Songs From Scratch

What does the lyricist think of the songs?

by Nikki Tundel, Minnesota Public Radio

If this were a reality show, now would be the "big reveal" moment. It's time for the lyricist for our Songs from Scratch project, Stephen Burt, to hear what his words sound like in the hands of the musicians.

St. Paul, Minn. — Songs from Scratch was launched with the goal of shedding some light on the process of songwriting.

We had a poet pen a set of lyrics. Then we asked three local bands to compose a song using those lyrics.

After much strumming, singing, and second-guessing, the bands have finally turned in their finished tunes. Now it's time for the lyricist to hear what his words sound like in the hands of the musicians.

Reporter Nikki Tundel checks in with Stephen Burt to get his impressions on the completed songs and the Songs from Scratch project.

Broadcast Dates

• Morning Edition, 08/17/2007, 7:50 a.m.