This is a debate me and my best friend have often.
I used to be in a band with him and we have very similar music tastes but i listen to these songs for the music and he 100% for the lyrics (He used to sing and be chief lyric writer, I played bass and wrote the music)

15 years later I'm in a new band and working on my first album with them, ill send him songs as I know he isn't afraid to criticize, the only issues he ever points out are lyrics, if he doesn't like them he wont give the music a chance.
Me on the other hand I couldn't give a naff about the words as long as the music is spot on and vocal melody is catchy.

I like both. For a song to stand the test of time for me, it needs great musicality and anything but ignorant lyrics.

I can listen to great lyrics in a simple song and enjoy it.

I can also hear ignorant or problematic lyrics in an otherwise fantastic song (musically) and the bad lyrics will cause me to walk away from the song over time.

I like both. For a song to stand the test if time for me, it needs great musicality and anything but ignorant lyrics.

I can listen to great lyrics in a simple song and enjoy it.

I can also hear ignorant or problematic lyrics in an otherwise fantastic song (musically) and the bad lyrics will cause me to walk away from the song over time.

It's not meant to be.

A little bit ironic, dontcha think?

One of the greatest songs ever. RIP

Lyrics give music meaning. Music gives lyrics emotion.

I need both.

Oh where have you been, my blue-eyed son....

Because it is

Sting on "Money For Nothing" by Dire Straits.

The title and the chorus establish who the song is about

Yeah to me this is the ultimate gotcha about the song, if you think it’s all about you, you’ve proven your ego, you only got a verse, Mr. Beatty (who did think the song was all about him).

Come you masters of war....

Frank Sinatra: "...Sings for Only the Lonely"

Mostly sad or wistful torch songs.

Been listening to death metal for almost 20 years, the vocals are very much a percussive element of the music. There’s a few bands I know all the lyrics to but most of the time I’m listening for the technicality of the musicians.

Listen to: Man in the Moon by The Scream.

Listen to: Man in the Moon by The Scream.

Perhaps there’s a misinterpretation of the subject. When the subject is in the title and remains as the predominate focus throughout the song, it can only be about the subject. Until the lyrics are radically compromised, the song is about that guy.

learning the song eventually ruins it

silent running - gorillaz. from there new album. instantly catchy

I can't even entertain the thought of a remake. TIRED of remakes... It's the moviemaker's path of least resistance more often than not.

Most all these musicians are now dead and can NOT be replaced. They were groundbreakers not imitators. And quite frankly there aren't enough new artists to ever fill their shoes.

You went to the wrong elementary school. It would be hilarious if it ironically had no irony. Except…it has a clear case of cosmic irony.

We have like what, six types of irony you could argue for one or two more.

Weird, be been singing piano man in my head all morning for some reason. Just strange seeing this post pop up

Me when I listen to Falco

But she never met me

I don't think the lyrics matter as much as the vocals, but the music needs to be good