Sure, there are a lot of songs out there that are merely production-line pop garbage. But for everyone of these bubbly, predictable radio hits, there are many more overlooked works of audio art that never make it to radio, or at least fall quickly out of favor - and often happen to be poetic masterpieces. Because the world of music tends to focus mainly on the structure of the sound, lyrics often get short shrift from listeners. But as writers and avid readers, I'm sure we all know at least one song with lyrics that work poetically in rich, thought-provoking ways: What are some of yours? Tell us the lyrics and why they resonated with you. I'll start with one of my favorites. From The Decemberists, "Red Right Ankle": "This is the story of your red right ankle, and how it came to meet your leg: How the muscle, bone, and sinews tangled, and how the skin was softly shed - And how it whispered, 'Oh, adhere to me, for we are bound by symmetry. Whatever differences our lives have been, we together make a limb' This is the story of your red right ankle..." These lyrics clearly express a metaphor for two people, presumably a romantic relationship, by means of the relationship between the lover's ankle and leg - that as seamlessly as flesh intermingles, the two people become entangled in each other. The imagined ankle's quote to the leg can easily be imagined from one to his lover: "Whatever differences our lives have been, we function together, we are cut from the same cloth." It's a beautiful song with interesting and poignant imagery. Ok, your turn!
FAIR WARNING The first time someone posts lyrics without identifying the source (song name, plus the name of the lyricist or the performer), this thread will be closed.
Cogito, is this a warning for me as the thread creator or to the other posters who decide to post to it? I can delete it right now if you'd prefer that, but I kind of liked the idea... Is there any way to just delete replies that don't site sources instead of closing the whole thread?
Lyrics threads are problematic, because invariably someone fails to attribute the source. I'll allow it for now, but I'm not going to spend all my time policing this thread. So the moment it becomes a problem, I'll shut it down.
Samuel Beam from Iron and Wine writes very poetic songs, I think. by Iron and Wine (Sam Beam) Very good, mellow and thoughtful folk music.
Joanna Newsom is the undisputed queen of lyrical poetry/lyrics as poetry. Most of her songs are too long to post here, but if you're interested, you should listen to some of her music.
Every Beatles song is pure poetry. EVERY. ONE. And if you disagree you have no idea what you're talking about.
