Words & Music: Rama Lama Ding Dong

“Lyrics don’t mean anything! Like ‘Rama-lama-ding-dong’ or ‘Give Peace a Chance’!” – Homer Simpson

The Edsels released, “Rama Lama Ding Dong” in 1958 which became a national hit, but surely not because of the lyrics. Would Bach have been better with words? What would Gilbert be without Sullivan or Rodgers without Hammerstein? And what comes first, the music or the lyrics? On November 5th, the Australian Poetry Centre has decided the music comes first, with a competition called What Comes First, offering poets and wordsmiths all over Australia the chance to write the lyrics for a new hit single! The music has been written by established composer/music producer, James Roche.

The AP’s What Comes First? competition, which offered poets and wordsmiths all over Australia the chance to write the lyrics for a new hit single, will culminate with short-listed applicants performing their lyrics to music composed by James Roche hoping their words will be the perfect fit for the song. The winner will be announced on the night.

Listen to the music here.

This event is in partnership with the Australian Poetry.

Presenters

Ben Birchall

Ben Birchall co-hosts RRR’s Breakfasters and works in advertising.

Deborah Conway

Deborah Conway is a singer/songwriter who shot to fame as the lead singer of Do Re Mi.

Eliza Hull

Eliza Hull is a singer from Melbourne who is just about to release her debut solo album which she’s been working on all around the country for 3 years.

James Roche

James Roche is an award-winning music producer, songwriter and composer.