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Lyric Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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lyric

[ˈlɪrɪk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

music

The words of a song, especially a popular song

Synonyms

songtext, text, words.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
lyric

Use when referring to the words of a song, especially those that are poetic or expressive in nature.

  • The lyric of this song is truly beautiful.
  • She memorized every lyric to her favorite song.

Examples of usage

  • She writes beautiful lyrics for her songs
  • The singer forgot the lyrics during the performance
Context #2 | Noun

poetry

A poem, especially one that expresses the writer's emotions

Synonyms

ode, poem, verse.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
lyric

In some cases, 'lyric' can also refer to the words of a song as a whole.

  • I can't remember the lyric of that song.
  • He misheard the lyric and sang the wrong words.
poem

General term for a piece of writing that expresses feelings, thoughts, or ideas, often with a specific rhythm and sometimes with rhymes.

  • She reads a poem before going to bed every night.
  • His latest poem reflects the solitude of winter.
verse

Often a part of a poem or song, typically a single line or a group of lines in a specific rhythm or meter.

  • The second verse of the song is my favorite.
  • He recited a verse from a classic poem.
ode

Used to celebrate or praise a person, event, or thing. Generally formal in tone and structure.

  • He wrote an ode to his hometown.
  • The poet composed an ode in honor of the fallen heroes.

Examples of usage

  • She penned down a heartfelt lyric about love and loss
  • The poet's lyrics were praised for their depth and beauty

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Music History

  • Lyric poetry dates back to ancient Greece, where poets like Sappho created verses meant to be sung.
  • The evolution of lyrics dramatically shifted in the 20th century with the rise of genres like jazz, rock, and hip-hop, where storytelling became central.

Cultural Impact

  • Lyrics have played a crucial role in social movements, with protest songs conveying messages of hope and change throughout history.
  • Many iconic lyrics from popular songs have entered common speech, influencing language and slang.

Psychology of Music

  • Listening to lyrics can evoke strong emotional responses, as people often connect personal experiences to the words in songs.
  • Studies show that memorable lyrics can enhance the enjoyment of music, making it more likely for listeners to replay songs.

Literature

  • Many songwriters are also poets, blending literary techniques into their lyrics, such as metaphors and vivid imagery.
  • The narrative style in lyrics often mirrors traditional storytelling, complete with plots, characters, and themes.

Origin of 'lyric'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek 'lyrikos,' meaning 'singing to the lyre,' which is a type of musical instrument.
  • In ancient times, lyrics were often performed with music, closely tying together words and melodies.

The word 'lyric' originated from the Greek word 'lyrikos', meaning 'singing to the lyre'. It was initially used to refer to poetry that was meant to be sung with a lyre accompaniment. Over time, the term evolved to include any emotional or expressive poetry, as well as the words of a song. In modern usage, 'lyric' is commonly associated with the words of a song or a poem that conveys personal emotions or experiences.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,827, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.