Crappy Lyrics? Or Sub-Par Music?

I was wondering the other day…

If I was forced to choose between the two, would I rather listen to a song with great music, but crappy lyrics? Or, listen to a song with incredible lyrics, but sub-par music. I don’t mean crappy music like Puddle of Mud, or Creed, or Sum 41, or Nickelback; that type of music produces instant vomit projectiling. I mean, music that’s not great; but has really good lyrics–like Bob Dylan (sorry, I don’t think Bob’s music is that great).

I’m pretty sure I’d go with great music every time. I love lyrics. Lyrics, I am unashamed to say, can definitely move me (often to uncontrollable tears…which I should probably see someone about); but if the music backing it up isn’t doing it, I can’t listen.

I would imagine that’s how it is for most of us…??

May 19, 2008 ⋅

Hilary

Bob Dylan’s music isn’t that great?! Only because it pales in comparison to the pure poetry that is his lyrics. I don’t even want to love Dylan as much as I do. I understand what you mean though… a little. Honestly, for me it’s almost all lyrics, however if the music is poor, I can’t get into it in same way. I’d read the liner notes instead! Ani DiFranco has done this to me several times, now that I think about it- she has written beautiful words with absolutely straight-up terrible music behind them. Everything after ‘Evolve’ was reading and not listening- material for me. Total. Bummer.
http://www.musicisforloversblog.com Josh

@Hilary: Don’t get me wrong…I like Dylan; but I just think if you shut off the words I wouldn’t be that excited about the music.

That’s rad that you can deal with crummy music for awesome lyrics.

I love, love lyrics; but if the music sucks I just can’t handle it. Take for example Bright Eyes: I hate most of his music, and his voice; but everyone raves about his lyrics (which, aren’t that great). His crappy voice with his crappy music makes me hate listening…although he does have a few awesome songs.
http://www.thegreenadventurer.com Chris

I’d have to say it almost always about the music for me. An example would be Phish – amazing musicians but what the hell does “gotta jiboo” mean? There are always a few exceptions, Dylan for one, but I actually like a lot of his music, it compliments his lyrics almost perfectly in my opinion. Bright Eyes is a massive tool. I saw him once on Austin City Limits and was mesmerized by how truly bad he was. I’d rather listen to stray cats have sex.

A great example of inspired lyrics meshing perfectly with amazing music would have to be anything ever performed by Michael Bolton… for my money there is really nothing better than when he sings “When a Man Loves A Women.” Am I right or am I right?
http://zayne.clearnewsmaterial.info/listentonickelback.html listen to nickelback

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http://www.thegreenadventurer.com/ Chris

I'd have to say it almost always about the music for me. An example would be Phish – amazing musicians but what the hell does “gotta jiboo” mean? There are always a few exceptions, Dylan for one, but I actually like a lot of his music, it compliments his lyrics almost perfectly in my opinion. Bright Eyes is a massive tool. I saw him once on Austin City Limits and was mesmerized by how truly bad he was. I'd rather listen to stray cats have sex.

A great example of inspired lyrics meshing perfectly with amazing music would have to be anything ever performed by Michael Bolton… for my money there is really nothing better than when he sings “When a Man Loves A Women.” Am I right or am I right?