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Lyricist: meaning, definitions and examples

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lyricist

 

[ˈlɪr.ɪ.sɪst ]

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 novelist’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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "lyricist" in other languages:

🇵🇹 letrista

🇮🇳 गीतकार

🇩🇪 Texter

🇮🇩 penulis lirik

🇺🇦 пісняр

🇵🇱 autor tekstów piosenek

🇯🇵 作詞家

🇫🇷 parolier

🇪🇸 letrista

🇹🇷 şarkı sözü yazarı

🇰🇷 작사가

🇸🇦 كاتب كلمات الأغاني

🇨🇿 textař

🇸🇰 textár

🇨🇳 作词人

🇸🇮 pesnik

🇮🇸 textahöfundur

🇰🇿 әншілер

🇬🇪 ტექსტების ავტორი

🇦🇿 mahnı sözləri yazarı

🇲🇽 letrista

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.