No matter how much you prepare for your moment in the spotlight, anything can happen on stage! This unpredictability makes performing lots of fun, but it can also be scary. However, if you prepare for your performance the right way, you can even forget the words to the song you’re singing and still deliver a top-notch performance. TakeLessons teacher Kayla T. went through the nightmare of forgotten lyrics and lived to tell about it…
Forgetting the words while singing can be embarrassing, but it’s something that happens to even the most experienced musicians and singers. The important thing is not to panic.
Here are a few tips for what to do if you are a singer forgetting the words to a song.
Is it Possible to Forget Words?
It is not uncommon for singers to forget the word or words to a song during a performance. There are a number of reasons why this might happen:
- First, singers are often required to memorize large amounts of lyrics. This can be challenging, especially if the song is complex or fast-paced.
- Additionally, singers may be distracted by the music, the audience, or other performers onstage. Moreover, nerves can play a role in forgetting the words to a song.
- A singer may become flustered or confused under the pressure of performing. As a result, they may forget the lyrics.
While it is possible for singers to forget the words to a song, there are ways to prevent this from happening. For example, singers can practice their songs regularly and review the lyrics before a performance. Additionally, they can try to stay calm and focused while onstage. By taking these measures, singers can help ensure that they remember the words to their songs.
Need help mastering the basics of singing performance? If so, you may want to sign upf or music lessons. You’ll learn everything you need to know about how to improve your vocal performance, like what you see in the video below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OftYWjv_Sgw
What Does it Mean When You Forget Your Words?
There are a few different theories as to what exactly forgetting the words to a song means.
One common explanation is that it’s a sign of aging. As we get older, our memories inevitably begin to decline, and this includes our ability to recall lyrics.
Another possibility is that it’s simply a matter of not being familiar enough with the song. If you only heard it once or twice, it’s not surprising that you might have trouble remembering all the words. Alternatively, some experts believe that forgetting the lyrics to a song can be a sign of stress or anxiety.
Another possibility is that you’re trying to sing too fast. When we get ahead of the music, it can be difficult to keep track of the words. Additionally, distractions can also cause us to forget the lyrics to a song.
When we’re feeling overwhelmed, our brains can have difficulty processing information, which can lead to moments of memory lapse. Whatever the cause, forgetting the words to a song is a perfectly normal experience. So next time it happens, don’t stress too much about it – everyone has been there before!
What to Do if You Forget the Words to a Song
If you’re like most people, there’s at least one song that you just can’t seem to get out of your head. But what if you suddenly forgot the words? Here are a few tips on what to do if you forget the words to a song.
First, try to relax. It’s important to remember that everyone forgets the words to a song once in awhile. So take a deep breath and try to focus on the music. If you’re still having trouble, try humming along or tapping your foot to the beat. This can help jog your memory and remind you of the melody.
If humming or tapping doesn’t work, try singing nonsense syllables in place of the actual words. This can help you keep the rhythm of the song without getting too frustrated. And once you get started, the words may start to come back to you.
Finally, if all else fails, don’t be afraid to ask for help from your friends or family. They may be able to sing the missing lyrics for you or even help you remember them yourself. After all, there’s no shame in admitting that you need a little help from time to time.
Forget the Words to Your Song? You’re Not Alone!
If you’re worried you might forget the words to a song you’re singing, don’t sweat it – you aren’t alone! Here’s my story.
It was a cold mid-February morning, in the year 2004 and I was thirteen years old. I had prepared to sing “Think of Me” from The Phantom of the Opera for a dance/vocal competition in Chicago, Illinois. As I was warming up, I remember practicing a certain phrase of the song (I would forget the order of the phrases, due to learning the song over a short period of time), telling myself I was not going to mess up on stage.
I practiced the song twice over and went through the order of the phrases in my head. I told myself, “You got this, Kayla.” At 8:37 A.M.I took the stage; the audience was larger than I was expecting and the lights were very bright. I took a breath and began. I smoothly sailed through the first verse and as I approached the second, I told myself – “Don’t forget the words.”
And what did I do? I FORGOT THE WORDS! I knew I couldn’t just stand there, so I started to make up my own lyrics! I’m not sure if all of the words I used were even real words in any language. When I finally reached the chorus, I remembered the rest of the song. I got off stage and my mother ran over to me, knowing I had messed up. She had helped me a lot with the song (along with my private voice instructor) because she was also a vocalist and musician. She told me she thought I nailed everything except for the verse when I forgot the words. Before I took the stage, I had been hoping to receive a ‘Platinum’ rating and receive first place, but as the other vocalists took the stage, I felt less and less hopeful.
Final Thoughts
I was so stressed that I forgot the words to the song – and thought I had totally blown it.
The time came for the award ceremony and I took the stage again with the other vocalists and dancers. As they ended the dance awards, I held my breath. The announcer said “The first place award, with a Platinum rating goes to…..Kayla”. I was so happy! Looking back, I know that it was the music performance training I had along with the music theory and vocal instruction that saved my performance. Balancing music theory, good technique and performance strategy is the key to success!
Baseball players strike out all the time—it’s just a part of the game. Musicians and singers should view forgotten lyrics in the same way; it happens to everyone at some point, but it’s not necessarily indicative of your talent or abilities as an artist. So next time you find yourself forgetting the words while performing, just take a deep breath and follow one of these tips! With the right vocal training, you’ll get through it unscathed, we promise.
Kayla T. teaches singing, music performance and music theory lessons in Saint Louis, MO. She has been singing since she was 9 years old and she specializes in teaching all styles of singing. Kayla joined the TakeLessons team in May 2013. Learn more about Kayla, or search for a teacher near you!
Photo by artolog
Megan L.