Finding Lyrics

Where Can I Find Song Lyrics?

When I don't know the name of the song or the artist, I usually go to Google and type in a snippet of the lyrics that I can remember (unless the song is "Blinded by the Light".) Quite often I can find the complete lyrics with only a few words from the song, but that's doesn't always work. If you do know the artist's name, another good idea is to check their website, since they often post the lyrics there.

Here are some other great sites that provide searchable databases of songs and lyrics.

• A-Z Lyrics Universe has been around since 2000. Not only do they provide lyrics with a 90% success rate via search engine, you can add some to the site or correct those that you find erroneous. They also have Music Videos and update almost daily. As with most sites of this type, you can search by artist, title or album by letter.
• Lyrics.com is another site that features lyrics by the alphabet as well as listing new record releases to make your search easier. There are top artists, top songs and top ringtones because, if that latest Black Eyed Peas song is in your head, chances are it is in others, too. Once you find the tune, you have the options of downloading the tune or ringtone, sharing it or adding it to your personal playlist.
• LyricsFind provides a humongous listing of other resources. They also provide background information on the artist and a "Pick of the Day" website.
• Of course Yahoo had to get in on the act. Their newly launched beta site includes a listing of lyrics, videos, radio station guide, exclusives and several blog links. You can also rate them if the whim strikes you. By the way, they list "I Kissed a Girl" by Katy Perry as the most requested lyric.
• Sometimes the best way to search if by genre. A site such as All Gospel Lyrics is a good example. I didn't realize there were about 11 different types of gospel music, but that certainly will narrow down the hunt.
• And don't count out karaoke sites. Karaoke Play features an online, free service for those who want to sing in the privacy of their own domicile but still have the need to share. Become a member, record a song and others can comment on your tunage.

Sometimes you hear a song on a commercial and they will post the name and group/artist on the bottom left corner. Recently, T-Mobile began airing one that featured "If you Want to Sing Out, Sing Out" by Yusaf Islam (formerly Cat Stevens). That song stuck in my head until I not only had to find the lyrics, I wanted to listen to the entire song.

Check out my companion article on Internet Radio, visit the artist's website, or fire up iTunes to get your music fix.

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