Secrets of Songwriters
It’s close to midnight in a Manhattan recording studio, and a songwriter is listening to a work in progress, one that he hopes millions will soon know by heart. He’d recently improvised the lyrics in the vocal booth, including the chorus: “If you’re the country, I’m your new citizen.” Now, he sings along with the playback in a soft, high voice. If all goes to plan, however, the voice forever linked to “Citizen” will be that of BeyoncĂ© Knowles, the superstar singer in the next room, who’s been gathering songs for a new album.
Known as The-Dream, the 32-year-old lyricist has cause for confidence. He already helped create one of BeyoncĂ©’s biggest hits, “Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It).” For much of last year, the track’s stuttering beat was everywhere, made indelible by BeyoncĂ©’s riveting dance video and a bit of lingo The-Dream coined for her chorus: “If you like it then you should have put a ring on it.” This cheeky rallying cry became something more than a pervasive hit: maybe a new standard.
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