Dive Into Lyrics: John Nicholas’s Innovative Trivia Book
Trivia buffs, music enthusiasts, and casual listeners alike have reason to celebrate! John Nicholas’s engaging new book, What’s in That Song?: 200 Music Trivia Questions Where the Answers Are in the Lyrics, has landed, bringing a refreshing twist to traditional trivia. If you’re someone who’s ever hummed along to a favorite tune, confidently belting out lyrics—or maybe mumbling through the tricky parts—this book promises hours of entertainment.
Forget typical trivia questions like naming the artist or identifying the song. Nicholas creatively pivots to lyrics as the source of the answers, challenging readers to recall words from the songs themselves. It’s a fun, immersive experience designed for music lovers who appreciate details hidden in their favorite melodies. Whether you’re a seasoned trivia champion or just love casual games with friends, this unique approach guarantees a good time.
Lyrics as Clues: An Exciting Way to Play
What makes What’s in That Song? stand out is its clever structure. Instead of straightforward queries about performers or release dates, every answer hides within familiar lines you’ve undoubtedly sung along to at some point. Some lyrics instantly leap to mind, providing a swift and satisfying “aha!” moment. Others might prompt you to mentally replay a chorus or verse, tapping into nostalgic memories of beloved tracks.
Imagine a game night with friends, where everyone eagerly races to recall lines from classic hits or modern favorites. It’s the kind of activity that sparks laughter, debates, and spontaneous singing sessions—perfect for bonding or breaking the ice at gatherings. Nicholas’s carefully curated selection ensures diversity, spanning genres and eras, meaning there’s something for every taste and generation.
Behind the Scenes with John Nicholas
John Nicholas isn’t your typical trivia author. With over two decades of experience as a technical writer and copy editor for various Fortune 500 companies, he’s no stranger to meticulous detail. He’s also spent years teaching at the elementary level and served as a dedicated spelling bee judge and pronouncer—a background that surely influenced his keen attention to language.
Music, however, has always been Nicholas’s passion. During a period of job searching after his technical writing contract ended, Nicholas found himself often at his desk, updating resumes and reaching out to networks. Naturally, music played softly in the background, easing the monotony. It was in one of these moments—humming along to a familiar track—that inspiration struck. Why not transform these catchy lyrics into intriguing trivia questions?
The project began casually, something fun to distract from the grind of job hunting. Question by question, a collection gradually grew. Nicholas wasn’t initially aiming to publish a book—he wasn’t even certain it would materialize. But slowly, his pastime evolved into something more substantial, eventually becoming the book we now have. Nicholas’s genuine enjoyment of music trivia shines through each cleverly crafted query, making the book feel warmly personal.
Available Now for Your Next Game Night
Ready to test your lyric knowledge and maybe discover some hidden gems along the way? What’s in That Song? is readily available through popular platforms like Amazon and Goodreads. Grab your copy and dive into this innovative trivia adventure. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet evening alone, hosting friends, or looking for a lively family activity, Nicholas’s book adds the perfect melodic touch.
In an era filled with countless distractions, there’s something comforting—and immensely satisfying—about reconnecting with music through a fun, interactive format. With What’s in That Song?, John Nicholas invites you to rediscover favorite tunes and maybe even find a few new favorites along the way. So, cue up your playlist, warm up your vocal cords, and get ready to immerse yourself in the ultimate lyrical trivia challenge.
We had the privilege of interviewing John Nicholas. Here are excerpts from the interview.
Hi John, It’s great to have you with us today! Please share about yourself with our readers.
Hello, I have been a copy editor and technical writer for over 20 years. I’ve worked for several Fortune 500 companies, have taught at the elementary education level, and enjoyed being a spelling bee judge and pronouncer for 15 years. One of my hobbies is listening to music, and this is my first book publication. I currently live with my wife in the south suburbs of Chicago.
Please tell us about your book.
If you enjoy playing music trivia, this book is for you. What’s in That Song? is trivia with a twist. In this book, you’re not asked to name the song title or identify the artist. The answers are in the songs’ lyrics. You’ll have a great time reading or playing as a game with friends.
Here’s a sample:
Q: In “Baby Got Back,” what two foods is Sir Mix-a-Lot OK with his ladies consuming?
A: Red beans and rice.
Give me a sister, I can’t resist her
Red beans and rice didn’t miss her
Please share your journey with our readers.
When my contract as a technical writer expired, naturally, I was in front of my computer updating my resume and job searching. But a person can do that only so long during the day. I had music on in the background, and as I’m humming along to the words in the songs, I thought “why not make some trivial questions out of this”? So, between sending out resumes and networking, I would take some time and add another question or two to the “book,” which wasn’t even a book yet, nor was I sure it would ever become one.
What are the strategies that helped you become successful in your journey?
Baby steps. I wasn’t able to dedicate all my time to writing this book. After all, I had a full-time job to pursue. However, I made sure to block off some time every few days to contribute, and eventually, the once-endless project was completed.
Any message for our readers?
This book is meant to be fun. So I hope you have as much fun reading it as I had writing it.
Thank you so much, John, for giving us your precious time! We wish you all the best for your journey ahead!