IMHO:
On the first few listens, lyrics mean nothing - except for a hook or phrase to keep the listener interested.
However, after the initial "Hey! this is a cool tune!" the music listener will start to decypher the lyrics (with repeated play, if you're lucky.) Then, IMO - that's when lyrics count. If they generally suck, you're not going to keep the interest for much longer.
Example: I really dig Peter Frampton's old stuff. The "Frampton" studio album in particular. Great
music and performance. What kills it for me though are the lyrics. Too many songs that mean absolutely nothing. Half of the album is a study in finding a rhyme that works into the musical phrasing. For this reason, though I give it a listen on occasion, it doesn't stay in my CD player 24/7.
Someone like Nick Lowe on the other hand, with excellent lyrics & maybe marginal "Rocking Out" rating - does stay in my CD player.
Most in this forum are songwriters though, and don't view things from the mass perspective. I guess it depends on what
you want.
Personally, I want
my tunes to stand scrutiny on all levels - but it's still always going to be subjective.
Here are some reviews of a tune I have posted on the net:
I like the melody and background music, but i'm sorry, i didn't like the lyrics. It was just kind of awkward.
lyrics are kinda weird.The song was pretty decent; it seems to take a long time to get anywhere. I like the chorus.
It was a nice melody but there wasn't a chorus, really. You've got something here but it needs to be developed.
Wow, I'm impressed. Great heartfelt song, awesome guitar skills, a real 'song', not just noise. Could use some distortion and better drums, but it's great. I love the vocals too.
Uninteresting two chord song with no hooks, monotone vocals, and obscure nonsensical lyrics. Needs a total re-write (at least).
If this is your bag and you're feeling this way, you might love it. If you're looking for instant pop bubblegum, you've come to the wrong address.
OK. Now, I listed these "reviews" not to further my own agenda, but to underscore the importance of lyrics
and the subjective nature of lyrical content.
So anyway, my rule of thumb is:
If the song makes sense to me, or means something to me - then it'll mean something to someone else.