Prog often Plagued by Poor Lyrics?

yes

Pink Floyd's Animals is a great example of a good mix between great lyrics and sounds. But I've also observed that many rap songs use very interesting lyrics and combinations of words, because the music is dependent on them. With such a strong influence of Jazz and reliance on the skill of the musicians in "prog", The instrumental aspects need to be much stronger. I personally don't believe that the quality of lyrics is what makes me judge the music. And also, you could turn the concept around, "Does amazing lyrics make the music amazing?"
No.
Frank Zappa, some believe he's a genius writer, some find his lyrics a little embarrassing, it depends on what you consider, "good lyrics". I would say he is a great lyricist, but it doesn't make me enjoy the music any more.

Nothing wrong with Fish he writes very well in some peoples opinion mine included

is this the right moment to say "Peter Hammill" or should I leave that for later?

If you'd stick to instrumental prog this wouldn't be a problem. 

prog058 wrote: Most prog musicians probably don't take an interest in language and literature, and this is probably the reason why.

You be crazy.

Prog has more references to literature than any other genre.  Besides that, prog lyrics in general are some of the most complex, poetic, and thought provoking!  Listen to King Crimson or Van Der Graaf lyrics and tell me those couldn't be published in a poetry collection! 

Bonnek wrote: Also modern metal is a winner, as growls have the advantage that you can't understand the lyrics.

This is why I listen to Pelican.

Alitare wrote: 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? If a man quotes Atlas Shrugged, the Hippie counterculture, Nietzsche's Beyond Good and Evil, Edgar Alan Poe, 1984, the bible, and Tolkien all in one song,does it make the lyrics well written? For example: "Who is John galt? Who is John Galt Why did that man wanna Drag the world to a halt? Did he do it by the hour Was it his own WILL TO POWERRRRRRRR! Did he break machines with flowers Do you think it mighty dour? I swear he was the enemy Of he who fights the beast, you see Big brother's watching you and me And cain said to abel, he Was a silly blighter That hobbit, minstrel fighter The ring which made him lighter When sauron pulled an all-nighter. Did nothing more than save A bloody raven knave Who'd sent Lenore to her grave With a flapping winged wave. AND THE MEEK SHALL INHERIT THE EARTH! WE ARE THE PRIESTS OF THE TEMPLE OF... *fifteen minute jam session* Now that was a goddamn poetic masterpiece.

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!