Who hasn’t had a memory slip? The question is: how can we prevent them? Though I could list many steps for excellent memorization, here are three good tips focussing on memorizing lyrics:

1. Walk it out: Grab your water bottle, put on your earbuds, and take a walk to the beat of your music—moving in slower motion for ritardando sections and faster for accelerando sections, of course. Listen while walking, lip-sync while walking, and sing while walking. If it’s not a lovely day, then you will have to improvise!
2. Write it out, talk it out, SING IT OUT: Write and type out your lyrics in neat, poem form. Try taping the page to a wall where you have to stand and finish various tasks such as brushing your teeth, washing dishes, etc. Think through the words as a poem and in rhythm. Say the words out loud as a poem and in rhythm. Of course, sing your song with and without your accompaniment track. If you are singing in a foreign language, be sure you know when words begin and end by paying close attention to dashes between syllables. Otherwise, you may not be typing or writing the words correctly.
3. Act it out: Practice saying your words as a poem and in rhythm with characterization. Be sure to say it with meaning. Use your translation to help you practice logical facial expressions and tasteful gestures that work with your song to improve characterization. Of course, practice the same artistry while singing with excellent technique and musicianship.

P. S. Don’t forget to memorize entrances, rests, and interludes. Even if you have the lyrics memorized, you don’t want to start too soon or too late for a new phrase!

YOU CAN DO IT! ~ Practice Singing