Definition and Qualities of Poetry
Poetry is a form of literature comprising of rhyming words, powerful imagery, and evocative emotion. It can range from a short composition to a long ballad, an ancient epic, or even a entire collection of poems. It is closely related to music, for it can sometimes be song to an audience or a recording. While its purpose is to evoke emotion, lyricists and poets have the same function to fulfill; to tell a story. Many people question the similarities and differences between song lyrics and poetry and consider if lyrics are actually a form of poetry or if they are something else entirely.
Brief History of Lyric Writing
Lyric writing as an art form can be traced back to ancient times, throughout Europe and Asia. In fact, ancient Greek lyric poetry was written by poets such as Homer, Sappho, and Playwright. Early Christian hymns and liturgy were another form of song lyrics, and they formed the basis of dominant music forms such as choral music, liturgical music, and chants. One of the most prolific lyric writers of all time was English poet, William Shakespeare, who wrote plays in the form of poetry filled with powerful imagery and emotion. These famous works frequently inspired musical interpretations, and to this day, his works are still adapted and rewritten for musical accompaniment.
The Relationship Between Poetry and Songwriting
The relationship between poetry and Songwriting is often seen as strained and ambiguous. While the main purpose of both art forms is storytelling, the language used to convey the story often differs. For example, a poem can use an array of complicated language to describe one specific theme, while a song lyric will tend to use simpler words and phrases to describe an idea or emotion. Furthermore, a poem can cover many topics that are not appropriate for song lyrics, such as politics, dark humor, and complex ideas. On the other hand, song lyrics can often be more rhythmic in nature and may include elements such as repetition or alliteration that would be absent from a poem.
Lyrics as Poetry
The debate around whether song lyrics are a form of poetry has been fierce at times, and can be dependent on personal opinion. While it is true that a poem can explore ideas that are not suitable for a song lyric and expressions that are not best suited for musical accompaniment, many people still consider song lyrics to be a form of poetry. This is because at the core, both of these art forms tell stories, evoke emotion and cover topics that may not be openly discussed in everyday conversation. A song lyric can be as powerful and descriptive as a poem, and can explore ideas that are relevant to the great human experience.
The Influence of Poetry in Lyric Writing
It is undeniable that the influence of poetry can be found in the writing of song lyrics. A lyricist will use many of the same poetic elements found in traditional poetry, such as imagery, metaphors and similes, to express emotion and ideas more powerfully. Similarly, song lyrics can be seen as the medium by which poetry can be made accessible to the wider public. Many artists turn to poetry to inspire their music, incorporating narratives, lines and verses from classic poets and turning them into memorable songs. The lines of the great bard, William Shakespeare, have been turned into modern-day love ballads, proving that poetry can still be a powerful influence in today’s music.
Expert Opinion on the Debate
Leading poets and lyricists have given their opinion on the debate of whether song lyrics are poetry. Many lyricists consider themselves to be poets, as they believe they are conveying emotion and idea in the same manner as great poets such as William Shakespeare and Homer. On the other hand, some poets argue that song lyrics lack the complexity, language and metaphors that make traditional poetry great. Ultimately, both camps agree that both lyric writing and poetry are forms of storytelling, and the debate is only a matter of opinion.
The Influence of Poetry on Society
Recent decades have seen a rise in the importance of music and poetry in society, with many people turning to them for solace and comfort during difficult times. The power of the written word has gained acceptance and recognition, with many people finding a way to express their thoughts and feelings in a direct and eloquent form. Poetry, in particular, is seen as a powerful tool to connect with people and evoke a deep emotion that only well-crafted language can evoke. Similarly, song lyrics reverberate with a more melodic and rhythmical voice, connecting with people in a different way.
The Role of the Artist
No matter which side of the debate one takes, the role of the artist is ultimately key. A lyricist must be able to channel their emotions and ideas in a manner that does justice to the art form, creating a powerful narrative and evoking a powerful response. A poet must be able to express complex ideas in a concise, insightful manner, creating a piece of work that will endure and resonate with people long after it is written. Ultimately, it is the artist’s vision and writing that brings the works to life, and the debate around the similarities between song lyrics and poetry will always remain.
The Art of Expression
The primary purpose of both poetry and songwriting is the expression of emotion. Poetry is powerful in the way that it can capture the way we feel and express it in a way that only words can. Similarly, a song lyric can be equally as powerful and evocative, allowing us to explore a depth of emotions and ideas that can only be properly conveyed in a musical setting. Both of these art forms allow us to express our emotions, experiences and thoughts in a way that no other medium can achieve.
The Value of Poetry in Music
The value of poetry can be seen in its influence on music, particularly popular music. Great lyricists and songwriters have used the art form to create one of the most popular forms of contemporary music, as people all over the world connect with powerful imagery, metaphors and emotion contained in many popular song lyrics. Furthermore, poetry has had a significant influence on the development of rap and hip-hop music, which often combines spoken word with melody. By exploring complex ideas and social commentary in a way that simple prose cannot, it is easy to see why poetry as a medium is so highly valued.
The Influence of Music in Poetry
It is undeniable that poetry has had a significant influence on music, but music can also be influential in poetry. Some forms of poetry are so close akin to lyric writing that they are almost indistinguishable. A poet may draw influence from music, from the sound and rhythm to the acoustics and instrumentation. Furthermore, poets may draw on the stories told in lyrics to create their own works, as the themes and emotion found in popular music often resonate with readers.
The Differences and Similarities Between Poetry and Songwriting
Despite having different roles in the arts, there are many similarities between poetry and Songwriting. They both have the same function; to tell stories from a unique perspective and evoke powerful emotion. Furthermore, both art forms use a language that is distinctive and lyrical, creating a powerful response in readers and listeners alike. However, they differ in the fact that poetry can explore complex topics in a manner that is not suited for song lyrics, while song writing has more of a focus on rhythm, melody and repetition.
Conclusion
The debate between whether song lyrics are a form of poetry or not will always remain, and ultimately, it is down to individual opinion. What is certain, however, is that both art forms share much in common, and their influence on one another is undeniable. Poetry and song writing have the capacity to change lives, invoke emotion and explore themes that are impossible to express in any other form of art. Therefore, no matter the argument, both of these art forms must be admired for their power, influence and unprecedented ability to story tell.
