Lyrics (in singular form
Lyric) are a set of words that make up a
song. The writer of lyrics is a
lyricist or lyrist. The meaning of lyrics can either be explicit or implicit. Some lyrics are abstract, almost unintelligible, and, in such cases, their explication emphasizes
form,
articulation,
meter, and
symmetry of expression. The lyricist of traditional musical forms such as
Opera is known as a
librettist.
Etymology and usage
Lyric derives from the
Greek word
lyrikos, meaning "singing to the lyre".
A
lyric poem is one that expresses a subjective, personal point of view.
The word
lyric came to be used for the "words of a song"; this meaning was recorded in 1876.
The common plural (perhaps because of the association between the plurals
lyrics and
words), predominates contemporary usage. Use of the singular form
lyric remains grammatically acceptable, yet remains considered erroneous in referring to a singular song word as a
lyric.
Copyright and royalties
Currently, there are many websites featuring song lyrics. This offering, however, is controversial, since some sites include copyrighted lyrics offered without the holder's permission. The U.S.
Music Publishers' Association (MPA), which represents sheet music companies, launched a legal campaign against such websites in December 2005, the MPA's president, Lauren Keiser, said the free lyrics web sites are "completely illegal" and wanted some website operators jailed.
Academic study
- Lyrics can be studied from an academic perspective. For example, some lyrics can be considered a form of social commentary. Lyrics often contain political, social and economic themes as well as aesthetic elements, and so can connote messages which are culturally significant. These messages can either be explicit or implied through metaphor or symbolism. Lyrics can also be analyzed with respect to the sense of unity (or lack of unity) it has with its supporting music. Analysis based on tonality and contrast are particular examples.
See also
- Libretto, the name used for the text of traditional music forms like opera
