lyrics

[cliff richard]

i struggle with writing lyrics sometimes, i worry about how other people will perceive them quite alot, but am slowly learning to write for myself. but what makes great lyrics? im from england so i dont have much contact with country and western, but i can really appreciate the way that some of the songs can tell a story. im not a rap fan but i can see that eminen writes some amazing lyrics. i quite like many songs with obscure lyrics where you sought of just pick out phrases you like, and although they have a meaning to the lyricist, you end up finding your own. anyway in conclusion ,it seems to be that there are lots of different styles of writing lyrics, my question is........

what is the best song (lyrically)?

im going for "bird on the wire" by leonard cohen

[stonepiano]

Originally Posted by cliff richard

What is the best song (lyrically)?

I don't know... I've written some doozies!

While I reserve the right to change my mind a thousand times after this post, I'll say, "Yesterday" by Sir Paul.

[Smile]

your asking an impossible question.
for in the end...it's each to his own..one mans junk is another mans treasure.

you will not find ONE lyric that surpasses all others.. because everyone has different tastes. what one finds awesome..another might not.

Personally...I'm not sure I have a favorite lyric..there are tons that I like a whole lot.. each equally...and in it's own way. and for different reasons.

would depend on my mood at the time I guess lol

Smile.

[cliff richard]

yeah i know what you mean, it depends on the mood and to be honest ive changed my mind since my first post 20 mins ago. however it would be interesting to get a rough idea of what other people class as good lyrics. if not just for the fun of it.

[stonepiano]

I think the point was to answer spontaneously, not critique the question,.

It's obviously something that could demand volume upon volume of study. We're songwriters. we know that.

now, just answer the damn question!

[Layla Nahar]

right now, for me the best song lyrically is "King of Carrot Flowers"


When you were young
You were the king of carrot flowers
And how you built a tower tumbling through the trees
In holy rattlesnakes that fell all around your feet

And your mom would stick a fork right into daddy's shoulder
And your dad would throw the garbage all across the floor
As we would lay and learn what each other's bodies were for

And this is the room
One afternoon I knew I could love you
And from above you how I sank into your soul
Into that secret place where no one dares to go

And your mom would drink until she was no longer speaking
And dad would dream of all the different ways to die
Each one a little more than he could dare to try


so there you go - not exactly a question you are going to get consensus on

[wedge]

If you're looking for inspiration in general, I'd rifle through the mid- to later Beatles catalog. "In My Life" by Lennon. "Hey Jude" by Paul. "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" & "Something" by George. Plenty of other excellent examples by this one band alone. Their lyrics were incredibly strong, for the most part, and fit well with their catchy & clever music. Although I'm not too familiar with Nine Inch Nails, I've heard people rave about Trent Reznor's lyrics. And Johnny Cash's version of Trent's song "Hurt" always raises goosebumps up and down my spinal chord...

[Garry Sharp]

Reason To Believe, by Springsteen. (My rights reserved a la stonepiano)

[mrx]

Seems like the 'chills factor' is the early theme.

'Ahead By a Century' by Tragically Hip

Getting chills now thinking about it culminating in "...and disappointing you's gettin' me down." It's like 'A Separate Peace' in a 3 minute pop song.

(G# - welcome back, never would have pegged you as a Bruce fan!)