Tonight, tonight, won't be just any night. Tonight there will be no morning star.
Stephen SondheimRead
One of the hardest things about writing lyrics is to make the lyrics sit on the music in such a way that you're not aware there was a writer there.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Crafting lyrics requires a seamless integration with music that feels natural and effortless.
This quote by Stephen Sondheim highlights the challenge of songwriting, particularly the need for lyrics to blend perfectly with the music. When done successfully, the listener should be oblivious to the effort invested in writing, creating an organic experience where the song feels entirely cohesive.
Themes
LyricsMusicSongwritingArtCreativity
In practice
Example use cases
A songwriter discussing their creative process at a workshop.
More from Stephen Sondheim
All quotes βAfter the Rodgers and Hammerstein revolution, songs became part of the story, as opposed to just entertainments in between comedy scenes.
Stephen SondheimRead
Musical comedies aren't written, they are rewritten.
Stephen SondheimRead
Let Pirelli's / Miracle Elixir / Activate your roots, sir... Keep it off your boots, sir- / Eats right through. Yes, get Pirelli's! / Use a bottle of it! / Ladies seem to love it... Flies do, too!
Stephen SondheimRead
Art, in itself, is an attempt to bring order out of chaos.
Stephen SondheimRead
Careful the spell you cast, not just on children. Sometimes the spell may last Past what you can see And turn against you... Careful the tale you tell. That is the spell.
Stephen SondheimRead
Similar quotes
Forces that you might think are utterly unrelated to creativity can have a big impact. Technology, obviously, but environment, too. Even financial structures can affect the actual content of a song. The making of music is profoundly affected by the market.
David ByrneRead
Photography doesn't teach you to express your emotions; it teaches you how to see.
Berenice AbbottRead
You don't write because someone sets assignments! You write because you need to write, or because you hope someone will listen or because writing will mend something broken inside you or bring something back to life.
Joanne HarrisRead
I don't believe that poetry is in danger because nobody wants to read it or appreciate it. There is a tremendous audience for it on any given day or night. You just have to know where to look.
Derek WalcottRead
Be natural my children. For the writer that is natural has fulfilled all the rules of art.
Charles DickensRead
Jazz is a very democratic musical form. It comes out of a communal experience. We take our respective instruments and collectively create a thing of beauty.
Max RoachRead