Lyrics
historyLyrics (in singular form Lyric) are a set of words that make up a song. The writer of lyrics is a lyricist or lyrist. The meaning of lyrics can either be explicit or implicit. Some lyrics are abstract, almost unintelligible, and, in such cases, their explication emphasizes form, articulation, meter, and symmetry of expression. The lyricist of traditional musical forms such as Opera is known as a librettist.
Etymology and usage
Lyric derives from the Greek word lyrikos, meaning "singing to the lyre".»Online Etymology Dictionary. Retrieved 2008-08-23 A lyric poem is one that expresses a subjective, personal point of view.
The word lyric came to be used for the "words of a song"; this meaning was recorded in 1876. The common plural (perhaps because of the association between the plurals lyrics and words), predominates contemporary usage. Use of the singular form lyric remains grammatically acceptable, yet remains considered erroneous in referring to a singular song word as a lyric.
Copyright and royalties
: See Royalties
Currently, there are many websites featuring song lyrics(Eg www.lyrics.com). This offering, however, is controversial, since some sites include copyrighted lyrics offered without the holder's permission. The U.S. Music Publishers' Association (MPA), which represents sheet music companies, launched a legal campaign against such websites in December 2005, the MPA's president, Lauren Keiser, said the free lyrics web sites are "completely illegal" and wanted some website operators jailed.»"Song sites face legal crackdown" BBC News, 12 December 2005. Site accessed 7 January 2007
- Lyrics can be studied from an academic perspective. For example, some lyrics can be considered a form of social commentary. Lyrics often contain political, social and economic themes as well as aesthetic elements, and so can connote messages which are culturally significant. These messages can either be explicit or implied through metaphor or symbolism. Lyrics can also be analyzed with respect to the sense of unity (or lack of unity) it has with its supporting music. Analysis based on tonality and contrast are particular examples.
- Chinese lyrics (è©ž) are Chinese poems written in the set metrical and tonal pattern of a particular song.
McAfee claims searches for phrases containing "lyrics" and "free" are the most likely to have risky results from search engines. »http://us.mcafee.com/en-us/local/docs/most_dangerous_searchterm_us.pdf
- Lyricist, a lyrics writer
- Instrumental, music without voice
- Libretto, the name used for the text of traditional music forms like opera