Starving Artistry

When I write songs, I consider lyrics one of my weakest points. When I listen to music, I always end up listening to the melody and stuff more than the words people sing. I’ve often gone a long time really enjoying a song without even knowing what the meaning is… sometimes I even learn the words without thinking about what I’m saying!

 

Anyway, I was talking to somebody about how if a song has really catchy / good (subjective) music but crappy lyrics, it can still be a mega-hit. People seem to care less about the actual lyrics of a song so long as the tune scratches that itch we have in our brain to hear catchy melodies.

 

Here is my example for today. This song is only in circulation in Japan, but it illustrates my point perfectly. I personally think it’s stupid catchy (that’s a good thing kiddies), but the lyrics are decidedly lacking. I hate forced rhymes… meaning, rhyming two lines without any coherent thought being conveyed. Take this line for example: 

 

“Still I end up in a mess, 

Every time I second guess”

 

Yeah, you can argue that it’s a complete thought, but the way it’s written isn’t natural. It’s forced. A more natrual to say it would be “I always end up in a mess everytime I second guess myself.” Right? But once again, I am not the strongest lyricist, so what do I know? Enjoy the song, ’cause it’s catchy!

 

I tried to find an example of a song with excellent lyrics but questionable music, but couldn’t think of any. It’s either because I dont listen to lyrics very much, or that I’m right in saying that great music can save a song with crappy lyrics, but the best lyrics in the world can’t save a song that is lacking musically.