Do lyrics matter?

Tuzvihar wrote: eugene wrote: I mostly care about music, good lyrics are bonus. I concur. I enjoy, for example, Ulver and Omega a lot although I know neither Norwegian nor Hungarian.

It's strange that you mention Ulver in such context, as I've been listening to Marriage Of Heaven And Hell, and the lyrics written by William Blake and sung by Garm are what makes the message and the music more meaningful.

I didn't vote, because I think that the 'Other' option would be more suitable in this situation:

Lyrics, together with the right vocals, are supposed to be just a part of the music, much like any other "real" instrument - they create moods, atmosphere and help to get the point across.

 -- Ivan

Ounamahl wrote: "The music’s more important but good lyrics matter too."

And Paul K. is right too...

eugene wrote: I mostly care about music, good lyrics are bonus.

Yes, this is basically my opinion as well. Good lyrics are always nice, but as long as they are not offensive or unbearably stupid, and the vocal tone, melodies, and harmonies are pleasing, I am okay with it. I don't think many of the groups I listen to are poor lyricists though.

It is an interesting question. To those who say the lyrics are important, can I ask, does that mean you only listen to music in languages with which you are conversant? For example, if like myself you do not speak Italian, do you ignore Italian prog?

If the answer to that is no (you don't ignore foreign languages), do you obtain translations of the lyrics? Further, is your enjoyment of the music diminished if the lyrics are in a language which is foreign to you?

I feel in the right meddle!

...anyway music is the most important thing, but it could be improved by good lyrics...

...I mean...if a great piece of music have bed lyrics, it's a great piece of music, but if the lyrics are great too it becomes something more than great...a masterpiece!

Easy Livin wrote: It is an interesting question. To those who say the lyrics are important, can I ask, does that mean you only listen to music in languages with which you are conversant? For example, if like myself you do not speak Italian, do you ignore Italian prog? If the answer to that is no (you don't ignore foreign languages), do you obtain translations of the lyrics? Further, is your enjoyment of the music diminished if the lyrics are in a language which is foreign to you?

Lyrics are important to me as an instrument, meaning that even if I don't understand the lyrics, they still kind of make sense and supply with the right emotions, which the listener "gets" regardless of whether it is in his native language or not. Moreover, it should be added that even if the listener understands the lyrics, he may interpret them in his own, incorrect way. Just look at the people trying to decipher Maynard's or, say, Aaron's(MDB)lyrics.

Banco Del Mutuo Soccorso is my favourite Italian prog group and one of the reason  for that is the vocals. I can't understand Italian, however, I remember some lines in my head and I always feel comfortable because I tend to think that they fit the music very well.

 -- Ivan

Well, I'm from Spain and I've always listened 99% to English or American music. While I can read English almost perfectly, for understanding spoken English I need people to speak slowly and clear. Because of that I only understand English vocals "at real time" ocasionally. I need to pay attention and after repeated listens I usually understand 80% of the lyrics, but in that process I pay much more attention at music itself and I don't mind the lyrics that much. For that reason the lyrics never change my opinion about a song or an album. Maybe when I notice their meaning they seem to me silly but if music is good, the song is good for me. Lyrics are an additional content for me, and I usually enjoy them later (essentially reading them) or forget about them If they are not good. But that never lowers the quality of the music .

Easy Livin wrote: It is an interesting question. To those who say the lyrics are important, can I ask, does that mean you only listen to music in languages with which you are conversant? For example, if like myself you do not speak Italian, do you ignore Italian prog? If the answer to that is no (you don't ignore foreign languages), do you obtain translations of the lyrics? Further, is your enjoyment of the music diminished if the lyrics are in a language which is foreign to you?

I would say for me the answer is yes because one of the big treats in prog is sitting down with the lyrics and coming to an understanding of what the song is about. I do listen to some Italian prog  and do prefer to get translations though I can understand a little Italian. That is a recent development though, probably because I listen to so much instrumental music separate from prog.