Poll: Lyrics vs Music
- Thread starter zoozilla
- Start date
I'd say lyrics are important. I like classical music, and I naturally don't think that they should contain lyrics of any kind, but in general lyrics, whether they are understandable or not (i.e. Sigur Rós) doesn't really matter. They add a different dimension to the music, be it to convey meaning or as an instrument.
I find the music the most important, lyrics can make the song better or in worst case scenario, ruin it.
I will never enjoy listening to a song about a 'lollipop' or a 'discostick', neither will I enjoy hearing the same 5 words over and over nor a tribute about how sexy someone is.
I will never enjoy listening to a song about a 'lollipop' or a 'discostick', neither will I enjoy hearing the same 5 words over and over nor a tribute about how sexy someone is.
I think lyrics, if a song has a really good meaning I can listen to it so long as the music isn't ear piercingly bad.
I'm gonna have to be in the minority who says that ultimately, neither is more important.
If you have brilliant lyrics but the music sucks (and I'm talking about real music, not rap), the song sucks.
If you have a brilliantly composed piece of music with a lyricist who's about as talented as a dead donkey, the song sucks.
The ultimate question is does the song have something important to say? If the lyrics convey a message and the musical elements support the emotional context of the message, then a lot can be forgiven. Simplistic style or bad singing voice (Bob Dylan is a fucking God and he can't sing) are easily ignored if the song pulls at the heartstrings in just the right way.
Conversely, a badly written song with music and lyrics that flow together like a pile of bricks and a block of steel, it will all be a giant bucket of shit, even if the guitar riffs sound excellent without the vocals and the singer is insanely talented.
If you have brilliant lyrics but the music sucks (and I'm talking about real music, not rap), the song sucks.
If you have a brilliantly composed piece of music with a lyricist who's about as talented as a dead donkey, the song sucks.
The ultimate question is does the song have something important to say? If the lyrics convey a message and the musical elements support the emotional context of the message, then a lot can be forgiven. Simplistic style or bad singing voice (Bob Dylan is a fucking God and he can't sing) are easily ignored if the song pulls at the heartstrings in just the right way.
Conversely, a badly written song with music and lyrics that flow together like a pile of bricks and a block of steel, it will all be a giant bucket of shit, even if the guitar riffs sound excellent without the vocals and the singer is insanely talented.
The music is the first thing I hear. If I can't stand it, I won't listen to the song. After I have heard a song a few times I start paying attention to the lyrics. If they are good, then they benefit the song pretty much. If they suck I try to tune them out.
Well it has to be music for me. One simple reason.
I could listen to a song composed of the most beautiful harmonies, brutal breakdowns, savage riffs and thumping bass imaginable, but the lyrics could be in out of key Russian and about how to peel a potato and I'd still listen to the song.
But with the reverse, if somebody had crafted the most heartfelt and inspirational lyrics known to man and put them to the track of marbles in a blender being scraped down a chalkboard, I would turn it off immediately.
I could listen to a song composed of the most beautiful harmonies, brutal breakdowns, savage riffs and thumping bass imaginable, but the lyrics could be in out of key Russian and about how to peel a potato and I'd still listen to the song.
But with the reverse, if somebody had crafted the most heartfelt and inspirational lyrics known to man and put them to the track of marbles in a blender being scraped down a chalkboard, I would turn it off immediately.
Well, my thinking is that if either, lyrics or music, isn't good, then I shouldn't be listening to it. I'm picky about my music, mostly since I'm a musician and make music myself.
Music, hands down. I listen to a lot of post-rock and shoegazey stuff, so that's only to be expected.
I'm not too picky about music, as long as it fits into my preferred genres. I like to think that some meaning - either political or personal - as been crafted. That's why I like punk music so much, the lyrics try to convey something.
That said, there are times when I'll listen to something because of the music. I can't decide; they're both equally important in my opinion...
That said, there are times when I'll listen to something because of the music. I can't decide; they're both equally important in my opinion...
