Ricky_Lectrik - A New-Old Style of Writing Lyrics: Tie-In Verse

ricky_lectrik · 06-10-2009, 11:07 AM

Hey Everyone! You can call me 'Lectrik! This is my first contributing post and I hope you all enjoy.

Recently in studying some zen koans I came across and interesting style of poetry that was only described as 'Chinese Style'. Of course, this description does the style no justice at all and I have dubbed it a sort of 'Tie-In Verse'. Of course, my description does it no better justice, but it is also not as vague as 'Chinese Style'.

I will start with a sample of the style and break it down from there.

Two daughters of a silk merchant live in Kyoto.
The elder is twenty, the younger, eighteen.
A soldier may kill with his sword.
But these girls slay men with their eyes.

The first line contains the initial phrase, while the second line continues the phrase. The third line is a new subject and the fourth line ties the first three lines together.

As a new songwriter, this style really appealed to me because of the practicality it could be when combined with some newer lyrics and melody.

I hope this gives you a new color on your palette.

Does anyone else no any older lyric styles that would be interesting in modern context? Please share!

On a side note: If anyone can tell me the name of this style of writing, my inner detective would be pleased!

06-10-2009, 11:07 AM	#1 (permalink)
ricky_lectrik Groupie Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 4	Ricky_Lectrik - A New-Old Style of Writing Lyrics: Tie-In Verse Hey Everyone! You can call me 'Lectrik! This is my first contributing post and I hope you all enjoy. Recently in studying some zen koans I came across and interesting style of poetry that was only described as 'Chinese Style'. Of course, this description does the style no justice at all and I have dubbed it a sort of 'Tie-In Verse'. Of course, my description does it no better justice, but it is also not as vague as 'Chinese Style'. I will start with a sample of the style and break it down from there. Two daughters of a silk merchant live in Kyoto. The elder is twenty, the younger, eighteen. A soldier may kill with his sword. But these girls slay men with their eyes. The first line contains the initial phrase, while the second line continues the phrase. The third line is a new subject and the fourth line ties the first three lines together. As a new songwriter, this style really appealed to me because of the practicality it could be when combined with some newer lyrics and melody. I hope this gives you a new color on your palette. Does anyone else no any older lyric styles that would be interesting in modern context? Please share! On a side note: If anyone can tell me the name of this style of writing, my inner detective would be pleased!