Note this basic rule when matching lyrics to beats in music: Weak (unac-
cented) syllables are usually placed at weak metric points — those that are
weaker than those where the surrounding accented syllables occur. An
accented syllable may occur at any place, but an unaccented syllable before
or after an accented syllable must fall on a rhythmic point weaker or equal in
strength, meaning that weak syllables should occur on upbeats when next to
a strong syllable. Of course, eventually, rules are meant to be broken, and
many outstanding, musically rebellious songwriters — such as psychedelia’s
poster child, Donovan — made a lasting career of fitting lyrical accents
against musical downbeats.If we wanted to use this naturally occurring rhythm in a piece of music, we
could write it as shown in Figures 17-2 through 17-4.œ œ œ œ ̇ œ œ œ ̇ ̇
Figure 17-4:
A third
possibility
for a Purcell
rhythmic
example.̇ ̇ œ œ ̇ œ œ ̇ ̇
Figure 17-3:
A second
Purcell
rhythmic
possibility.œ œ
j
œ
j
œ
j
œ
j
œ œ ̇
Figure 17-2:
Creating
one possible
Purcell
rhythmic
example.
Chapter 17: Composing Commercial Music and Songs 223