Musicals & Film Songbooks Review: Lyrics, Binding Quality & Are They Easy to Use?
It had been a rare bright spell in Norfolk, so I took the opportunity to tidy up the borders—though the weeds, as usual, had other ideas. By the time I came in, knees complaining and hands a bit stiff, I fancied something gentler than gardening.
Put on Thelonious Monk—nothing too busy—and reached for a small pile of Musicals & Film Songbooks. Now, I’ve always enjoyed a good tune, and there’s something rather comforting about flipping through familiar lyrics from a proper soundtrack.
But as with most things these days, especially on Amazon, the question is whether these songbooks are practical to use or just nice to look at on a shelf.
What They Don't Tell You in the Ads
Let’s address the usual concerns straight away.
First: are the lyrics and music actually readable? This is where many fall short. Quite a few Film Songbooks cram everything onto the page—lyrics, notation, chords—all in a font size that seems designed for someone half my age. You’ll absolutely need your reading glasses, and even then, good lighting is essential.
Second: accuracy and completeness. Some books claim to include the full soundtrack but quietly omit certain songs or simplify arrangements to the point they barely resemble the original Music. That’s a bit cheeky, if you ask me.
Third: binding quality. This matters more than you’d think. If a songbook won’t stay open on the piano stand—or keeps snapping shut—it becomes a proper nuisance. And yes, several do exactly that.
The Norfolk Stress Test
I tried these out over a few evenings, mostly at the upright piano in the sitting room, occasionally just reading through the Lyrics with a cup of tea in hand.
The better Musicals & Film Songbooks were clear, sensibly laid out, and easy enough to follow, even for slightly tired eyes. Pages stayed open without a fight, and the notation was readable without squinting.
But others? Bit of a faff. One in particular had such tight spacing that I found myself leaning forward like I was inspecting a postage stamp. Not what you want when you’re meant to be enjoying a tune.
Physically, the books varied quite a bit. One had a solid spine and decent paper—felt like it would last. Another felt flimsy, pages thin enough to show the print from the other side.
The Annoyances
A few things that consistently got on my nerves:
- Small, cramped notation – unnecessarily difficult to read
- Books that won’t stay open – maddening when you’re mid-song
- Incomplete soundtracks – advertised as “full” but missing key pieces
- Over-simplified arrangements – doesn’t quite capture the original feel
And I must say, some of these feel more like decorative items than something meant for proper use.
Sifting Through the Amazon Reviews
A glance at Amazon reviews tells a predictable story.
The 5-star reviews often praise the nostalgia—familiar songs, beloved soundtracks, that sort of thing. Fair enough, there’s genuine enjoyment there.
But the more grounded 3-star reviews highlight the practical issues:
- Print too small for comfortable reading
- Binding problems when placed on a stand
- Disappointment in missing or altered songs
And I’d agree with most of that. The content can be lovely, but the execution isn’t always spot on.
The Brass Tacks (Questions You Lot Keep Asking)
Are Musicals & Film Songbooks easy to read for older eyes?
Often not. You’ll need strong lighting and your reading glasses, sometimes both working overtime.
Do the books stay open on a piano stand?
Some do, but plenty don’t. A stiff spine can make it quite frustrating.
Are all the songs from the soundtrack included?
Not always. Check carefully—some books leave out key tracks.
Are the arrangements true to the original music?
Sometimes simplified, which can be disappointing if you know the original well.
Who Should Walk Away?
If you want large print and effortless readability, many of these will test your patience.
Also, if you expect a complete and faithful reproduction of a soundtrack, you’ll need to be selective—or risk disappointment.
And if you don’t fancy wrestling with a book that won’t stay open, best think twice.
The Pensioner’s Verdict
These Musicals & Film Songbooks are a mixed lot. When done properly, they’re a pleasure—easy to follow, well-bound, and genuinely enjoyable. But too many cut corners on print size, binding, and completeness.
Worth your pension? Only if you choose carefully and perhaps avoid the cheaper editions. Otherwise, you may end up with something that looks nice but proves a bit of a nuisance in practice.
Right, the light’s fading and I’ve still got to make sure the wind hasn’t knocked over the bean poles again.
Cheers,
William
