah could be the Messiah for the fan base that is broadening right now and will not have to go back to living out of his car with that wacky British accent.

Instead of wearing his love on his actual sleeve, Kanye wore it on his head with the word “MAMA” shaved into his hair. Also, his performance referenced his now deceased mom many times and when it came time for Kanye to accept his first Grammy, he rebelled at the music playing that was trying to move him along when he was talking about his mother and said, “It would be in good taste to stop the music now.”

This dichotomy of gangsta rapper and momma’s boy was quite intriguing as the hip hop star went from reverent to boastful to angered in just a few sentences. Vince Gill even pointed out Kanye West’s boastfulness asking the rapper if he’d ever received a Grammy from a Beatle (Ringo Starr) before.

In Friday, I had talked about the Amy Winehouse visa debacle. In her London studio, before millions of viewers, Amy performed admirably before her audience. But, if she was one of the contestants on American Idol, Simon Cowell surely would have given her low marks and a scowl for her attempt at dancing.

True, Amy Winehouse, just out of real life rehab was singing the song “Rehab,” which she won a Grammy for, but that girl needs some dance lessons. Even Britney’s stumbling attempt at the MTV awards was better than the Winehouse shuffle last night. Be that as it may, the even came off well, and the Grammy gods once again were smiling favorably upon the boss-man Bruce Springsteen who pulled off three golden trophies for his efforts.

Nominated for six Grammys for her acclaimed “Back to Black” album, Winehouse will instead perform via satellite link from a London studio. Now, the question is will this crack performer crack under the pressure?

Many will be watching the Grammys to see if Amy goes all Britney on us or if she holds it together for just one night as she is sure to get several awards bestowed upon her. Perhaps being denied a visa will be the best thing to have happened to Winehouse so that she won’t be caught up in the Hollywood buzz and parties and will be able to focus on the task at hand, which is entertaining all her fans with a stellar performance.

So, besides Winehouse, who else will wow the crowds with a big night at the Grammys? I’m predicting Kanye West, Rihanna, Carrie Underwood and the Foo Fighters will have a big night. I’d also like to see Taylor Swift squeak in there if Amy Winehouse doesn’t get a sweep.

Only a week ago or so ago no one knew if the writer’s strike would take Grammy down for good or not. But, the show must go on and this time Amy Winehouse will be playing to a full house of the kind she’s never seen before. And, most likely she’ll be celebrating mightily across the pond, when its all said and done.