Singing from Memory

Songs sung from memory with easily-joined-in choruses are the norm…

Why? Why is this the norm at our pub sing? Why is it not okay for me to lead a song while reading the lyrics from a piece of paper, or a book, or my phone?

Not everyone agrees with our local stance on this, but it’s our sing and we feel strongly about it. Some people are more familiar with sings where songbooks are brought by individuals, or handed out to all in the group, or where people bring song sheets to pass around, or where it’s common to find people looking up verses on their tablet or iPhone.

There is a place in this world for all kinds of community sings. But we don’t do those things at the Brattleboro Pub Sing. We have found at that songs sung from memory work best, and we have the expectation that all who attend our sing will respect this standard.

Why do we do this? Here are three reasons:

One, songs that people memorize tend to naturally exclude the ones that are unusually long or difficult to join in on. “Memorizability” is a helpful filter that keeps the options within reach for everyone singing and listening. When singing “from the words” (on paper or iPhone or whatever), people seem to sing faster, enunciate less clearly, and use less eye contact than they do when singing “from memory,” and these things both make the singer and the song harder to follow. A significant portion of their attention is being used for reading instead of singing. The difference is quite noticeable.

Two, it allows all of the singers to share a sense of vulnerability; everyone feels naked together. Nobody has the advantage of words in front of them, not even the person leading. Leading a song is something one earns by doing the work of learning the song and taking the risk of putting themselves out there as the leader, which is valued by all. And yes, for many, leading a song makes one feel very vulnerable. Trying to remember all the words in order is challenging. Have courage. Do your homework. You can do it.

Those who have worked hard and memorized a song so they can lead it confidently will be rewarded by the admiration and appreciation of their fellow singers.

Three, for some of the reasons above (like eye contact and accessibility), singing from memory allows for maximum engagement with the other singers, and thus holds everyone’s attention and makes group participation most likely. We sing for each other, to each other, with each other. We are able to immerse ourselves completely in the experience of singing while being fully present with each other. We can make eye contact and give and receive the story within the song. The level of connection in the room is high, and it feels very satisfying.

Singing from memory is also a more inclusive way to level the playing field for all in attendance. There’s no time spent passing around pages or books, or trying to fill gaps when resources run short, or scrambling and rustling when another person walks in the door. There’s no time spent searching on phones or devices (for those who even have them) and no confusion if different versions of the lyrics come up on opposite sides of the room. It simplifies things and unifies the group to follow one leader and sing their version, with everyone paying close attention through listening and watching.

We also exclusively sing songs that have accessible choruses or refrains, either easy enough to pick up or commonly enough known that people will join in. Occasionally someone will sing a song with a complicated chorus that flops because it’s too hard to join in on. Sometimes a leader will persist with teaching the chorus a bit at a few sings, or people will go home and learn a chorus to a particularly compelling song, and it will work its way into the local repertoire. When enough people know a chorus from memory, it works, even if it is complicated. But the most successful songs are the ones in which the choruses are easy to learn on the spot.

It’s important to note that we have established a standard at our sing where it is not shameful to mess up the words. Those who do are supportively encouraged to keep singing, even if it means fudging it a bit or skipping to the next verse. Often, if someone stalls, others who know the song will respectfully supply a few words to jump-start things again. We have a couple of regulars who will occasionally – hilariously and badly – invent a post-last verse on the spot, and it helps serve as a reminder that the exact words and scansion are less important than just having some musical fun together.

Andy Davis has added a verse to our opening song (Newman’s Ale, to the tune of Lillibulero) that reflects this philosophy:

So when you are singing and memory is failing
Just hoist up a pint of this marvelous brew!
From the depths of your being, the words will arise,
And the notes you emote will ring glorious and true.
No iPod can save you, no Google search aid you,
No Smartphone connected through all of the Earth;
Just sing out your verse – for better or worse!
And polish it off with McNeill’s Ale…

Although our way may not be universal, it is our local tradition. We occasionally get complaints from those whose confidence is low, or who would prefer not to do their homework, or who struggle with memory challenges due to aging. We know there are many sings where the custom does support reading from screens or books. For anyone who feels reading lyrics is essential to their singing experience, I strongly and positively encourage them to seek out such a group or start their own–after inviting them to keep their mind open and try it our way a few times to see if they can feel the difference.