Lyrics & Prose (Hardback) - Common

by Ric Ocasek

Emerging from the New Wave music scene of the late ‘70s, The Cars catapulted to success with the very first single—“Just What I Needed”—off of their debut album. Led by Ric Ocasek, the lead vocalist (along with Benjamin Orr), rhythm guitarist, and songwriter, The Cars became one of the most successful bands of the ‘80s—and their songs are just as beloved by fans today.

Ocasek himself has had an illustrious career beyond The Cars, from writing and performing solo work, publishing poetry in Granta and elsewhere, and producing albums by musical artists like Weezer, Hole, Guided By Voices, and Jonathan Richman. In Lyrics & Prose, Ocasek collects his lyrics together for the first time—and included throughout are Ocasek’s early handwritten notes and set lists, doodles and all. His work spans from The Cars’ self titled debut album in 1978 to Move Like This, released in 2011, as well as Ocasek’s six solo albums.

This is not merely a songbook for fans of The Cars, Ocasek is a versatile and affecting poet as well as songwriter, and his original verses—interspersed with album artwork and more than twenty-five beautiful black and white photographs—round out this beguiling book.

Genres: Music, Poetry

322 pages, Hardcover

First published October 30, 2012

About the author

Ric Ocasek was an American singer, songwriter, musician and record producer. He was best known as the lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist and songwriter for the rock band the Cars. In 2018, Ocasek was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Cars.

Reviews

[Simon Sweetman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was intrigued by this, saddened of course by the recent news of Ric's passing. I was a fan, of not only The Cars (how could you not like the cars?) but also his solo albums. And of course his production work. But I never knew how into words he was - poet as well as lyricist. Well, look, not all of them are up to much but the sheer amount of work here is prodigious and the early lyrics and poems (1968-1974, pre-fame, pre-Cars) is certainly interesting. There's an economy to his very best lyrics too. Cars songs stayed written, so very well written, such a great marriage between the lyrical lines and musical ones. R.I.P.

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading, Ric Ocasek’s book Lyrics & Prose. For many of the albums, where the lyrics are written, I couldn’t help, but sing along in my head as I read the words. The songs have a whole new meaning now. Knowing exactly what the words are and how they are broken up, the formatting, can change the entire meaning of the songs. It’s beautiful. I never realized how many of Ric’s songs were actually love songs. I didn’t truly realize it until I considered sending some of the lines that I found particularly moving to a friend of mine who happens to be female. I realized it would’ve been inappropriate since we are both married. The words are written, loosen enough that you can throw in your own meaning, or blend them with the lyrics and poems. I’ve always been a cars fan since their very first album which came out when I was in high school and was incredibly popular. All of their albums seemed to be incredibly popular at least to me. Who can forget the cover of Candy-O where the artist Vargas actually came out of retirement to draw such a beautiful album cover. This was back when the albums were on vinyl, and the cover was large enough to actually see the details and beauty. I especially enjoyed being able to read the poetry of Ocasek. It was not simple poetry. It required thought. His social consciousness came out in these poems and is as relevant today as it was when it was first written. It was almost frightening to read these poems. In today’s context. Rick was a brilliant musician, but I never realized he was such a fantastic lyricist and poet. I didn’t think it was possible but I have more respect for him after reading this book. I will not read this book just once. I will continue reading it because each time you read it, you get deeper and deeper and more understanding from the words. Ric Ocasek passed away much too young. He will be missed, but his music, lyrics and poetry will live on. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of the Cars the lyrics of their songs were poetry as only I’ve seen Ric Ocasek present it. It’s a brilliant book.

[Marian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always and forever my favorite, I’ve read this a hundred times

[Gale Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a big fan of Ocasek, there was no way I could give this a bad review!! Years ago I heard that Ric wrote poetry, and I've curious about them ever since. This book finally gave me a chance to see them for the first time. What a great experience!! Several of the poems moved me in a very personal way. I hope and pray this book is a good seller, because I would definately like to see more of his free verse poetry!! You rock, Ric!!!

[Eternallyfab · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have fallen in love with the Cars, hence why I picked up this book. A lot of Ocasek's poetry works if you don't question it too much - if you start to overanalyze it, it's not as effective as if you just let it suggest things to you at quick glance. I liked this book a lot. Plus it has the original lyrics sheets to a lot of Cars songs, which is wonderful (just the original "Just What I Needed" is worth the price of admission!). Definitely recommended if you're a fan of Ric Ocasek.

[Diana Bogan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a gift and I found it to be a quick, fun read. Assuming you're a Ric Ocasek fan, you may find yourself singing along to the first two-thirds of the book. Well, at least I did. I really enjoyed the last 1/3 of the book starting with "Other Lyrics" but even more so when I hit the "Freely Sing and Paradise Poems" through to the end.

New fave word: Noisicians. I really like his wordplay.

[Cyndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this! Really happy that it includes the Negative Theater poems, in addition to everything else.