Lyrics are the written words in a song. Lyrics can be written during the composition of a song or after the accompanying music is composed. Sometimes, however, music is adapted to or written for a song or poem that has already been written. The meaning conveyed in lyrical verses can be explicit or implicit. It can also be as extreme as completely unintelligible. In these cases of lyrics, there is a tendency to emphasize the form, articulation, meter, and symmetries of the expressions. An example of this in Western lyrics is that of the work of rock and roll lyricists. As lyrics tend to be highly interpretive, this choice of classification does not necessarily apply exclusively to that genre of music. There are many websites that have lyrics to songs.

From the Greek, a lyric is a song sung with a lyre. Now, it is commonly used to mean a song of no defined length or structure. A lyric poem is one that expresses a subjective, personal point of view.

 I would be the Lyric
 Ever on the lip,
 Rather than the Epic
 Memory lets slip.
   —Thomas Bailey Aldrich

Lyrics can be studied from an academic perspective. For example, the words can be considered a form of social commentary. Lyrics often connote messages which are culturally significant to its origin. Thematic elements of lyrics often contain political, social, economic, and aesthetic parts. 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.

Chinese lyrics (詞) are Chinese poems written in the set metrical and tonal pattern of a particular song.

External links

• Lyrics at Open Directory Project
• Notes and lyrics generated using LilyPond.

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