song lyrics

Words to music

Song lyrics are the words of a song, distinct from its melody or musical arrangement.

They function as poetry set to music, conveying narrative, emotion, or imagery through verses, choruses, and sometimes bridges.

Lyrics range from deeply personal expressions to abstract wordplay to straightforward storytelling.

I couldn't make out the lyrics over the loud bass.

A songwriter who specializes in words rather than music is called a lyricist.

Related
  • meterDevice that measures usage
  • bridgeStructure spanning an obstacle
  • hookCurved catching device
  • stanzaPoem's line grouping
  • rhyme schemeSound-matching arrangement in poetry

metaphor · repetition · songwriter · irony · simile · alliteration · spirituals · ballad · folk ballad · power ballad · storytelling · couplet · refrain · symbolism · personification · hyperbole · hymn · chorus

Categories
Opposites
musical components

song lyricsinstrumental music

Music without vocals

instrumentals · musical arrangement · melody · backing track · accompaniment

communication mode

song lyricsmusical score

Notated composition for performance

sheet music · notation

verbal vs. non-verbal musical elements

song lyricsinstrumental music

Music without vocals

instrumentals · instrumental · musical accompaniment · melody · music

Family

song, sing, lyric, lyrics, lyre

Familiarity
Top 50,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Everyday, not technical · Rated G