what is the best way to memorize lyrics?

Question

I am the lead singer of a cover band and even though I have sung in front of people before, I've always had the music in front of me. I know all the songs we'll be doing (30-40 on an average night) but I don't know that I can memorize the lyrics to all of them. The other band members assured me that lots of lead singers use music stands and have lyric notes, but I think that looks cheesy. Granted we aren't rock stars, just a local deal. But still, I want to look like I know what I'm doing. I've always been in awe of singers who can do an entire concert by heart. Besides practicing (the obvious) what other things can I do to memorize that many songs? Thanks.

Answer 1

Study the lyrics over and over until you committed them to memory, or download the songs, put them in your iPod, turn it on, and sing along to the originals in your spare time until you've got it down pat. That's all I can think of.

Answer 2

I always work line by line- and try to think of the story I am telling- (even if I have to make up a story in my head). I am often learning 4 hour shows (in a foreign language that I usually don't speak), and between rehearsal time (trying to figure out something during a rehearsal that will make the text physical to me- like almost making up a sign language for myself to be used only in rehearsal) and alone time working line by line and trying to figure out how I'm going to use even repetitive words to tell the story of the song... I usually can memorize whole shows. I know you can do it!! Just remember- people are counting on you, and it's your job to do it. Make it a priority.

Answer 3

just sit there and say them over and over and over over and over and over over and over and over over and over and over over and over and over over and over and over over and over and over over and over and over over and over and over over and over and over over and over and over over and over and over over and over and over again until you can say it backwards while sleeping