Does anyone know the exact breakdown of the songwriting of TMLWKY? I think a popular conception is that Brian wrote the music, and Frank Musker wrote the majority of lyrics, with Brian adding personal touches. Not sure Liz Lamers input, though. When accepting the Ivor Novello, it was just Brian and Frank. I know he is a respected lyricist who has worked on numerous projects, from Air Supply to 10cc. I even saw a review of a singer/songwriter concert series where Musker performed the song himself. Do you think he had an musical input into the song? Thanks for any help!
Wow... A topic that has MUCH interesting potential, And I'M the only one to reply to it!? I really wish I could help you, But this is something I have often wondered myself. :/
That link to my site didn't work because my analysis of that song is very poor :)
Anyway, as far as I know they three worked on the song in LA, the lyrical part. The first keyboard demos were programmed (not so much played) with Frank.
But that would have been a completely different song back then, I guess.
deleted user 17.06.2004 14:34
Well, it may depend on what one considers as being "different", but looking on the basic framework of piano-instrumental (which definitely was "played" when the first demos were assembled. Brian merely refrained from playing any until it was time to record the thing. At least that's how I understand that particular quote), melodies and lyrics, the basics were pretty much in place on the May/Musker/Lamers-demos of 1987 or 1988 (which have been circulated among traders).
There's even a version of May and Lamers duetting on that song from the same "sessions", so I'd guess that there was some considerable input from Elisabeth Lamers.
The song has Brian's style of songwriting all over it, and it was so autobiographical at that time of his life (we all know about the problems with Chrissy and Anita and his father dying in the same period, no wonder he was so depressed then!). Until I read the credits for the song, I was so certain Brian wrote it all himself.
I still prefer Freddie's vocal-cord-shredding version. Always send shivers up and down my spine!