SONGWRITERS NOTES SPRING 2016

Grand Slam for Spring Lyric Contest Bill Kapac wins all four spots in DSA’s 2016 Spring Lyric Contest

DSA EVENTS OPEN MICdallassongwriters.org/open-mics-and-showcases/Every Third Thursday Open Mic Dunn Brothers Coffee House, 3725 Belt Line Road, Addison

Every First Thursday Open Mic Half Price Books NE, 7-9, Free Every Second Thursday Open Mic Burger Edge, 6:30-8:30, FreeEvery Last Monday Open Mic Kitchen Cafe , 7-9, Free

MONTHLY WORKSHOPS

SONG SWAP WORKSHOPS Songwriters perform their songs for peer review, bring your guitar, or piano. Visitors welcome, free. dallassongwriters.org/song-swap-workshops/

Song Swap First Monday Half Price Books, NE Dallas. 7:30- 105803 E Northwest HwyDallas, TX 75231-6519(214) 379-8000 Song Swap Third MondayTinos Too Mexican Restaurant, 7 - 92205 Ave K , Plano, Tx 972 424 2572

SECOND TUESDAY MEETINGGuest Speaker & Song CritiquesSee back page for details dallassongwriters.org/dsa-meeting-and-song-critique/ LYRIC CONTESTDeadlines quarterly. Win cash & recognition. Entry Fee $10 details at dallassongwriters.org/dsa-lyric-contest/

ANGELAS - PLANOShowcase on 4th Saturday 7 - 10

AWARDS DINNER SONS OF HERMANN Dec 13

dallassongwriters.org/dsa-annual-song-contest/

VOLUME 25, NUMBER 2 FALL 2016

Kapac has been associated with DSA for a number of years, entering the lyric contest most every quarterly contest and winning ocasionally. This quarter, he slam dunked it by winning all the spots. He has released a CD that garnered a stellar review from Cyrus Rhodes of MusesMuse. Here is some of the review: “Cross Country Serenade by Bill Kapac is a rock solid CD from start to finish. One would be wise not to underestimate or turn your back on him - you willg et what you deserve. At his core – Bill Kapac

is cut from the same cloth as many a Americana Musical Legend. He's got the key ingrediant that bleeds Red, White and Blue. Song for song, note for note it just flows extremely well. It's definitely got the feel good groove - dead in the pocket. It’s strong suit – the song for song rock solid consistency and infectious vocal presence of Kapac.” http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/billkapac1

Q & A With DSA and Bill

1Q: Who is your favorite songwriter? What is it about these songwriters that attracts you?BK: I appreciate all songwriters but I would say Bob Dylan is the most profound.

2Q: When is a good time for you to write songs? When happy? Sad? BK: I probably write more often when I'm a little sad but would rather be happy all the time!

3Q: Are your songs typically personal and from your own experience? BK: Some of my songs are personal but most stem from observing other people and events and blending reality with poetic license.

4Q: You have much experience with co-writers. What makes a good co-write? BK: I have never Co-Written so I can't answer this one.

5Q: Is there someone at the DSA you’d like to co-write with? BK: I don't really know any DSA members.

6Q: What is the hardest part of songwriting? What is the easiest part? BK: The hardest part for me is listening to a song when it's recorded and seeing where I could have written it better. The easiest part is new ideas as I seem to have more that I have time to work on.

Continued on page 3 ............

SONGWRITERS NOTES SPRING 2016

Songwriter Groups- What’s in it for Me? by Barbara McMillen I was sitting next to DSA member Tom Douglas when he pitched his songs to Paul Worley at a songwriting seminar. Tom’s songwriting career took off when Collin Ray recorded his song “Little Rock” which was on the tape that Paul took back to Nashville. Tom has since won a Song of the Year Grammy for “The House That Built Me.” I watched DSA member and former President, Ron Grimes, approach a very young LeAnn Rhimes at a DSA monthly meeting where she came looking for songs for her first album. Co-writing with LeAnn, Ron got his first cut on her first album. They still remain close friends. I encouraged DSA Member Rory Lee Feek (“Some Beach” recorded by Blake Sheldon) to showcase at the Dallas Songwriters Seminar where he made important industry contacts that led to a staff writ- ing deal at Harlan Howard Music. He’s still writing in Nashville, had his own reality show about his farm just outside of Nashville, and was half of the duo Joey + Rory. Amber Dotson, a demo singer for many DSA members and a member herself also showcased at one of the seminars. Amber was a Capitol recording artist in Nashville for a time. And the list goes on. No doubt songwriters are connected to music industry contacts through events held by songwriter groups. Networking is a key to success in any business and co-writing can get you a step up in the business songwriting. Moreover, songwriting groups prepare songwriters for that pivotal moment through encouragement, and educa- tion. These groups work hard to bring in the best teachers

of the craft for workshops, and offer song critiques in asupportive environment, preparing you for the cruel worldof the Simon Cowells. They give you key industry people to explain the business of songwriting and entertainment attorneys to explain the contract jargon. They also offer performing songwriters supportive venues to hone your performance skills and try out your new songs. Furthermore, Your group will act as an advocate for your profession and rights. This is so important during these times when copyright values are being challenged. Together we stand, divided we fall. In closing, Songwriter Groups consist of folks like you from all levels of competency who are committed to protecting the rights and future of the profession of songwriting, and to educate, elevate, and celebrate the songwriter and to act as a unifying force within the music community and the community at large. If you are not already a member of one, you are missing out on a big boost in your career and the chance to know other weirdos like you. Join one today!

Education • Networking • Encouragement • Advocacy

The Dallas Songwriters is a non-profit 501 C3 organization dedicated to providing information about the craft and business of songwriting. All styles of music are welcome in the DSA, and membership includes writers of all ages. DSA monthly activities include meetings with guest speakers, song critiques and performance showcases that are open to the public. In addition, the DSA supports and promotes workshops and contests and publishes a monthly newsletter. For more information, visit

www.dallassongwriters.org.http://www.meetup.com/dallas-Songwriters-Association/http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dallas-Songwriters-Association/104739376244963

ABOUT DALLAS SONGWRITERS BENEFITS

Monthly Workshops which feature guest speakers from all fields of the music industry. • Critique sessions that give honest, creative, and helpful advice on improving writing style and technique. • Showcases that are designed to provide a platform for

the performance of original songs. These events embrace a variety of musical styles and cultural backgrounds.

• Seminars and workshops throughout the year which feature faculty from major educational institutions, respected industry businesses, and aware winning songwriters. •Songwriters Notes, a newsletter which features local, national, and international information valuable to songwriters. •Song contests which provide an opportunity to award prizes and scholarships to songwriters. Social interaction and networking with other arts related organizations and industry professionals. Many of these activities have been sponsored or cosponsored by local and national music industry businesses.• Community service through our programs Songwriters Connecting to Seniors.

MISSION STATEMENTWe exist to enhance the personal growth and professionalism of our members through the following means:• Provide a practical forum for songwriters/artists on common standards and expectations of the music industry.• Sharpen required competencies for excelling in the songwriting profession.• Serve as a forum for networking among peers and with industry experts to generate career opportunities.• Serve as a non-political advocate for songwriters and performers in liaison with peer organizations throughout the country.MEMBER PROFILEIncludes established independent and staff songwriters, performing artists, people actively seeking entry into the industry, entertainment law practitioners; and others who are simply interested in songwriting and/or performing as a hobby.

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SONGWRITERS NOTES SPRING 2016

(Will) take away your pain, and fill your world with fun

CHORUS

The taste of love so sweet can cut you like a knifeOpen up your heart and take slices of your lifeBut the feeling is incredible as it sweeps you off your feetAnyhing on earth is worth the taste of love so sweet

VERSE 3

Love is overpowering, it can take you way too farPush you till you fall, (and) make you wear it like a scarOur lives have little meaning, til love makes them completeIt starts out with a kiss, the taste of love so sweet

REPEAT CHORUS

THIRD PLACE

REMEMBER ME AS A SUNNY DAY © Bill Kapac, Williamstown, PAThis is an upbeat sad song that has some good poetic lines

HONORABLE MENTION

SAID A FATHER TO HIS SON © Bill Kapac, Williamstown, PAThe first two verses were great and I was hooked. But the chorus was a disappointment. I think you should tell how he wanted to marry her but she didn't love him and moved away, He heard she had a boy and had married someone else and assumed the child always thought her husband was his father. I'd like a happy ending, too. Maybe the boy finally questioned his mom. The verses were great but it was too long...good story, though.

A Note from Barbara McMillen

The lyrics are all judged blind. Nancy does not know yet that all the winners were songs from Bill Kapac. This is the first time this has happened. The other two semifinalists were Charles Carter, Dallas, Tx and Yanna Rose Zovich, San Luis Obpispo, CA, whose songs had very interesting titles.

___________________________________________

S P R I N G 2 0 1 6 LY R I C C O N T E S T W I N N E R S

SEMIFINALISTSFENCES by Bill KapacA TASTE OF LOVE SO SWEET by Bill KapacREMEMBER ME AS A SUNNY DAY by Bill KapacSAID A FATHER TO HIS SON by Bill KapacSUGAR FROM THE VINE by Yanna RoseRIVER OF MEMORIES by Charles Carter

First, let me thank the writers for entering this contest and encourage them to get better. There were 21 entries and I noticed the biggest mistake some of these writers made was the song was too long...too many verses. Most songs have only 3 verses, a chorus that gets repeated and possibly a bridge. The meters in the 1st verse need to closely match the meters in the 2nd and 3rd verse...another common mistake. …. Nancy Rynders

FIRST PLACE

FENCES © Bill Kapac, Williamstown, PAThis song has a a different twist to a breakup and I liked the comparison. I put in parenthesis my added word to make the meters match or what I considered a better line.

VERSE1

Fences make good neighbors, (at) least that's what they sayBut this fence growing up between us has gotta go away(But this fence that's between us has got to go away)I didn't see it coming, don't know where it came fromAnd if I helped build it, I'm sorry for what I've done

VERSE 2

A fence can be made of many things but it can't build itself(It takes someone to build a fence, it can't build itself)This one's growing (pretty) fast, is there help from someone else?We shared a love so strong, thought it would last forever (almost from the start)But there's a fence between us now, we can't get together (tearing us apart)

CHORUS

Fences hide the other side, what do you hide from meIf I climb, what will I find you don't want me to see

VERSE 3

Some fences keep you in, some (want) to lock you out(Just) tell me what you think this fence is all aboutA wall of love surrounds us but that fence grew in betweenTrying to climb over it, the tallest one I've seen(Love once consumed us but that fence grew in betweenAnd I can't climb over, it's the tallest one I've seen)

REPEAT CHORUS

BRIDGE

A fence is made to separate, this fence ain't got no gateLet's tear it down to the ground before it gets too late

REPEAT CHORUS

SECOND PLACE © Bill Kapac

A TASTE OF LOVE SO SWEET Williamstown, PAThis is a good love song

VERSE 1

Love is not an easy thing, it's difficult to findYou can't hold in your hand, what's only in your mindNot everyone will touch it, fewer can hold onLove is always fleeting, in a moment can be gone

VERSE 2

The taste of love (is) so sweet, sweeter than fine wineOnce you have a little bit, you'll want it all the timeIt'll turn your tears to gold, (and) stop the rain with sun

INVESTOR NEWSLETTER ISSUE N°3 APRIL 2011 Panelists Bios - Gary Nicholson COVER STORY - ARNOLD MCCULLER PANELISTS BIOS FALL 2016Bill Kapac Sweeps Spring 2016 Lyric ContestFIRST ANNUAL DSA HALL OF FAME 2016

INDUCTEES -BLIND LEMMON JEFFERSON

& T-BONE WALKER

On July 22nd, 2016, Dallas Songwriters honored Blind Lemon Jefferson and T-Bone Walker at their Inaugural Ceremony at Sons of Hermann Hall. “It’s been a dream of mine for years to have a Dallas Songwriters Hall of Fame” says DSA founder, Barbara McMillen. Thanks to DSA VP Bobby Montgomery who is spearheaded this event, It has come to furition. When he was able to get the Stratoblasters to

play a fundraiser for DSA, it all fell into place. It’s only fitting that we would start by going back to the roots of popular music – the blues. From out of the cotton fields of East Texas to the urbanization of Dallas’s Deep Ellum, Blind Lemon Jefferson brought the blues and popularized the genre. It is likely that he moved to Deep Ellum on a permanent basis by 1917, where he met Aaron Thibeaux Walker, also known as T-Bone Walker. Jefferson taught Walker the basics of playing blues guitar in exchange for Walker’s occasional services as a guide.Jefferson’s music is uninhibited and represented the classic sounds of everyday life and he did what few had ever done before him – he became a successful solo guitarist and male vocalist in the commercial recording world. Uncharacteristically, his first two recordings from this session were gospel songs (“I Want to Be Like Jesus in My Heart” and “All I Want is That Pure Religion”), released under the name Deacon L. J. Bates. A second recording session was held in March 1926. His first releases under his own name, “Booster Blues” and “Dry Southern Blues”, were hits. Their popularity led to the release of the other two songs from that session, “Got the Blues” and “Long Lonesome Blues”, which became a runaway success, with sales in six figures. He recorded about 100 tracks between 1926 and 1929; 43 records were issued, all but one for Paramount Records. Hear Blind Lemon sing “Back Snake Moan”. Walker, who was from a family of musicians, began his career as a teenager in Dallas in the early 1900s, leaving school at the age of 10, and by 15 he was a professional performer on the blues circuit. Initially, he was Jefferson’s protégé and would guide him around town for his gigs. In 1929, Walker made his recording debut with Columbia Records, billed as Oak Cliff T-Bone, releasing the single “Wichita Falls Blues” backed with “Trinity River Blues”. Oak Cliff is the community in which he lived at the time, and T-Bone is a corruption of his middle name.Much of Walker’s output was recorded from 1946 to 1948 for Black & White Records, including his most famous song, “Call It Stormy Monday (But Tuesday Is Just as Bad)” (1947). Other notable songs he recorded during this period were “Bobby Sox Blues” (a number 3 R&B hit in 1947) and “West Side Baby” (number 8 on the R&B singles charts in 1948). He continued to record up into the 1970’s and he won a Grammy Award for Best Ethnic or Traditional Folk Recording in 1971 for “Good Feelin'”. Walker was posthumously inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1980 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.Chuck Berry named Walker as his main influences. B.B. King cited hearing Walker’s recording of “Stormy Monday” as his inspiration for getting an electric guitar. Walker was admired by Jimi Hendrix, who imitated Walker’s trick of playing the guitar with his teeth. “Stormy Monday” was a favorite live number of the Allman Brothers Band. Hear T-Bone perform “Stormy Monday”.The induction ceremony will be an annual historic event for DSA.3

Continued from front page..

7Q: When did you know that you wanted to write songs? What prepared you to write songs? BK: About 10 years ago. I'm not sure I was prepared now as I read some of my early songs but I have always enjoyed it and try to do better with each new song.

8Q: If you could give advice to someone in the DSA who wanted to become a better songwriter, what would it be? BK: I would advise people to READ! I read everything I can get my hands on and you can learn something from everything. Also I would say write down whatever comes to mind right away. I tend to forget good cuplets in a minute and wish I had written them down!

SONGWRITERS NOTES SPRING 2016

EVENTS FALL 2016

Dallas Songwriters AssociationAnnual Membership Meeting and Elections

Dallas Songwriters Association will hold it's annual membership meeting and elections of it's board of directors at our regularly scheduled 2nd Tuesday meeting in November.

When: Tuesday, November 8, 7PMWhere: Center For Community Cooperation, 2900 Live Oak, Dallas, Tx 75207

6:30 PM Networking7 PM Elections7:30PM Guest Speaker will follow - Dr. William Brown8;15PM Critiques will follow.

Please consider serving as a director this year and help DSA make a difference. If you can't make the meeting, please assign your proxy to someone attending. We will need a quorum to conduct business.

__________________________

Dallas Songwriters Song Contest Awards Dinner

The DSA Song Contest Awards will take place on December 13th at the Sons of Hermann Hall 3414 Elm Street, Dallas, Tx 7PM

Donations requested: $12 on website, $15 at the door.PLEASE RSVP TO info@dallassongwriters.org

Also, please note that the bar at the Hall is cash only.This is your chance to see some of the semifinalist perform. A great

dinner, show and opportunity to newtwork.

America’s Oldest, Biggest and Best Consumer Guitar Shows

ARLINGTON GUITAR SHOWOCTOBER 15 - 16, 2016

10AM - 5PMARLINGTON CONVENTION CENTER

888-473-6059 ADMISSION $20 ( KIDS UNDER 11 FREE )

SPRING 2017 SONGWRITING CLASSES COLLIN COLLEGE

SONGWRITING I & II7:00 pm - 9:50 pm W 11:30AM - 12:50 TR

Spring Creek Campus B180 Aug 26, 2016 - Dec 12, 2016

Instructor Associate Professor of Songwriting, Barbara McMillenSongwriting Consulting

http://www.barbaramcmillen.com/p/songwriting-consulting-services.htmlTexasMusicGroup.com

Dr. Will Brown to Speak at Nov 8th Meeting Connections Between the Brain to the Craft of Songwriting

4

The Gibson Traveling Songwriter is the world's first fully professional travel friendly acoustic guitar capable of high quality acoustic and acoustic-electric performance. The unique Traveling Songwriter has a thin body of solid mahogany with a rear sound hole, a solid Sitka spruce top, and a Fishman Custom electronics system with EQ. This guitar has an almost electric guitar feel but produces incredible acoustic tones. Includes special travel case and hygrometer. A guitar that you can take anywhere you want to make music!

Psychology Professor, Dr. William Brown, is our special guest

speaker for the November 8th Second Tuesday Meeting. He has done

extensive study and is an expert on the connection between the brain and the craft of songwriting. Dr. Brown is a songwriter and is on the faculty of North Lake College. He is former DSA Director and was the Creator and Program Director of the Songs From The Soul Of Service. Don’t

miss this program!

__________________________

Donate To DSA TodayDSA Members and Friends,

We need your help keep the DSA a viable non-profit association that benefits our members and the community.  Please consider making a tax deductible donation that will help the DSA keep alive all of our programs for singer/songwriters in the Dallas area.  For example, just announced a new performing opportunity at an open mic that will be at Burger Edge in Dallas on the 2nd Thursday of each month.  And hopefully we will continue to do more event in the future, but we need your help. 

With $25 you will receive a DSA T-shirt, with $50 you will get a great DSA cap, and for $75 you get the DSA cap, T-shirt, and 2 DSA cuzzies.  For donations of $100 or more you will get the gift premiums plus recognition in the DSA newsletter every month as a special contributor to the DSA. To donate, just go to the DSA website at Home - Dallas Songwriters Association and click on the donation link. Many thanks.

Michael BrandenbergerPresident

SONGWRITERS NOTES SPRING 2016

2015-6 LYRIC CONTEST WINNERS by Lyric Contest Director, Dan Roak & Nancy Rynders https://dallassongwriters.org/dsa-lyric-contest/

SONGWRITERS NOTES SPRING 2016

S U M M E R 2 0 1 5First Place Trains by Nancy Line and Candy KattenburgTrains is a cute, sentimental song. I would like to hear the music. With that said, it could be a really good song. It begins with a parenthetical “Sound of clickety-clack” – presumably a sound effect entry to the song.VERSEWhen I hear the sound of clickety-clackIt reminds me of those days with DaddyYeah, it takes me backTo the time we spent together at the station watchinthe trains, roarin down the tracks.(To begin with, “sound of clickety-clack,” – in both cases – is redundant. Clickety-clack alone suffices. Perhaps “when I hear the train’s clickety-clack.” The third line should be omitted – it is only to force the rhyme. And it is the only verse with five lines. For the second line, try “thinking of Daddy it takes me back.” In the fourth line (which would be the third line), try “we sat together at the station watchin’.” “To the time” is unnecessary – we already know we’re going back.)The smell of the sweet engine oil, the thrust of the brakes,The way the earth beneath my feet would shake.The rush of the wind in my face,As another locomotive moved on its way.I would omit this second verse altogether. It doesn’t add to the story and three verses with a bridge is too long. I would make the bridge the third verse. It is more like a verse than a bridge.CHORUS: Something about trains I can’t explainI could get on board one every dayWhen I hear the whistle blow, it soothesmy soul, like a cool summer rain.There’s just something about a train.(I would drop the second line. It’s pretty much understood.)VERSEOne day Daddy took me to watch the trainsHe said, “Son close your eyes, today I have a surprise”as he placed the ticket in my hand,He said today we won’t just watch we’ll ride.CHORUS Something about trains I can’t explainI could get on board one every dayWhen I hear the whistle blow, it soothesmy soul, like a cool summer rain.There’s just something about a train.VERSEThat was twenty years ago when we took that first rideWe gazed out the window watching life pass by.The magic of that day will never dieWhen Daddy made brought my dreams come to life.It’s a nice story as I stated. I made a lot of suggestions, but they do not change your original song, they just tighten the structure. The only other suggestion is, in the future, pay attention to the rhyme scheme. In this song it changes quite a bit. But to correct the rhyme scheme at this point would drastically alter the song. Keep writing.

Second Place Ducky, If You’re Listenin’ by Brenda Peak, Council Bluffs. IAVERSE

The T.V. man weatherman said stay at homeThat there’s a storm outsideWhen I looked in Momma’s eyes and sawHer the fear she tried to hideSee, Daddy is a truckerHe had With one more run to goHe told me said his 18 wheelsCould make it through the snow.VERSEMomma was watchin’ at the doorAs the other kids just playedWhen she looked at them she smiledBut when she turned away I saidI know she is talking Lordto you this Christmas nightasking you, bring Daddy homehe needs your guiding lightI need my Daddy here.I would omit the last line – it’s understood. The first verse is eight lines.CHORUS Momma’s on the CB nowHey big Duck, you there?Merry Christmas, you be safeyour Ducky and ducklings careVERSEFrom the radio cameThere’s a pile-up, I-35And it’d be a miracleIf anyone was aliveLord, I’ll give up all my toysand I’ll be good next yearIf you bring my Daddy home.I would omit these three lines. It should be four lines to match the first verse and the lines are weak. I would make the break the last half of this verse, eliminating the problem of having three verses and a break.BRIDGE Momma’s always been so strongI’ve never seen a tearbut that night I saw her cryas Daddy’s voice came clear,CHORUSDucky if you’re listeningIt’s your big Duck hereme and few guys sure hada mess out here to clear.Ch Somehow, everyone is safe, but shakenInjuries are fewDucky, tell our Ducklings,Merry Christmas, I love you.Tag Ducky, if you’re listeningMerry Christmas, I love you.I would eliminate the tag. You already have an extra chorus.

Third Place October Sky by Kerry Kean, Kent, OhioI like this song, but a changing of the seasons song is really difficult to pull off since it’s so over done, but I like the spin you put on it.

Honorable MentionIf I Hold You Tenderly by Michael Roth – this is a nice song, but it is too vague and doesn’t have a unique focue.What’s Your Plan? by David DelBianco, Wrightstown, PA – I really like where you’re going with the song, but it is way, way, too long. You’re first chorus is fourteen lines. Tighten it up paying attention to song structure and you will have a very good song.Keep writing the songs that are in your heart.

FA L L 2 0 1 5 LY R I C C O N T E S T W I N N E R S

1st – Memories of the Future by David Byboth2nd – The Telegram and the Locket by Myra Litton3rd – Tear-Stained Letters by Myra LittonHonorable Mention:The Magic of Christmas by Catherine Pittman

W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 LY R I C C O N T E S T W I N N E R S

SEMIFINALISTSIN HIS HANDS © Lauren Smith, Livermore, CATASTE OF LOVE SO SWEET © Bill Kapac, Williamstown, NJLONG TIME GONE © Ynana Zivich, San Luis Obispo, CASO LONG KAREN © Brian Kerr, Merida, Mexico

FIRST PLACEIN HIS HANDS © Lauren Smith, Livermore, CA

This is a well constructed song with a good message. I didn't change much...just changed or took out a word to make the meters match. I would try to shorten the bridge to 2 lines.

1st VERSEOne Sunday morning there was smoke above the townI was ten years old the day our church burned to the groundFolks prayed among the ashes and some began to cryBut the preacher raised his voice and held his Bible high

CHORUSit's just a church, just bricks and woodWe've got our faith and God is goodHe don't need walls, a roof or floorJust our hearts and nothing moreSome things are hard to understandBut there ain't no doubt we're in His hands

2nd VERSEIn '98 it rained and didn't stop for daysThe creek broke through the levee and swept the crops awayMy wife and I gazed at those storm clouds overheadWhen I asked what we would do, she took my hand and said

CHORUSIt's just a field, just dirt and seedsThe Lord provides all that we needIt's still our land, I'm still your wifeWe've got our kids, we've got our lifeSome things are hard to understandBut there ain't no doubt we're in His hands

BRIDGELast year Ma took sick and the doc just shook his headI spent the next two weeks sitting with her by her bedI couldn't bear to think I'd never see my mom againBut she said, now honey, this is not the end

CHORUSIt's just a life it moves alongAnd in a moment, it is goneWe are born, live out our daysWith luck we find love on the waySome things are hard to understandBut there ain't no doubt I'm in His hands

TAGWe're all part of a bigger planAnd there ain't no doubt we're in His hands

SECOND PLACETASTE OF LOVE SO SWEET © Bill Kapac, Williamstown, NJThis song is a definition of love with some poetic lines. My only criticism is it's probably not commercial.

1st VERSE

Love is not an easy thing, it's difficult to findYou can't hold in your hand, what's only in your mindNot everyone will touch it, fewer can hold onLove is always fleeting, in a moment can be gone

2nd VERSEThe taste of love so sweet, sweeter than fine wineOnce you have a little bit, you want it all the timeIt'll turn your tears to gold, stop the rain with sunTake away your pain and fill your world with fun

CHORUSThe taste of love so sweet can cut you like a knifeOpen up your heart and take slices of you lifeBut the feeling is incredible, as it sweeps you off your feetAnything on earth is worth the taste of love so sweet

3rd VERSELove is overpowering, it can take you way too farPush you till you fall and make you wear it like a scarOur lives have little meaning till love makes them completeIt starts out with a kiss, the taste of love so sweet

REPEAT CHORUS

THIRD PLACELONG TIME GONE © Ynana Zivich, San Luis Obispo, CAYou have some really great lines in this song and most people can identify with your song. Good job!

HONORABLE MENTION

SO LONG KAREN © Brian Kerr, Merida, Mexico This is a good folksy, story song but it's way too long. Here's my suggestion...in the 3rd verse, change 25 years to 5 years. 25 years is too long to grieve. The 4th and 5th verse should be shortened to one concise verse and it didn't make sense that she went to her mother instead of you. Did she leave you? The listener doesn't know what happened. The chorus is good but we need more info in a shorter song.

MY SUGGESTION TO LYRIC WRITERS

Don't make your lines so flowery that we don't know what the song is about...make it more conversational. It's not poetry...it's a song. Check your meters...all other verses should match the first verse. Is the subject matter interesting and can most people identify with it? Happy writing!

Thanks to former Lyric Contest Director, Nancy Rynders, for the above critiques.

------------------------------AMERICAN MUSIC CHANNEL LAUNCHES NETWORK SITE

Hal Willis, JD, former CEO of TNN and then Country Music Television (CMT) during the Gaylord era, has joined with Steve Nordstrom, PhD, the former director of undergraduate programs at the Lipscomb University College of Computing & Technology, to create the American Music Channel, the only music discovery platform developed and operated by veteran industry professionals. A combination of Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and American Idol, using the very latest technology, AMC offers a niche social network. Take a look at the site and join our community, at the following link: https://americanmusicchannel.com/

5

5

at the Meadows Conference Center 2900 Live Oak

Featured guest speaker each month is industry pro presenting lectures on the craft and business of songwriting following short announcements of interest to our membership. Come as early as 6:30 to network with members. Critiques follow our speaker. Visitors welcome with suggested donation of $5. Free to members.

P r o g r a m s S c h e d u l e

NOV 8 - Dr. Will Brown

DEC 13 - Awards Dinner

JAN 12 - Rod Phelps, AmericanMusicChannel

FEB 9 - Extreme Co-Writes

SECOND TUESDAY MEETING DETAILS M E M B E R S H I PF O R M

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Join DSA today! www.absoluterehearsal.com

Motivating & Uplifting Songwriters Everywhere!Motivating & Uplifting Songwriters Everywhere!Motivating & Uplifting Songwriters Everywhere!Motivating & Uplifting Songwriters Everywhere!Motivating & Uplifting Songwriters Everywhere!

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Meeting Agenda: 6:30 PM - Sign In/ NETWORKING 7:00 PM - ANNOUNCEMENTS & PROGRAM 8:00PM - CRITIQUES- ($10 per Song, Members Only) The Critique Panel consists of 1 to 3 respected industry professionals. The Panel, DSA members, and guests will listen to each song and then judge each song based on 6 categories - Hook,Melody, Lyric, Structure, Originality, and Emotional Truth. The panel will give their comments and critiques about each song after the song is played. After all songs have been played and critiques are complete, everyone votes for the top two songs for this meeting. Critique Rules:Submitted songs can either be on a cassette tape or CD that should include your name and phone number. Approximately 20-30 typed lyric sheets should be provided for each song. Lyric sheets should NOT include your name, but a phone number is helpful for identification. Songs must be written or co-written by a current DSA member. (Only 1 Song per member per meeting please)Only the first 10 songs submitted will be played due to the limited time. A song submitted without a lyric sheets may not be played if there are 10 other songs that have lyric sheets. MIC Program- Members may mail in to our PO Box a Cd to be critiqued at the meetings for a fee of $20. Your critique will be recorded and sent to you as an MP3 file. This offers members who are unable to attend the meeting the benefit from the critique program and a chance to compete for the Songwriter of the Year Award. Here's a comment from Morri Hartgraves about the program, "Thank you for putting the time and effort into MIC. The program is really benefitting me as a songwriter. Sherrie and Blake's comments were appreciated." ZINE SWAP DSA is offering a place to swap magazines at the monthly meeting. Instead of throwing out your music magazines, bring them to the meeting to share with other members. We will provide a space at the sign in tables for the Zine Swap. DSA LIBRARY Songwriting /Music related books are available for checking out by DSA members at the meetings. Donations to our library are accepted. Center for Community Cooperation 2900 Live Oak (at Liberty) DSA is celebrating 22 years!

Sammons Center For The Arts3630 Harry Hines Box 20Dallas, Texas, 75205Barbara McMillen, Editor214 750-0916www.dallassongwriters.org

info@dallassongwriters.org

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TodayCelebrating 29 years!

Motivating & Uplifting Songwriters Thru Education