Lyrics: meaning, definitions and examples

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lyrics

 

[ ˈlɪrɪks ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

music context

Lyrics are the words of a song, written to convey meaning and emotion. They can vary greatly in style and depth, ranging from simple and catchy phrases to complex poetic expressions. Lyrics often reflect the themes of the music they accompany.

Synonyms

text, verses, words

Examples of usage

  • The lyrics of that song are incredibly touching.
  • Can you write your own lyrics for this melody?
  • She memorized the lyrics before the concert.
  • The lyrics tell a story about love and loss.

Etymology

The word 'lyrics' derives from the Greek word 'lyrikos', which is related to 'lyra', meaning 'lyre', a stringed musical instrument. The term originally referred to the fitting of words to music, especially in ancient Greek works that were often performed with the accompaniment of the lyre. The modern usage of the term has evolved to denote the words used in any musical composition, particularly in popular music. Lyrics as an artistic form gained prominence during the Renaissance period when poetic texts began to be set to music. Over time, with the development of various musical genres, the significance of lyrics expanded, incorporating themes from personal experiences to societal issues, thus establishing their critical role in the music industry.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,376, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.