Writer's Block: Word for Word
How many (if any) songs do you know by heart? What are they?
I have a freakishly good memory for song lyrics, so I know many, many, many songs by heart. I can remember the lyrics to songs I haven't heard since the early 90s. Which means I can remember the lyrics to various grunge, Alanis Morrissette, and Gin Blossoms songs I don't even like anymore. Really, chances are that if I've heard a song a couple of times, then I know some of the lyrics. If I hear it often enough, it gets burned into my brain. I've only heard the new Depeche Mode album a few times and if you wanted me to murder some brilliant songs, I could sing you "Corrupt" and "In Chains."
And as far as Dylan songs go, learning them is just practical. If you go to a Dylan show, you have much more fun if you already know the lyrics. It's usually the only way you'll be able know what he's saying.