Song Lyrics v. Poems.

The Similarities
To understand the differences between a poem and a well-crafted song lyric, its helpful to first understand the
similarities.
In general, the same virtues that make a good poem - effective imagery, compelling themes, emotional tension and
originality - also make a good song lyric.

Both poems and song lyrics rely on the potent use of language.

Both engage their readers and listeners emotionally.

Both require a skilled use of word sounds and rhyming.

Poetry and song lyrics both benefit from well-applied poetic devises, such as metaphor, simile, alliteration,
hyperbole, personification, onomatopoeia. And both rely on effective use of descriptive imagery.
Song Lyrics v. Poems. The Differences
Despite the many similarities, poetry and lyrics are not the same thing.
Here are some important differences between a poem and a song lyric:
A poem is designed to be read on the pagea lyric is designed to be sung by the human voice and heard with music
Just think about it for a moment. When youre listening to a song, you dont have the luxury of going back and rereading. You cant stop to dwell on every line.
A poem can be dense in ideas and structurally complex. It is designed to connect with a reader.

A poem stands alone without music. A lyric must work well with the rhythm and structure of music.
A poem can be read silently. A lyric must be sung.
Poetry can be of almost any length. Lyrics must be concise.
While perfectly appropriate as poetry, free verse (no strict form, rhymes or meter) is rarely set to music
with good results.
It can be done, of course, and innovative songwriters like Bob Dylan have built impressive careers by
doing so.
Still, 98 percent of all successful lyrics conform to popular song structures. They offer clear rhyming
schemes. They also include clearly delineated verses, choruses, refrains, hooks and/or bridges.A lyric
writer needs to also consider the singers who will perform his work. Certain words and phrases are
smooth to sing. Others can be difficult or awkward.

Phrases like recalcitrant octopuses eat tart grapefruit are not likely to attract many major league
recording artists.
Read your lyrics aloud to see if they are easily sing-able. If your word sounds do not flow and sing
well, theres apt to be a problem. If your lyrical phrases prompt awkward stops and stumbles, theres
definitely a problem.
In a song lyric, the music moves quickly and every word counts. The best lyric writers use as few words
as possible to set a scene and evoke a feeling. Few songs that gain radio play these days are longer than
three or four minutes.

VOCAB WORDS
Metaphor

Simile

Alliteration

Hyperbole

Personification

Onomatopoeia