“Don’t forget to claim half-credit for the unheard lyrics on the instrumental version” can be seen as a koan, a paradoxical statement that is used in Zen Buddhism to encourage contemplation and insight. It is a humorous play on the idea of receiving credit or recognition for something that is not actually there. In this case, the reference is to the lyrics that are not present in the instrumental version of a song, but for which the composer may still wish to receive credit.

On the surface, the statement seems nonsensical and illogical, as lyrics are not present in the instrumental version of a song, and it is unclear how one could claim credit for something that does not exist. However, on a deeper level, the statement invites us to consider the nature of creativity and the value of unseen or hidden contributions.

Typically, a lyricist would not expect to receive payment for the instrumental version of a song, as the instrumental version does not contain their lyrics. However, in some cases, a lyricist may still want to receive credit or recognition for their contribution to the song, even if it is not present in the instrumental version.

The koan challenges us to question our assumptions about what constitutes creative work and what should be considered worthy of recognition or compensation. It asks us to consider the importance of acknowledging and valuing the less visible aspects of a creative project, such as the creative process, the intentions behind the work, and the underlying ideas or concepts that inform the final product.

In this way, the koan encourages us to look beyond the surface-level appearance of things and to cultivate a deeper understanding of the nature of creativity and the creative process. By contemplating the paradoxical statement, we may gain insights into our own creative work and discover new ways of approaching creative challenges.

The statement “Don’t forget to claim half-credit for the unheard lyrics on the instrumental version” is a humorous play on the idea of receiving credit or recognition for something that is not actually there. In this case, the reference is to the lyrics that are not present in the instrumental version of a song, but for which the composer may still wish to receive credit.