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Lyricist Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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lyricist

[หˆlษชr.ษช.sษชst ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

music

A lyricist is a person who writes the words for songs, especially for musicals or popular music.

Synonyms

poet, songwriter, wordsmith.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
lyricist

Best used when referring to someone who writes lyrics for songs. Often involves crafting words that fit the rhythm, melody, and emotional tone of the music.

  • She won an award for being the best lyricist of the year.
  • The band hired a new lyricist to improve their songs.
songwriter

Applicable when referring to someone who writes songs and typically handles both the lyrics and the melody. It reflects a broader skill set than just writing lyrics.

  • She is a talented songwriter who has written many hit singles.
  • The band relies heavily on their lead singer who is also the principal songwriter.
poet

Suitable when talking about someone who writes poems. Poems can be about a variety of topics and are not necessarily intended to be set to music.

  • He is a well-known poet with several published collections.
  • The poet captured the beauty of the sunset in her verses.
wordsmith

A versatile term used for someone skilled in the use of words, such as poets, lyricists, writers, or anyone adept at crafting language. It has a more generalized meaning but conveys a high level of skill.

  • The journalist is a true wordsmith, making every article engaging.
  • The novelistโ€™s reputation as a wordsmith is well-deserved.

Examples of usage

  • He is known as one of the greatest lyricists of all time.
  • The lyricist collaborated with the composer to create a beautiful song.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Music History

  • In the 1930s, the role of the lyricist became prominent in American musical theater, leading to the Great American Songbook.
  • Famous lyricists like Cole Porter and Irving Berlin transformed songwriting by blending complex rhythms with poetic lyrics.
  • The evolution of rock and roll in the 1950s created a space for lyricists to address social issues through music lyrics.

Pop Culture

  • Contemporary artists often collaborate with lyricists and producers to create hit songs that resonate with listeners.
  • The Grammy Awards feature a category specifically for Best Song Written for Visual Media, highlighting the importance of lyrics in movies and shows.
  • Karaoke culture popularizes the lyrics of songs, allowing fans to engage and 'perform' the work of their favorite lyricists.

Psychology

  • Lyrics can evoke strong emotional responses, with specific words or phrases often triggering personal memories in listeners.
  • Songs with relatable lyrics can promote feelings of connection, reducing loneliness and enhancing mental well-being.
  • Studies have shown that analyzing song lyrics can improve language skills and enhance creativity among writers and poets.

Literature

  • Many famous lyricists, like Bob Dylan, have blurred the line between poetry and song, earning accolades in both fields.
  • Lyric poetry typically emphasizes personal feelings, which aligns closely with the themes found in many song lyrics.
  • Some lyricists are also authors, expanding their storytelling into novels and other literary forms, highlighting the narrative aspect of their craft.

Origin of 'lyricist'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'lyricist' comes from 'lyric,' which originally referred to poems sung to the lyre, a string instrument used in ancient Greece.
  • The suffix '-ist' denotes someone who practices or is concerned with something, in this case, creating lyrics.
  • The term became popular in the 19th century as music began to evolve into various modern genres.

The term 'lyricist' originated in the early 19th century, derived from the word 'lyric' which refers to the words of a song. Lyricists play a crucial role in the music industry by crafting meaningful and catchy lyrics that resonate with audiences. Over the years, lyricists have been celebrated for their ability to capture emotions and tell stories through their words.

See also: lyrical, lyricize.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,521 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.