How important are lyrics to you?

[Reverse]

I guess if you're listening to Bob Dylan, you're probably listening for the lyrics....

But anyway, for you, as a listener, how do better lyrics impact how you feel about a song?

[supernova1324]

Bad lyrics don't have an effect on me if the instrumentation is good, but lyrics certainly enhance my enjoyment for a band.

For example: I'm a big Foos fan, but I'm not really a fan of their lyrics. Husker Du is awesome and on top ofthat Mould and Hart are great lyricists.

[Runesmith]

Lyrics are just as important to me as the actual music is. I can overlook certain genres for having terrible lyrics (i.e. hair metal, nu-metal, power metal, and...actually, pretty much just metal in general), but it would be nearly impossible for me to enjoy something like folk music if the words are subpar.

[instantdeath999]

Lyrics are a very important thing to me, however, I can ignore them... they make music better, but never make it worse.

[LightningBolt]

Somewhat. I usually dislike songs that talk about rock music itself, unless it's a witty analogy.

[dabears116]

It's the opposite for me. Lyrics have almost no effect on me, although when they are VERY bad/cheesy they do.

[afterstasis]

lyrics don't normally phase me unless they're exceptionally good or bad...

[Oscar-Rio]

It depends on the song/genre, really.

[back_blows]

In my younger days, lyrics had a much deeper impact on me than they do now.

[Maghook]

Depends on the song... I want to strangle whoever sings that "Don't care what they say, I do things differently" song that's been on the radio since forever.

[clashcityrocker10]

Lyrics certainly aren't the end-all, be-all for me when I'm looking for good music, but lyrics can affect my judgment of a song, depending on how prominent they are in the song.

[Alright_Computer]

lyrics don't normally phase me unless they're exceptionally good or bad...

I pretty much agree with this.

[Maghook]

Lyrics obviously don't matter in death metal...

[TheRollingBones]

I think lyrics are super important. That's a main reason why I don't like most rap, cuz the lyrics are basically all about drinking, drugs, partying, and doing some chick. Except Eminem, he can have some pretty powerful lyrics.

[supernova1324]

I think lyrics are super important. That's a main reason why I don't like most rap, cuz the lyrics are basically all about drinking, drugs, partying, and doing some chick. Except Eminem, he can have some pretty powerful lyrics.

You need to listen to non mainstream rap then, your generalizations only apply to mainstream hip hop groups. And Eminem has tons of songs that are about the subjects you listed.

[Alright_Computer]

i think lyrics are super important. That's a main reason why i don't like most rap, cuz the lyrics are basically all about drinking, drugs, partying, and doing some chick. Except eminem, he can have some pretty powerful lyrics.

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ΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩ

[Runesmith]

I think lyrics are super important. That's a main reason why I don't like most rap, cuz the lyrics are basically all about drinking, drugs, partying, and doing some chick. Except Eminem, he can have some pretty powerful lyrics.

To be fair, that's just mainstream rap and some gangsta rap, which just comes across as pointless chestbeating from my point of view as well. A lot of the less popular hip-hop artists perform some pretty deep and meaningful material, though.

[clashcityrocker10]

ΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩ

Can someone explain this to me? I don't get it.

@ the person who said the thing that A_C responded to: listen to Public Enemy, and thank me later.

[JukeBoxHero]

I don't mind bad lyrics, although I certainly won't admire a group for their lyrics if they rather bland. I am fond of cheesy power metal lyrics at times. I do think good lyrics can add to the dimension to a song or elevate the song beyond what it would achieve instrumentally.(The Replacements definitely apply here in my opinion although these guys are actual pretty good for what they're trying to get across).

[MrFruitLord]

It depends on the song/genre, really.

This. I need good lyrics in folk or punk, or alt. rock, but in Shoegaze, and less mainstream forms of metal, it doesn't matter.

[Alright_Computer]

Can someone explain this to me? I don't get it.

@ the person who said the thing that A_C responded to: listen to Public Enemy, and thank me later.

I don't remember which thread it was, but it's basically my attempt to put "(facedesk)" into character form.

[clashcityrocker10]

I don't remember which thread it was, but it's basically my attempt to put "(facedesk)" into character form.

Oh, ok. I think I see it.

[afterstasis]

I don't remember which thread it was, but it's basically my attempt to put "(facedesk)" into character form.

lame... i thought they were supposed to be boobs outlined in cocaine.

[Rocket2Russia]

I don't NEED lyrics to be fantastic, but it deepens my appreciation (i.e. "The End"'s "The killer awoke before dawn" part isn't a fantastic orgasm of sound, but the lyrics and the tone that Jim Morrison delivers them in always hook me.) or completely ruins my liking of the song (for example, "Before I Forget" could have been set to the sound of "Heroin" or "American Pie" and still sucked because the lyrics are so dreadfully boring).

[Lameboy19]

It really depends on what I'm listening to,

if its an indie or alt band then yeah lyrics are a big part of it

but if its thrash, black or death metal I think you have to listen to the music of the instruments rather than the voice

[ArmsAreLoud]

It sort of depends on the genre, but typically the music is more important then the lyrics. Plus, a lot of the subjects that bother other people I enjoy; I know a lot of people who, when bashing a band like Dragonforce, the first thing they mention is the fantasy-lyrics. I see this with Led Zeppelin as well. Though there are many things to say bad about Zep and many more about Dragonforce, using medieval fantasy as a song's subject matter is not one of them.

[Cubecubed]

maybe the most important thing to me.

[neckermanncj]

I pretty much agree with this.

thirded

[Onslaught_fei]

Lyrics can help make up for generic or uninspired instrumentation but just as important is the delivery of the lyrics. Usually it just depends on the song.

[Evilbottom]

Depends on the genre. I can't listen to rap or folk without it having good lyrics, and I enjoy the lyrics in a lot of other genres, but when it comes to metal I can put up with mediocre to borderline crappy lyrics, as long as the instrumentation is good.

[tridentgum0]

Some bands would SUCK with bad lyrics (Dylan, The Mountain Goats, NMH, etc.) and some suck because of them (Dream Theater comes straight to mind), but they're not that big a deal.

[Quinarvy]

Depends on the genre, which I see is the consensus.

However, I will add people pay to much attention

Especially when they say "Who sings this?"

DURING A GOD DAMN INSTRUMENTAL PART

/petpeeve

[metalhead27]

Depends on the artist, but usually not a big deal. I'd say about 80%- makes little difference good or bad, 10%- so bad they bring down the song, 10%- so good they significantly elevate the song.

[clashcityrocker10]

Depends on the genre, which I see is the consensus.

However, I will add people pay to much attention

Especially when they say "Who sings this?"

DURING A GOD DAMN INSTRUMENTAL PART

/petpeeve

I know what you're talking about. I know people who need to find hidden meaning in every single song they listen to. It's annoying as hell.

[ArmsAreLoud]

Actually, that's why I browse the SongFacts page for Soundgarden. You see all these comments discussing what the hell 4th of July is supposed to mean, but then you see the interview with Chris that states that he was on acid and he wrote a song about it. XD

[CommonCriminal]

Well, Metal on Metal has some of the most simple lyrics of any song ever, but I love it, so I guess it just depends.

[Lord_Mhoram]

In general, the lyrics are as (or more) important the the music.

I don't mind silly or stupid lyrics - I like novelty songs, and 60s pop for example, but bad lyrics, and especially swearing - I don't care how good the music is, I won't buy it or listen to it.

Vocal delivery is part of that with me - If I can't understand the lyrics then it is just as bad as having bad ones - the reason I don't like cookie monster metal vocals, I can't make out what is being sung.

There are also certain themes and subjects I don't want in my music - I tend to avoid songs that are strongly political, so while I enjoy the instrumentation and vocal deliver of Rage against the Machine, I never listen to them because I can't stand what they are singing about.

In general it comes down to lyrics I find objectionable (for whatever reason) will kill a song, but if I don't things are okay.

[LaLimonada]

Lyrics aren't that big to me, but when groovy lyrics come along, the song is super cool.

Then there are hilarious songs like Slide It In and Slow an' Easy. teehee

and I kind of object to songs with over the top profanity, which is why I limit my Guerilla Radio listens and try to stay to the groovin' days of the 70s. Otherwise, I don't really mind.

But super groovy lyrics are definitely a plus.

I guess it also depends on what mood I'm in. If I'm in the mood for singing along with guitar riffs and solos, than lyrics aren't that important. But if I'm in a singing along with vocals mood, mmmmm lyrics, super important.

[ham736]

The reason i love Coldplay so much is because of the lyrics used in their songs. Lyrics helps a listener paint an illustration in his head of what the song is trying to show. In the song "Viva La Vida" i see a dead king spirit-walking around his former kindom he used to rule, and notices how corrupted it has gotten since the new king has taken the throne. His spirit now wonders the realm in search of his true kingdom in "foreign lands".

Instrumentals, depending on the type of music "Soft rock, or soft music applies to this, not metal or thrash), can paint pictures in your head.

[mercury11]

Lyrics are not that important it's all about the music and how lyrics are sung.

Really good lyrics could help a song though.

[mercury11]

I guess if you're listening to Bob Dylan, you're probably listening for the lyrics....

But anyway, for you, as a listener, how do better lyrics impact how you feel about a song?

I don't listen to Dylan primarily for the lyrics.

[Reverse]

I don't listen to Dylan primarily for the lyrics.

His obvious strong point is his excellent guitar work, right? :P

Either way, I said probably.

[instantdeath999]

His obvious strong point is his excellent guitar work, right? :P

Either way, I said probably.

There's more to Dylan than his early, primarily folk work. However, his lyrical ability is something that stayed strong throughout most of his career.

[mercury11]

His obvious strong point is his excellent guitar work, right? :P

Either way, I said probably.

his lyrics are second only to his skills as a composer

[LaLimonada]

I've been thinking about this, and I think I've decided to change my mind.
Certain artists were more about proving a point or getting a message across than producing music per say. That music is more about the lyrics than anything, and that music deserves to be listened to for the lyrics. In the band I'm currently in, we focus more on getting the right sound and haven't spent much time on lyrics. Similarly, we focus more on harmonies than singing the lyrics right. For me, lyrics aren't important.

However, the song Attitude Boy Will Overcome has influenced my life completely, all thanks to the lyrics. I now have the strength to overcome. Thank you Attitude Boy.

[Parodygm]

Somewhat important. Banal, repetitive and adolescent lyrics bore the hell out of me and are an immediate turnoff, no matter how good the music.

Thought-provoking or intelligent lyrics and excellent delivery are desirable but not essential to me having a good time.

[Rocket2Russia]

I would also like to add that I hate when people start talking or w/e in the middle of an instrumental because "They're sooooo boring ugh where is teh singin', bro?", especially during, say, the into to Baba O'Riley. "SKIP! There is no singin'!"

[Eonidas]

It depends on the artist, sometimes it only matters what the words sound like to fit the feel of the song.

[Julio_Strikes_Back]

eh it's an iffy question for me. If an album tells a story very well and is strong lyrically but boring and not unified instrumentally, it might as well be a book. A book is good if the author uses literary techniques like metaphors and symbolism. A movie is good if it has a compelling story and effectively uses cinematography techniques. And for the most part, a rock album is good if it has effective lyrics and a strong instrumental backing.

[Slushmiester]

The reason I listen to most of the Music I do is for the lyrics. (Tool, Nirvana, Soundgarden, etc.) If a band has hideous lyrics I can't stand it. (Nickelback, Fall out Boy, any "Nu Metal" band, except System of a Down)

[Pleiadeez]

Lyrics are just as important as guitar and drums.

[ArmsAreLoud]

The bass, maybe keyboards, and occasional mandolin are now sulking in the corner for not being included in your post. Way to go, Pleiadeez.

[Swivle]

Unless everything else about the song sucks, bad lyrics generally don't bring the song down in my eyes. Great lyrics do elevate the song though.

Basically lyrics don't hurt if I would listen to the song anyways, but then definitely help.

[a_bull_on_parade]

Great lyrics (with a good singer) will save a song for me, but only amazing music will make me like a song if the lyrics are sub par or worse.

Fall Out Boy for example, used to hate them for being on the radio. Looked up the lyrics and liked the dual meenings. The music fit better once I knew what the **** he was singing.

Hey Dude from Kula Shaker - Great lines in there and it just makes the music that much better!

Lyrics = Big

[overcookedbacon]

Lyrics are somewhat important to me, in the sense that there are plenty of bands out there that I don't listen to exclusively because of the god-awful lyrics.

[Supposed Current RockBand Junkie]

This is partly why I hate the pop coming out of the radio this year...

I love David Guetta's work (House, Pop)...no really.

But "Sexy Chick/B**tch" just takes the cake for shallowness.

That's why, I listen to Alanis Morissette! xD
Her songs are like poetry, despite the murderous grammar.

[mercury11]

Lyrics are just as important as guitar and drums.

it's called music not literature.. yes music!

[TheCrimsonSaint]

It's a lot easier for lyrics to ADD to a song than it is for lyrics to TAKE AWAY from a song.

[DethTung]

Honestly, you'll find some crappy lyrics in country. And I mean CRAPPY. I literally heard a country song about "Should I have a beer with a cigarette?". That's it. The lyrics are way too shallow.

Then again, lyrics have really elevated songs in some cases. Scatman's World by Scatman John makes for good dance anyway, but the lyrics take it to a whole other level.

[clashcityrocker10]

Honestly, you'll find some crappy lyrics in country. And I mean CRAPPY. I literally heard a country song about "Should I have a beer with a cigarette?". That's it. The lyrics are way too shallow.


You can find terrible lyrics in any genre. Country artists have written some powerful stuff. I know a lot of mainstream country artists nowadays write lyrics that seem to perfectly fit the stereotype of a redneck, but that's not representative of the entire genre.

[afterstasis]

You can find terrible lyrics in any genre. Country artists have written some powerful stuff.

lucinda williams, holla'!

[Alright_Computer]

Honestly, you'll find some crappy lyrics in country. And I mean CRAPPY. I literally heard a country song about "Should I have a beer with a cigarette?". That's it. The lyrics are way too shallow.

Yes, and rock has some terrible lyrics too. Case in point: Limp Bizkit, whatever Nickelback's newest single is. Country also has some really powerful lyricists too, like Johnny Cash, Neko Case, Willie Nelson, Lucinda Williams... so on.

[neckermanncj]

RO: dinosaur jr. lyrics sometimes make absolutely no sense (i.e. We're Not Alone)

[UncleSaltyTaterChips]

I usually put rhythm above lyrics, but some lyrics (those that I can actually understand...) really make the song, like in "Dream On". Then there are other songs whose lyrics make no sense to me whatsoever. *coughteenspiritcough*

And then there are songs that would be just better off without lyrics; not because the message in the lyrics is bad, but because the singer's voice just makes your ears bleed. Like Rush. *shudder*

The lyrics that I like most are ones that don't try to tell a message or story, but that simply set a tone for the song (Kings and Queens, Knights of Cydonia, Stairway to Heaven, etc.).

So, overall, lyrics are definitely the deepest part of music....and as such, I can't understand a lick of them in 95% of songs. "Bustle in your hedgerow"? What?

[Mega-Tallica]

In between very important and somewhat important. In songs by The Beatles or Bob Dylan, the lyrics have to be good for me to like it, but like Dream Theater and stuff like that, the actual music makes up for their rather poor lyric writing skills in this case.

[Alright_Computer]

Lyrics are like spices. Not every meal has them, and you could make a perfectly good dish without them. A lot of times, you could substitute one spice for another and you wouldn't notice because there isn't a whole lot of emphasis put on them. On the other hand, some meals put spices as the focal point of the meal, to the point where the dinner would be bland and lifeless without them. Sometimes they strike you as amazing and a great blend with the rest of the dish, and sometimes they strike you as horrible and not blending at all with the rest. It all depends on your tastes.

I hope that analogy wasn't too hard to follow...