Most of us can hum, whistle, or tap out a favourite tune but not too many of us can recall the lyrics, the words. Yet it is the skill of the wordsmith, the lyricist who at the stroke of a pen can transport us, if only for a moment, into our own world recalling cathartic events, romantic moments and nostalgic longings for times gone by. In just a few short strokes of his pen the skilled lyricist can move us to tears or anger or is able to stimulate pride or joy.

Popular music is at an all-time high and I would defy anyone reading this book not to be able to find a song that they could not identify with or indeed have been emotionally associated with at some point in their formative years or indeed in their twilight years!

During the writing of this book, I admit to many moments, good and bad, when the words of skilled lyricists left their songs stimulating incidents and memories long since relegated to the back of my mind!