Favorite Lyrics as Poetry

[Mutatis-Mutandis]

So, I did this project with my sophomore students where they had to choose one of their favorite songs and analyze the lyrics as if they were poetry (which, they pretty much are). We all know the great lyricists; John Lennon, Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, but maybe some have other lesser known favorites. And if you don't, no problem. I'd also like to have the songs linked. I always enjoy seeing how the music can change/enhance the mood/tone of the poem.

Anyways, I'll go first. I've chosen a song by Genesis (yeah, I know, definitely not the most obscure reference). The song is "One for the Vine," my favorite song of theirs. From the album Wind and Wuthering (see, even the album title has a literary reference), the second after Collins took over on vocals (before they turned all crappy and poppish). So, anyways, here are the lyrics and the link.

"One for the Vine"

Fifty thousand men were sent to do the will of one.
His claim was phrased quite simply, though he never voiced it loud,
I am he, the chosen one.

In his name they could slaughter, for his name they could die.
Though many there were believed in him, still more were sure he lied,
But they'll fight the battle on.

Then one whose faith had died
Fled back up the mountainside,
But before the top was made,
A misplaced footfall made him stray
From the path prepared for him.
Off of the mountain,
On to a wilderness of ice.

This unexpected vision made him stand and shake with fear,
But nothing was his fright compared with those who saw him appear.
Terror filled their minds with awe.

Simple were the folk who lived
Upon this frozen wave.
So not surprising was their thought,
This is he, God's chosen one,
Who's come to save us from
All our oppressors.
We shall be kings on this world.

"Follow me!
"I'll play the game you want me,
"Until I find a way back home.

"Follow me!
"I give you strength inside you,
"Courage to win your battles -

"No, no, no, this can't go on,
"This will be all that I fled from.
"Let me rest for a while."

He walked into a valley,
All alone.
There he talked with water, and then with the vine.

"They leave me no choice.
"I must lead them to glory or most likely to death."

They traveled cross the plateau of ice, up to its edge.
Then they crossed a mountain range and saw the final plain.
Still he urged the people on.

Then, on a distant slope,
He observed one without hope
Flee back up the mountainside.
He thought he recognised him by his walk,
And by the way he fell,
And by the way he
Stood up, and vanished into air.

Link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vTrrgesf3U

[Alexander III]

Song lyrics and poetry are two separate genres, very different. One is a art piece by itself, the other is part of an art piece. We all read great play's but no one reads opera librettos, there is a reason for that. Lyrics are written to be sung with instrumentals, poetry to be read or recited.

For example Dylan's lyrics on paper are good...his lyrics in his songs are divine.

[Silas Thorne]

Song lyrics and poetry are two separate genres, very different.

Yes, true, but I'm not sure this is always the case.
Many of Robbies Burns' songs and ballads are studied as poetry, aren't they, without the music and singing? Thomas Wyatt's songs can also be read as poetry. (Though, of course, in most cases the words would be better sung out with musical accompaniment. )
Nick Cave in the past few years has sung a number of traditional murder ballads, which may also have been studied as poetry in their own right.

[Mutatis-Mutandis]

Song lyrics and poetry are two separate genres, very different.

Different, yes, but very different? I don't believe so. Poetry has many common traits as music (i.e., beat, rhythm, tone, mood, etc.).


One is a art piece by itself, the other is part of an art piece. We all read great play's but no one reads opera librettos, there is a reason for that. Lyrics are written to be sung with instrumentals, poetry to be read or recited.

Does it matter that much what a piece of art is meant to be? After all, a play is also meant to be performed on stage, no? Anyways, as I mentioned, one of the ideas of this is to look at lyrics with and without music and see the differences.

And, even if lyrics are meant to be accompanied by music, I see no reason this means they can't be enjoyed without it, also. Plus, Paul Simon has put out a book of his lyrics to be read and enjoyed as poetry. So it is not without precedent that lyrics can be seen as poetry.


For example Dylan's lyrics on paper are good...his lyrics in his songs are divine.

Well, I'll just have to disagree with you. I find Dylan's lyrics beautiful, but his music, for me, is nearly unlistenable.


Anyways, this thread was just to be a fun little exchange of favorite lyrics. If you want to make it into an argument about if lyrics should be enjoyed without music or seen as poetry, so be it. Anyways, links to the songs the lyrics are from make this whole argument irrelevant to the thread's topic.

[Silas Thorne]

Anyways, this thread was just to be a fun little exchange of favorite lyrics. If you want to make it into an argument about if lyrics should be enjoyed without music or seen as poetry, so be it. Anyways, links to the songs the lyrics are from make this whole argument irrelevant to the thread's topic.

Oh, well then:

by Nick Cave, 'Where do we go now but nowhere':

I remember a girl so very well
The carnival drums all mad in the air
Grim reapers and skeletons and a missionary bell
O where do we go now but nowhere

In a colonial hotel we ****ed up the sun
And then we ****ed it down again
Well the sun comes up and the sun goes down
Going round and round to nowhere

The kitten that padded and purred on my lap
Now swipes at my face with the paw of a bear
I turn the other cheek and you lay into that
O where do we go now but nowhere

(first part)

[Mutatis-Mutandis]

Oh, well then:

by Nick Cave, 'Where do we go now but nowhere':

I remember a girl so very well
The carnival drums all mad in the air
Grim reapers and skeletons and a missionary bell
O where do we go now but nowhere

In a colonial hotel we ****ed up the sun
And then we ****ed it down again
Well the sun comes up and the sun goes down
Going round and round to nowhere

The kitten that padded and purred on my lap
Now swipes at my face with the paw of a bear
I turn the other cheek and you lay into that
O where do we go now but nowhere

(first part)

Interesting song. The curse words kind of come out of no where when listening to it, but I assume that's the intended effect.

[stlukesguild]

Different, yes, but very different? I don't believe so. Poetry has many common traits as music (i.e., beat, rhythm, tone, mood, etc.).

Poetry and music are no more (or less) alike than dance and architecture (which also share elements). Lyrics sometimes employ poetic elements, but as Alex suggests they are part of a larger whole and largely fall short taken out of their context. Poetry has its own internal "music" (rhythm, sound, etc...) while quite often song lyrics depend upon the music to supply or reinforce the rhythm/structure/meter, etc...

Does it matter that much what a piece of art is meant to be? After all, a play is also meant to be performed on stage, no? Anyways, as I mentioned, one of the ideas of this is to look at lyrics with and without music and see the differences.

Yes, it matters quite a bit. If one takes a film apart we have cinematography, music, the screen play, the stage sets, etc... By and large these separate elements are less than interesting when isolated. I can't imagine wanting to read most screen plays or listen to most film music beyond the film (there are rare exceptions). There is a huge difference between experiencing an opera in performance and dissecting it into separate parts. In most instances, the librettos (plays) are mediocre at best (Wagner's and Strauss' being exceptions) as literature and are dependent upon the music and the acting to carry out the drama. In most cases the lyrics of songs are equally mediocre as poetry and it is usually those who don't frequently read poetry or understand poetry who fail to see how bad most song lyrics are. Again, there are exceptions, Many classical composers set poems of real merit to music... poems by Baudelaire, Verlaine, Goethe, Schiller, Shelley, Keats, Pushkin, etc... With few exception, even lyrics as marvelously witty as Cole Porter's or visionary as Bob Dylan's fail to really work as stand-alone poetry. A howl by Mick Jagger, a grunt by John Lee Hooker or a laugh by Louis Armstrong can be incredible expressive within the context of the music... but looks ridiculous as a written text. The same goes for a repeated chorus or a line that as text comes off awkward and failing to follow the rhythm.

And, even if lyrics are meant to be accompanied by music, I see no reason this means they can't be enjoyed without it, also. Plus, Paul Simon has put out a book of his lyrics to be read and enjoyed as poetry.

So what? Tony Bennett, Paul McCartney, John Melancamp, and numerous other actors and musicians have put out books of their artistic endeavors: paintings and drawings and collage... that doesn't mean I'm going to take any of it seriously as art.

Many of Robbies Burns' songs and ballads are studied as poetry, aren't they, without the music and singing? Thomas Wyatt's songs can also be read as poetry.

And these examples were written as poetry then set to music. They stand on their own as poetry without the music because they have their own internal poetic music.

Again there may be some rare exceptions, but let's face it, most song lyrics are far from being great poetry... indeed, most song lyrics are rather pathetic as poetry... and somehow I doubt that most songwriters have little thought of themselves as rivals of Keats or Shelley (or even heard of them).

[Mutatis-Mutandis]

Poetry and music are no more (or less) alike than dance and architecture (which also share elements). Lyrics sometimes employ poetic elements, but as Alex suggests they are part of a larger whole and largely fall short taken out of their context. Poetry has its own internal "music" (rhythm, sound, etc...) while quite often song lyrics depend upon the music to supply or reinforce the rhythm/structure/meter, etc...

A comparison of poetry and music are in no way analogous to a comparison of dance and architecture. Being a little dramatic, I think.




Yes, it matters quite a bit. If one takes a film apart we have cinematography, music, the screen play, the stage sets, etc... By and large these separate elements are less than interesting when isolated. I can't imagine wanting to read most screen plays or listen to most film music beyond the film (there are rare exceptions). There is a huge difference between experiencing an opera in performance and dissecting it into separate parts. In most instances, the librettos (plays) are mediocre at best (Wagner's and Strauss' being exceptions) as literature and are dependent upon the music and the acting to carry out the drama. In most cases the lyrics of songs are equally mediocre as poetry and it is usually those who don't frequently read poetry or understand poetry who fail to see how bad most song lyrics are. Again, there are exceptions, Many classical composers set poems of real merit to music... poems by Baudelaire, Verlaine, Goethe, Schiller, Shelley, Keats, Pushkin, etc... With few exception, even lyrics as marvelously witty as Cole Porter's or visionary as Bob Dylan's fail to really work as stand-alone poetry. A howl by Mick Jagger, a grunt by John Lee Hooker or a laugh by Louis Armstrong can be incredible expressive within the context of the music... but looks ridiculous as a written text. The same goes for a repeated chorus or a line that as text comes off awkward and failing to follow the rhythm.

I never said lyrics without music were as good. And I also never said lyrics were as good as great works of poetry. This was supposed to be about someone's favorite lyrics.




So what? Tony Bennett, Paul McCartney, John Melancamp, and numerous other actors and musicians have put out books of their artistic endeavors: paintings and drawings and collage... that doesn't mean I'm going to take any of it seriously as art.

Just because you don't take it seriously doesn't mean someone else won't.




Again there may be some rare exceptions, but let's face it, most song lyrics are far from being great poetry... indeed, most song lyrics are rather pathetic as poetry... and somehow I doubt that most songwriters have little thought of themselves as rivals of Keats or Shelley (or even heard of them).

Fine, then, if you'd like, point out some of the rare exceptions. Or, screw what makes something a supposed "great poem" for a bit and just post something you enjoy.

Seriously, this was just supposed to be a fun thread, why does everything have to turn into a serious intellectual debate? If you don't want to post song lyrics, fine. Maybe just move on, then.

[Silas Thorne]

Again there may be some rare exceptions, but let's face it, most song lyrics are far from being great poetry... indeed, most song lyrics are rather pathetic as poetry... and somehow I doubt that most songwriters have little thought of themselves as rivals of Keats or Shelley (or even heard of them).

Yes, I think you are right. There are wonderful lyrics, which seem 'poetic' when sung, but when taken away from the music and the expression of the singer seem terribly bland.
Leonard Cohen writes poetry and sings songs, but I don't think he's said his lyrics ARE poetry. Of course, I could be wrong.
These exceptions, that work well as poetry and when sung, are interesting...
Where can I find them? I'd love to know more.

[JCamilo]

Cohen (which i suggest to mutatis) said there is a difference composing lyrics and poems.

The difference can be find in Vinicius de Moraes. He is both genial as poet and lyricist.

[mortalterror]

I've always enjoyed the lyrics from Fort Minor's Remember the Name.


He doesn't need his name up in lights
He just wants to be heard whether it's the beat or the mic
He feels so unlike everybody else, alone
In spite of the fact that some people still think that they know him
But **** em, he knows the code
It's not about the salary
It's all about reality and making some noise
Makin the story - makin sure his clique stays up
That means when he puts it down Tak's pickin it up! let's go!

Who the hell is he anyway?
He never really talks much
Never concerned with status but still leavin them star struck
Humbled through opportunities given to him despite the fact
That many misjudge him because he makes a livin from writin raps
Put it together himself, now the picture connects
Never askin for someone's help, to get some respect
He's only focused on what he wrote, his will is beyond reach
And now when it all unfolds, the skill of an artist.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjDjPCCgxvE

[MystyrMystyry]

William Shakespeare could pen a good song to save his Bacon. Sing Hey Nonny No!

But he wrote some fine sonnets and incorporated some pretty decent poetry into his plays.

Some songs are good, most are bad.

But most poetry is good.

Greek pop music is the the best in the world because they begin with poetic lyrics.

Poetry is the best words in the best order.

Western songs can be anything with a catchy hook which in itself may be trite 'Goin' dowwwwwwn.... In a blaze of glory...'

But you've all overlooked Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull fame - some of the best poetry ever set to music

[mortalterror]

Fett's Vette by MC Chris is a character monologue worthy of Browning in the Nerdcore Rap genre. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baRCq3twqww


Cruisin' Mos Espa
In my Delorean
War's over
I'm a peacetime mandalorian

My story has stumped
Star Wars historians
Deep in debate,
Buffet plate at Bennigan's

Rhyme renegade
Sure to penetrate
First and second defence
I won't hesitate

Got a job to do
when Darth's the guy that delegates
Got something against Skywalker
Someone he really hates

I don't give a ****
I'm after Solo
For all I care
He could be hidin' at Yoda's dojo

Gotta make the money
Credit's no good
When the jawas run a shop
In your neighborhood

Think you can cook?
I got a grappling hook
Let's make this quick
'Cause I'm really booked

I'm a devious degenerate
Defender of the devil
Shut down all the trash compactors
On the detention level

chorus
My backpack's got jets
Well I'm Boba the Fett
Well I bounty hunt for Jabba Hutt
To finance my 'Vette

wicky wicky woo

Well I chill in deep space
A mask is over my face
Well I deliver the prize
But I still narrow my eyes
'Cause my time
I don't like to waste.

Get down

I'm a question
Wrapped inside an enigma
Get inside of Slave One
Find your homing signal

From Endor to Hoth
Ridley to Spock
I'll find what you want
But there's gonna be a cost

See, my name is Boba Fett
I know my **** is tight
Start not actin'right
You're frozen in carbonite

Got telescopic sight
Flame throwers on my wrist
You still don't get the gist
Spiked boots are made to kick

Targets are made to hit
You think I give a ****
Yo mama is a *****
I see you in the Sarlaac Pit

You just flipped my switch
Integrity been dissed
You scratchin' on my itch
You know I shoot the gif

I get bambinas at cantinas
when I lick my lusty lips
So I let you get back inside
Your little space ship

Give you a head start
'Cause I'm the sportin' kind
Consider the starting line
The sneaky smile I hide inside

Hope you have hyper drive (drive)
pray to stay alive ('live)
Don't try to slip me a five
'Cause I never take a bribe

To the beat of a different drummer
Bad *** bounty hunter
Let no man put asunder
Or else they be put under

As in six feet
Got an imperial fleet
Backin' me up, gonna blow up
Any attempt to defeat

They gotta death star
Got four payments on my car
Hand it over to hammer head
At Mos Eisley bar

He used to carjack
Now he's a barback
Just goes to show how you can
Get back on the right track

As for me that's not an option
Can't say that with more clarity
Me going legit would be like
Jar Jar on speech therapy

Chorus
My backpack's got jets
Well I'm Boba the Fett
Well I bounty hunt for Jabba Hutt
To finance my 'Vette

wicky wicky woo

Well I chill in deep space
A mask is over my face
Well I deliver the prize
But I still narrow my eyes
'Cause my time
I don't like to waste.

Get down

Slice you open like a Taun Taun
Faster than the Autobahn
Or a motorbike in Tron
Do the deed and then I'm gone

Jaba has a hissyfit
Contact Calrissian
Over a colt, the plan unfolds
No politic is legit

Back in the day
When I was a slave
Living life in the fast lane
Like in a pod race

My mean streak tweaked
I became a basket case
So this space ace
Split that place, poste haste

Took up a noble cause
Called the Clone Wars
'Cause life's not all about
Girls and cars

Getting ****ed up
In ****ed up bars
See, I'm not a retard
Or gay like de Barge

I'm large and in charge
With a face so scarred
A cold black heart
That's been torn apart

The Sith wish that they
Had a dick so hard
'Cause it's long long ago
In a pussy far far

Call me master, 'cause I'm faster
Than Pryor on fire
I no longer have to hot wire

I'm a hunter for hire
With no plans to retire
And all the sucka MCs
Can call me sire

Chorus
My backpack's got jets! (jets jets jets)

Well I'm Boba the Fett! (the Fett the Fett)

Well I bounty hunt for Jabba Hutt, (Jabba Hutt Jabba Hutt Jabba Hutt)

...To finance my 'Vette (my 'Vette my 'Vette my 'Vette my 'Vette)

[Varenne Rodin]

I am, admittedly, not an expert on poetry. I'm pretty keen on Morning Theft by Jeff Buckley.

Time takes care of the wound, so I can believe.
You had so much to give, you thought I couldn't see.
Gifts for boot heels to crush, promises deceived
I had to send it away to bring us back again.
Your eyes and body brighten silent waters, deep.
Your precious daughter in the other room, asleep.
A kiss "Goodnight" from every stranger that I meet.
I had to send it away to bring us back again.
Morning theft, and pretender left, ungrateful.
True Self is what brought you here, to me.
A place where we can accept this love.
Friendship battered down by useless history,
Unexamined failure.
What am I still to you?
Some thief who stole from you?
Or some fool drama queen whose chances were few?
Love brings us to who we need,
a place where we can save
A heart that beats as both siphon and reservoir.
You're a woman, I'm a calf!
You're a window, I'm a knife!
We come together making chance into starlight.
Meet me tomorrow night, or any day you want.
I have no right to wonder just how, or when.
And though the meaning fits, there's no relief in this.
I miss my beautiful friend.
I had to send it away to bring her back again.

"A heart that beats as both siphon and reservoir."

Call me a sissy lame girl, and you'll be right, but I love it.

[Mutatis-Mutandis]

Lol, mortalterror, that had me rollin.

[Mutatis-Mutandis]

Here's another of my favorites.

"In The Flesh" by Pain of Salvation (written by Daniel Gildenlow)

She walks these empty streets alone
Hiding for something they call "home"
Hoping to find some peace of mind
Sometimes we need to walk alone

She is set on running away
Though her mom was yelling she must stay
A wind beaten bird for reasons unheard
Sometimes it is best to run away

So fly away, fly away, fly away
Don't be afraid, don't hesitate, fly away

Some wear their bruises on their skin
Others hide their scars deep within
She has a wound close to her womb
Blames herself for letting it in

So fly away, fly away, fly away
Don't be afraid, don't hesitate, fly away
But She's afraid, she's afraid, she's afraid
Anyway
See those eyes, see those eyes, see those eyes
Hate and lies, a fire that slowly dies
But She will fly, she will fly, she will fly
Before it dies

Sometimes the hands that feed
Must feed a mind with a sick need
And the hands that clutch can be
The same hands that touch too much
Eyes that hungrily stare
Read in an access that's not there
While eyes close to hide tears
Or look away in fear
Run away!

Passing the open stores
Hiding her dirty sores
Seeking asylum among freaks and whores
What wouldn't she give to be in a society
Not learning the eyes to be closed but to see

Now she bites the words
"Never"
She kicks the ground
"Never"
Swallows her tears
"Never will I go back"
She hits the walls
"Leave me!"
Scratches herself
"Leave me!"
Begs to all Gods
"Rip me from this sick flesh!"

"I will always be there"
"No!"
She holds her ears
"You know that I love you"
Pretends that she doesn't hear
"We're in this together"
"We share the same skin"
Panic in his voice now
"Free us from sin"

"Tell me that you love me"
This is the end
"I know that you do"
Of her way
Never ever again
Follow me down

"God forgive this hunger"
"Please mommy see"
"Never tell a soul"
"Is it me?"
A child will love its parents
Will follow them down

She swears to the pavement's heart of stone
That these city lights will be her home
But still as they burn she will return
Back to the adults. . . of her home.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ragU6RvZNy4

[Varenne Rodin]

The kitten that padded and purred on my lap
Now swipes at my face with the paw of a bear
I turn the other cheek and you lay into that
O where do we go now but nowhere

(first part)

Outstanding! I love Nick Cave.