This is Part 1 of a 2 part episode where Brett and Josh discuss the "10 Commandments of Musical Theater Lyric Writing" as written by Pat Cook, former moderator of the BMI Workshop:

1 Thou shalt be singable.

2 Thou shalt be understandable.

3 Thou shalt be about one thing and one thing only.

4 Thou shalt be specific.

5 Thou shalt write dramatically.

6 Thou shalt not self pity (except in comedy).

7 Thou shalt not misaccent (thou shalt correctly scan).

8 Thou shalt find fresh images.

9 Thou shalt not false rhyme or transpose words.

10 Thou shalt not be rigid or wordy.

The conversation emphasizes the importance of singable, understandable, and specific lyrics, as well as the need to write dramatically and avoid self-pity (except in comedy!). Crafting effective theater lyrics requires attention to detail and adherence to specific guidelines. Finding fresh and unique imagery is essential in creating compelling and engaging theater lyrics.

Chapters

00:00 Intro

03:24 I Want Songs for the Week

6:30 Differences in Poetry, Pop, & Musical Theater Lyrics.

14:22 Commandment 1: Be Singable

17:14 Commandment 2: Be Understandable

22:45 Commandment 3: Be About One Thing Only

26:57 Commandment 4: Be Specific

34:11 Commandment 5: Write Dramatically

37:21 Outro

Hosted by Brett Boles and Josh Shelton. Each week we explore the layers of ways songs tell stories - from melodies to harmonies, lyrics to dialogue, characters to scenes - and how it all comes together in this unique medium where songs are the engine of the story! This podcast is an exploration for anyone who loves musicals - if you’re a songwriter, playwright, performer, storyteller, theater kid, accompanist, or just a super fan — our goal is you’ll find something interesting here.

Produced by https://www.counterpointmusicals.com/

2026 Tonys: Ragtime & Schmigadoon - Brett and Josh discuss the two big winners from the Tonys for Best Musical (Schmigadoon) and Best Revival of a Musical (Ragtime). Ragtime is Brett’s all-time favorite musical and he saw this production multiple times. Join us as we dive into what makes these shows so unique!

Join for free or as a paid member to enjoy bonus content on: Patreon.com/showtuned

Chapters

0:00 Introduction

3:31 I Want Songs for the Week

5:17 2026 Tonys Recap

8:24 Ragtime

23:30 Schmigadoon

29:55 What We’re Listening To

Hosted by Brett Boles and Josh Shelton. Each week we explore the layers of ways songs tell stories - from melodies to harmonies, lyrics to dialogue, characters to scenes - and how it all comes together in this unique medium where songs are the engine of the story! This podcast is an exploration for anyone who loves musicals - if you’re a songwriter, playwright, performer, storyteller, theater kid, accompanist, or just a super fan — our goal is you’ll find something interesting here.

Produced by https://www.counterpointmusicals.com/

Lists are one of the most powerful brainstorming and creativity inducing processes of songwriting. Why are lists so helpful? What type of lists do we make when songwriting? Why did Sondheim love making lists? In this episode Brett and Josh dive into the importance of writing lists and the transformative effect it has on the songwriting process.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Showtuned
• 02:50 I Want Songs for the Week
• 06:45 Main Topic: Writing Lists
• 12:42 The Power of Metaphors
• 17:11 Character and Scene Setting
• 22:40 Think Like an Actor
• 26:00 Rhymes
• 32:46 What We’re Listening To
• 36:46 Outro

Songs referenced available for free on Patreon.com/showtuned

Hosted by Brett Boles and Josh Shelton. Each week we explore the layers of ways songs tell stories - from melodies to harmonies, lyrics to dialogue, characters to scenes - and how it all comes together in this unique medium where songs are the engine of the story! This podcast is an exploration for anyone who loves musicals - if you’re a songwriter, playwright, performer, storyteller, theater kid, Disney adult, accompanist, or just a super fan — our goal is you’ll find something interesting here.

Produced by https://www.counterpointmusicals.com/