What does lyric mean?
A lyric is a word, line, or verse written to be sung, although the word also functions as an adjective describing the words of a song or a style characterized by emotional expression. The plural lyrics is especially common and usually refers to the complete wording of a song: a singer may be praised for her lyrics or invited to write lyrics for a new composition. As an adjective, lyric can mean directly related to song words, as in lyric sheets or lyric video, but it can also describe music that is expressive, poetic, or focused on conveying feeling. The distinction can sometimes be subtle because the words of a song are themselves often lyric in the broader artistic sense. The term has a long history in poetry and music and is now especially common in discussions of songwriting, performance, and the relationship between verbal and musical expression.
Relating to the words of a song or expressing emotion in a musical or poetic style.
"The record was praised for its lyric strength and emotional force."
In the broader artistic sense, lyric is sometimes contrasted with visual or purely narrative expression.
A word, line, verse, or other piece of wording intended to be sung.
"The opening lyric establishes the story's lonely setting."
The singular is less frequent in everyday use; lyrics commonly denotes the complete text of a song.
Usually collective, referring to the words of an entire song, though it can also refer to multiple sung lines or verses.
"The lyrics tell the story from the narrator's point of view."
The word lyric began with the lyre: it literally means associated with songs and their words.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lyric come from?
The word comes through Latin lyricus from Greek lyrikos, an adjective meaning “of or for the lyre.” Greek lyric poetry was named for its traditional performance with the lyre. English initially used the term chiefly in literary contexts before it became especially associated with the words of songs.
Related word forms
How lyric is actually used
As a noun, the singular is established but is much less common than the collective plural. In general usage, lyrics usually means the complete text of a song rather than an individual line.
Easily confused with lyric
Lyric directly refers to song words, while lyrical more often means emotional, expressive, or poetic in quality.