What does lyrics mean?
Lyrics are the words of a song, particularly the portion written to be sung. The term usually refers to the complete verbal text, although it can also denote an individual line or section within a larger song. Lyrics may tell a story, express emotion, convey a message, or combine poetic language with a memorable refrain. Because the noun is plural in form, it traditionally takes a plural verb: "The lyrics are difficult to forget." It should not be confused with lyrical, an adjective describing expressive or poetic language, or with lyric, which can refer to a single song's text or to a poetic composition. In contemporary popular music, lyrics are commonly discussed in connection with authorship, interpretation, adaptation, and revision. The word therefore carries both a literary association, linking songs with poetry, and a practical association with the many components involved in creating and performing recorded music.
nounThe words that make up a song, especially as sung or displayed with its music. By extension, the term can refer collectively to the verbal content of a musical work or performance.
- The words of a song, especially the portion intended to be sung.
- The complete verbal text of a song, musical work, or performance.
"The songwriter wrote lyrics that captured the restless mood of the summer."
"I couldn't remember the lyrics until the chorus began."
"The translator adapted the opera's lyrics for a modern audience."
The noun is plural in form, though it refers to the words of a song as a collective body of text. Traditional grammar favors plural agreement.
"The lyrics to the national anthem have inspired several musical settings."
One song has lyrics, and the plural form keeps the words in the spotlight.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lyrics come from?
Lyrics ultimately derives from Greek lyrikos, meaning "pertaining to the lyre" or "of lyric poetry," an association with singing that was made music. The word passed into English through Latin and French usage, initially in references to poetic composition and later to the words of songs. English later developed the plural form lyrics for the words of a song. Its relatives lyrical, lyricism, and lyricist preserve the same long-established association with poetry, song, and musical expression.
How lyrics is actually used
The noun is plural in form, so traditional usage generally takes a plural verb, as in "the lyrics are memorable." However, usage varies, and singular agreement is sometimes found when the words are treated as a unified text. The term is normally used for the verbal component of a song; it is less common for spoken dialogue in musical theatre.
Easily confused with lyrics
A lyric is one song's words or a poetic composition, whereas lyrics usually refers collectively to the words of a song.
Lyrics are the words of a song, while lyrical describes language that is expressive, poetic, or musical in feeling.