Skip to content

I think Quote by Stephen Schwartz

“One of the jobs, I think, of a lyricist - whether I'm working to my own music or I'm collaborating with someone like Alan Menken on his music - is to make sure that the audience can actually hear the lyrics and absorb them at their speed.” quote by Stephen Schwartz
Download Open image
“One of the jobs, I think, of a lyricist - whether I'm working to my own music or I'm collaborating with someone like Alan Menken on his music - is to make sure that the audience can actually hear the lyrics and absorb them at their speed.”

Stephen Schwartz

About This Quote

Source Interview: The Music Business Podcast, 2019

A lyricist must craft words that listeners can hear clearly and process at their own pace, especially when collaborating with composers.

In simple terms: Lyricists should ensure lyrics are clear and absorbable.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize clarity in songwriting.

Themes

songwriting collaboration communication

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

educational professional

When to use this quote

  • film scoring
  • theatre productions
  • album creation
  • live performances

Key Concepts

audience perception tempo lyric density

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance musical complexity with lyrical clarity?
  • What techniques help listeners absorb lyrics?
A Different Perspective

If music overwhelms lyrics, meaning can be lost.

4.2 out of 5 (4 ratings)

More by Stephen Schwartz

Explore all 141 Stephen Schwartz quotes

More I think quotes

Browse all 29,267 I think quotes