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2.1.1.4 Working with lyrics and variables

To define variables containing lyrics, the function \lyricmode must be used. You do not have to enter durations though, if you add \addlyrics or \lyricsto when invoking your variable.

verseOne = \lyricmode { Joy to the world the Lord is come }
\score {
 <<
   \new Voice = "one" \relative c'' {
     \autoBeamOff
     \time 2/4
     c4 b8. a16 g4. f8 e4 d c2
   }
   \addlyrics { \verseOne }
 >>
}

For different or more complex orderings, the best way is to setup the hierarchy of staves and lyrics first, e.g.,

\new ChoirStaff <<
  \new Voice = "soprano" { music }
  \new Lyrics = "sopranoLyrics" { s1 }
  \new Lyrics = "tenorLyrics" { s1 }
  \new Voice = "tenor" { music }
>>

and then combine the appropriate melodies and lyric lines

\context Lyrics = sopranoLyrics \lyricsto "soprano"
the lyrics

The final input would resemble

<<\new ChoirStaff << setup the music >>
 \lyricsto "soprano" etc
 \lyricsto "alto" etc
etc
>>

See also

Internals Reference: LyricCombineMusic, Lyrics.

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