I sometimes write marketing copy for publishers—copy for the book jacket or the back of the book, of course, but also 150 words for the wholesale catalogue, 50 words for a print ad, 25 words for a retail direct-mail blurb, 10 for a web banner. I often tell writers to create a synopsis—first a page (350 words, say) and then a paragraph (50 to 75 words). It’s good practice in general to look at each paragraph of your manuscript and take your delicate little word-trimmer to it. 🙂
So consider the lyricist. There’s nothing quite like the sort of thing a clever wordsmith can do in the oh-so-few words of a song. (We’ve talked about this before.)
I grew up listening to lyrics written by Oscar Hammerstein II, because my parents loved show tunes. They were great for singing in the car, too, those songs, and by the time I was ten I could belt out quite a repertoire.
Hammerstein had success with other musical collaborators but he had the most, by far and away, when Richard Rodgers approached him; their first project would become Oklahoma!. This was followed by Carousel, South Pacific, The King and I, Flower Drum Song, and The Sound of Music. One of my mother’s favorite shows was Carousel; I believe Carousel—the movie—was the first film I ever saw in a theater (though not in its original release).
And how could a girl not love “If I Loved You”? With its interesting POV and and that sly little if, it’s 75 perfect words:
If I loved you, time and again
I would try to say all I’d want you to know
If I loved you, words wouldn’t come
In an easy way, round in circles I’d goLonging to tell you but afraid and shy
I’d let my golden chances pass me bySoon you’d leave me
Off you would go in the mist of day
Never, never to know
How I love you, if I loved you
Tweet: #Wordcount: consider the lyricist. 100 words or less!
Tweet: There’s nothing quite like the sort of thing a clever wordsmith can do in the oh-so-few words of a song.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”