iMelody Section 3 – Song – Don Robertson's Musical Kaleidoscope

The iUniversity

Section Three

Song

This is the book that my wife Mary Ellen Bickford, Jim Peterik, and I wrote in 2002. My name is not on the cover because the publisher would only allow three authors’ names, and the third author, Dave Austin, was the person who had negociated the book deal with the publisher. However, I wrote one-third of the first edition of the book, as well as the initial plan submitted to the publisher. The second edition was released in 2010 and Mary Ellen’s name was removed from the cover, as we did not participate in the extensive revisions made to this edition. Songwriting for Dummies has sold over 1,000,000 copies worldwide in multiple languages.
Writing this book gave me the desire to dive into a thorough study of the popular song literature. By 2006, I had also composed a number of songs, and Mary Ellen and I had released our album Songs of Love and Joy.
The study of popular song is a fascinating one and an important one for young composers.
Don Robertson

My Song Studies

During the years 2004-2006, I created thirty-seven volumes of “Song Studies” with an accompanying CD with the music for each volume. The volumes contain the lyrics, the published sheet music where available, and for many of the songs, I analyzed structure, chords, and lyrics. My wife Mary Ellen and I were living in Nashvile and were deeply embedded in songwriting and the songwriting community at that time. (Don Robertson)

Analysis of “To Be Loved By You”

This is a wonderful song sung by country singer Wynonna Judd. It was composed by two great Nashville songwriters, Gary Burr and Mike Reid. My friend the late songwriter Beverly Ross introduced me to Mike Reid. I remember watching Gary Burr sing this song at Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe in 2004. (Don Robertson)

Verse 1
Love that’s worth fighting forThat’s what this isAnd how, how could I want moreThan the warmth of your kiss?
Pre-Chorus
No matter how many miles and dreamsCome between us nowIn each step I take, with each prayer I makeThis love will live somehow

Chorus
Let the mountains rise, I will climb them allWhen my body’s weak, I will not fallBaby, come what may I’ll find a way to get throughThere’s nothing that I won’t doTo be loved by you

Bridge
And even when we’re worlds apartJust keep this promise in your heart

Analysis of “No One Else On Earth”

This song was composed by Jill Colucci along with Steward Harris and Sam Lorber. Jill Colucci was a Nashville songwriter who notibly wrote the song “Anymore” with Travis Tritt. I met Jill at a home-hosted songwriter round in 2004. (Don Robertson)

Verse 1
I’ve been a rock and I’ve got my fences
I never let them down
When it comes to love, I keep my senses
I don’t get kicked around

Pre-Chorus
I shivered once you broke into my soul
The damage is done now
I’m outta control
How did you get to me?

Chorus
No one else on earth
Could ever hurt me
Break my heart the way you do
No one else on earth
Was ever worth it
No one could love me like-
No one could love me like you