Prog often Plagued by Poor Lyrics?

prog058 wrote: The Dark Elf wrote: I think Peter Gabriel and Ian Anderson are fine lyricists with a poetic flair, adept at wordplay and, in the case of Anderson, offered some of the best double entendres ever written in the rock idiom. They are certainly on a higher literary level than many crasser rock acts who Spinal Tap so wickedly satirized in songs such as "Lick My Love Pump" (in D minor). Paradoxically, these two musicians have also made a lot of music that wouldn't necessarily be called prog

The Dark Elf wrote: I think Peter Gabriel and Ian Anderson are fine lyricists with a poetic flair, adept at wordplay and, in the case of Anderson, offered some of the best double entendres ever written in the rock idiom. They are certainly on a higher literary level than many crasser rock acts who Spinal Tap so wickedly satirized in songs such as "Lick My Love Pump" (in D minor).

Paradoxically, these two musicians have also made a lot of music that wouldn't necessarily be called prog

Bonnek wrote: I usually ignore lyrics, that's why I probably listen more to instrumental music and to Prog then to singer-songwriters. Also modern metal is a winner, as growls have the advantage that you can't understand the lyrics. In the Prog realm, it's only Hammill's lyrics that have intrigued me somewhat over the years.

I agree. I tend to listen to the lyrics more in other genres than in prog because I'm mainly interested in the music above all else.

The Truth wrote: What's wrong with Fish? His lyrics fit the themes he's writing about perfectly.

I meant Fish is an exception. He's my favourite lyricist :)

Well, Waters, Hammil, Anderson (Ian, of course).

Prog lyrics are not worse than in other genres, and frequently better than most.  I think this is a misconception possibly because prog fans tend to salivate over technical instrumental prowess than lyric content.

Fish's lyrics are great; very visual and at times very political. It's Fish's vocal histrionics that get very tired    Now Jon Anderson's lyrics in my opinion are just plain awful at times!

Tapfret wrote:   prog058 wrote: Most prog musicians probably don't take an interest in language and literature Umm, what? No RD Laing in Gentle Giant, eh? No Ayn Rand or Samuel Taylor Coolridge in Rush, eh? The overall OP premise is misguided. I don't think prog has any worse lyrics than any other genre. You want maybe they switch to hip-hop lyrics? Should Jon Anderson sing more about cappin' sucka's? Should Annie Haslam sing about havin' to keep her womanhood extremely tight?

Yes, because Rush's adaptation of Ayn Rand's Anthem in 2112 was quite the poetic masterwork that rivaled the original in depth and intellectual intrigue. :P Didn't Rush write the song 'I Think I'm Going Bald'? I never assume that the lyrics to prog are more intricate than the lyrics to non-prog on the whole. Most folks can agree that Nick Cave isn't prog, but as a lyricist he veritably trumps Rush, any era of Genesis,  Yes (my word) or the like. I detest most prog lyrics. The Moody Blues? That awful poetry? Days of Future Passed is one of my all time favorite albums, but that 'cold-hearted orb...we decide which is right and which is an illusion' tripe gives me gas.

I think lyrics are important.  Personally, I don't pay attention to them much, but if the lyrics are obviously bad, it can ruin the music for me.  Ex:  James LaBries solo projects.  Pretty good music, but I couldn't say the same about the lyrics department.