How to Format Your Lyric Sheet for the Studio

1. THE LYRIC SHEET

Use the example below as a template when preparing your lyric sheet to ensure maximum readability. This layout is what our professional session vocalists are most comfortable with, and it makes the lyrics easier to follow during the recording process—especially from a distance, and especially when locating the chorus.

a) Submit a digital version. Whenever possible, please send us a digital copy of your lyric sheet. This allows us to easily generate backups or reformat if needed.

b) Send lyrics as an attachment. We recommend using .rtf format, as it's compatible with most systems. Files saved as .doc, .docx, or .txt are also acceptable.
Please do not send your lyrics pasted into the body of the email—attach them as a separate file. Also avoid sending PDFs, as they can't be edited or reformatted easily if necessary.

c) If typing isn't an option. If you don't have access to a word processing program, send a clearly handwritten lyric sheet as a JPG or PNG photo attachment. We'll use AI to scan and convert the text, and return it to you for accuracy approval.

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2. FORMATTING YOUR LYRIC SHEET

Scroll down to view a sample lyric sheet laid out in the format most commonly preferred by Nashville session players. Please note the following standards:

1. Center the title at the top of the page.
2. List the writer(s) name(s) in a smaller font, aligned right (or at the bottom).
3. Format all lyrics in ALL CAPS for easier visibility during sessions.
4. Use a sans-serif font (such as Arial, Verdana, or Helvetica) in no smaller than 12-point size.
5. Insert one blank line between sections (verse, lift/pre-chorus, chorus, bridge). Label only the bridge section—the others can remain unmarked.
6. Type the CHORUS in bold the first time it appears. If the same chorus repeats, you can simply type CHORUS (bolded). If any chorus lyrics change, retype the full chorus in full.
7. Your contact information should appear at the bottom left corner of the page.

 

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LYRIC SHEET SAMPLE:

 

Up on the Housetop

 

(public domain) 1870s by Benjamin R. Hanby

 

UP ON THE HOUSETOP REINDEER PAUSE

OUT JUMPS GOOD OLD SANTA CLAUS

DOWN THRU THE CHIMNEY WITH LOTS OF TOYS

ALL FOR THE LITTLE ONES, CHRISTMAS JOYS

 

CHORUS:

HO, HO, HO!

WHO WOULDN'T GO!

HO, HO, HO!

WHO WOULDN'T GO!

UP ON THE HOUSETOP, CLICK, CLICK, CLICK

DOWN THRU THE CHIMNEY WITH GOOD SAINT NICK

 

FIRST COMES THE STOCKING OF LITTLE NELL

OH, DEAR SANTA FILL IT WELL

GIVE HER A DOLLY THAT LAUGHS AND CRIES

ONE THAT WILL OPEN AND SHUT HER EYES

 

CHORUS:

 

NEXT COMES THE STOCKING OF LITTLE WILL

OH, JUST SEE WHAT A GLORIOUS FILL

HERE IS A HAMMER AND LOTS OF TACKS

ALSO A BALL AND A WHIP THAT CRACKS

 

CHORUS:

 

(public domain) 1870s by Benjamin R. Hanby

 

your-contact-email@your-email-address.com

 

Download a printable PDF: Lyric Sheet Preparation Guide ↓📁

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