7.3.3.2 Another way of entering lyrics

Lyrics can also be entered without \addlyrics or \lyricsto. In this case, syllables are entered like notes – but with pitches replaced by text – and the duration of each syllable must be entered explicitly. For example:

play2 the4 game2.
sink2 or4 swim2.

The alignment to a melody can be specified with the associatedVoice property,

\set associatedVoice = #"lala"

The value of the property (here: "lala") should be the name of a Voice context. Without this setting, extender lines will not be formatted properly.

Here is an example demonstrating manual lyric durations,

     
     << \new Voice = "melody" {
         \time 3/4
         c2 e4 g2.
      }
      \new Lyrics \lyricmode {
        \set associatedVoice = #"melody"
        play2 the4 game2.
      } >>

See also

Program reference: Lyrics.