The Library
0.001 Hall, Tom T. — File Under Practical
“A song is a poem set to music. When the words are set to music by the lonely composer there is one melody line, written with the accompaniment of a single instrument such as a piano or guitar. It is not possible to compose a song-poem with a twenty-eight piece orchestra. An orchestra might be invited to play it after it has been arranged, but the songwriter must start alone with the simple, single melody and an instrument.”
0.002 Mitchell, Joni — File Under Mystical
“Just before our love got lost, you said
‘I am as constant as a northern star’
And I said, ‘Constantly in the darkness
Where’s that at?
If you want me, I’ll be in the bar’
On the back of a cartoon coaster
In the blue TV screen light
I drew a map of Canada, oh, Canada
With your face sketched on it twice
Oh, you’re in my blood like holy wine
You taste so bitter and so sweet
Oh, I could drink a case of you, darling
And I would still be on my feet
Oh, I would still be on my feet
Oh, I am a lonely painter
I live in a box of paints
I’m frightened by the devil
And I’m drawn to those ones that ain’t afraid…”
0.003 Nelson, Prince Rogers — File Under Fellow Joni Freak
“I love all of Joni’s music. [It] should be taught in school, if just from a literature standpoint.”
— Prince on Joni
“Prince used to write me fan mail with all of the U’s and hearts that way that he writes. [My staff] took it as mail from the lunatic fringe and just tossed it. He’s a strange little duck, but I like him.”
— Joni on Prince
0.004 Lightfoot Jr, Gordon Meredith — File Under Functional
Another North Country All-Star who rendered exquisite lead sheets. Learn the shorthand by writing longhand.