For songs, do you focus more on the music itself, or the meaning of lyrics?

[kenny]

For songs, do you focus more on the music itself, or the meaning of lyrics?

Please answer with your gut's first response, instead of overthinking.
I set this poll up so your votes are private.

 

[pearlsngems]

Nine times out of ten I can't even make out the lyrics, so I voted 90%.

 

[lilmosun]

I voted 1/2 and 1/2.

It is the music that catches my attention but it's the meaning of the lyrics that keeps my attention.

 

[kenny]

I voted 100% the music, even though I've been performing publicly singing song lyrics for 50 years. Go figure.

Sometimes after singing a song someone will come up to talk about the song's meaning.
All I can do is stare back at them with a blank face, and say, "Yeah, I agree.". DUH!
They probably think I'm mentally-defictive for not paying attention to the words leaving my mouth. (maybe I am)
Though I'm competent at the music I perform, I guess I'm more of a record player than a singer with a beating heart or bleeding soul bringing messages and meaning to the world.
I'll settle for bring good sound to the world.

For me the music itself (including the feeling of the lyrics) resonates with me so powerfully that it leaves little room in my pea-brain for a lyric's meaning.
(Not a perfect description, but the closest articulation I can conjure up.)

Steely Dan was famous for picking lyrics for the feeling of the sound they made.
I totally get that, and they were masters at it.

I would have voted for 99% music if it was an option because some songs have lyrics with meaning tremendously powerfully and important, such as "Imagine" by John Lennon.

To me the music is almost always vastly more important than the lyrics.

I sang songs by The Eagles for decades before a woman told me how offensive and misogynistic some of their lyrics are.
I then read their lyrics and agree, so I don't cover their material any more.
It's tough because the music itself is so frigging good and a perfect fit for me - but I agree that what music does outranks how it feels.

 

[jordyonbass]

Considering that I listen to some absolutely guttural vocals, the lyrics matter very little to me.

When it comes to vocals, I'm more listening to the ferocity and intensity as well as the specific techniques used and how they're all rolled together.

Some of my favourite songs I couldn't tell you the lyrics to any of the verses or choruses, maybe a line or two. But I could hum the music back to you or even play the song on Bass

 

[lilmosun]

I hate it when I can't get a catchy tune with cheesy lyrics out of my head.

 

[LilAlex]

I hate it when I can't get a catchy tune with cheesy lyrics out of my head.

Embarrassed to say that for a really good song (musically), there is a sort of "halo effect." I somehow feel they are more poetic or profound -- or I keep rolling them around in my head searching for significance And if they are not, I figure I am just not deep (or high) enough to appreciate it. (Or: maybe people who write really good songs can afford better ghost-writing lyricists -- "change a word, get a third!")

It's like those studies that show people think attractive workers are more competent. It's why I have to work extra-hard.

 

[missy]

For me they are both equally important. My heart goes to the music and my brain to the lyrics. And I like to think I’m a balanced person with emotions and intellect. Meaning I don’t lead with one or the other but both guide me equally if that makes sense.

 

[MissGotRocks]

It is the music that draws me in - and then I figure out the lyrics.

 

[missy]

It is the music that draws me in - and then I figure out the lyrics.

Ok I’m changing my answer lol. This is what happens with me too. Music first and then lyrics. But it’s 50/50 still. But the music is what catches me initially. Thanks MGR for clearly stating what I experience too.

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

50 / 50
lyrics matter
it was these lyrics, this story that got me hooked on Bruce
(its a true story about his sister - they are still married)

 

[lambskin]

The older I get the less I Remember the lyrics.

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Throw some sugar on me. The best of all worlds.

cheers--Sharon