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Chapter 15 Score Editor 431
Lyrics
There is a Part box object named LYRIC, which is designed for lyric entry. You should
select the Text Style that you want to use for lyric entry prior to commencing lyric
input. This is done in the Event Parameter box, with no object selected (indicated by
“Default Inserts” in the title line of the box). Just click on any empty spot in the Score
window, to deselect everything.
Now drag the LYRIC object below the first note of the melody, or click at that position
with the Text tool. Watch the Help Tag: each LYRIC object must be at the same bar
position as the note it belongs to (taking display quantization into account). Now, enter
the text for the first note—and press Tab, not Return—which automatically moves the
text cursor to the beginning of the next MIDI note. If a MIDI note is displayed as several
tied (graphic) notes, press Shift-Tab to move the cursor to the next graphic note. This
allows you to write several syllables below one longer note.
This method enables you to enter all lyrics in one process, although each syllable is
saved as an independent LYRIC object.
Editing lyrics is just like editing regular text. The Event Parameter box displays the same
parameters (with LYRIC is set to on).
Apart from the fast input mode (using Tab), the only difference between regular Text
objects and Lyric objects is that the latter affect the distance between the notes they
are assigned to. This provides enough space for the text to be displayed properly,
without overlapping. If the text (or Text Style) is changed later on, the note distance will
be recalculated accordingly.
Some Hints for Working With Lyrics
Setting all Words and Syllables to the Same Height
If you don’t enter the lyrics in one continuous process, as described, the Lyric objects
probably won’t be set to the same vertical position. To quickly set all Lyric objects to
the same height (vert.pos), select at least one Lyric object, then choose Edit > Select
Similar Objects. This will highlight all Lyric objects. Now select the Align Object Positions
Vertically key command.
Note: You do not want to use this method if there are multiple lines of lyrics for
different verses. Doing so would set them all to the same height.
Several Verses Written below each other
There can be several Lyric objects assigned to the same note, enabling you to insert
several verses for a song, one below the other. Start with the first verse and make sure
the vertical distance to the notes is correct. Then start with the input of the second
verse. As long as you stay in fast lyric input mode, all Lyric objects for the second verse
will stay at the same height as the initial object—in this case, the first word of the
second verse.