My body can’t tell the difference between forgetting the words and being chased by a lion. 😬🦁
But, my friends, it recently happened.
Despite my excellent preparation and zen mindset, I went out onstage last weekend and forgot the lyrics.
And, I survived!
In fact, no one even knew 😬 In part because I was singing a lesser known Aretha Franklin hit and the lyrics were likely not burned into every audience member’s brain.
But also… because I rolled with it. And somehow, kept my wits about me.
Partway through the second verse of “Since You’ve Been Gone,” (the 1968 Aretha hit, not the karaoke banger by Kelly Clarkson), I jumped ahead a line, skipped two measures, and found myself having to fill time with an extra “Oh Babbbyyyyyy!!” on a high G 😅
Thankfully, I landed right back on time to finish the song (what a relief!) and… I don’t think anyone was the wiser.
The best part came after I stepped off stage:
I laughed!
My worst nightmare happened during my first professional performance in years… I forgot the lyrics, and it was all ok! I was ok, the number was still awesome, the band didn’t get derailed, I didn’t lose my confidence, and the show went on.
I was ok, in fact I was even PROUD of myself that I rolled with the mistake and made it work.
Only took me two decades, but I guess that’s what live theatre is all about!?
Living in the moment and making magic out of mistakes. ✨
Click here to watch the flub in real time, with my commentary, ha!
Anyone else have an onstage lyric flub story they want to share? I can’t be the only one… 😅
