Prog often Plagued by Poor Lyrics?

Alitare wrote: 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. That doesn't mean that some prog bands don't have superb lyrics. Until he 'jumped the shark', so to speak, Ian Anderson was absolutely a brilliant lyricist in most rights. My question is, though, to do a few comparisons: (lyrically, only) King Crimson vs. Leonard Cohen Yes vs. Bob Dylan (this one made me giggle a little) Rush vs. Nick Cave Emerson, Lake, and Palmer vs. Tom Waits.

All the comparisons you're making are to singer-songwriters where the lyrics are the primary focus. I agree that it's hard to top someone like Bob Dylan for great lyrics, but if you compare prog to every other genre of music besides songer-songwriters (heavy metal, early rock and roll, blues, arena rock, hip-hop, modern pop, disco, country, grunge, etc.) I think it compares rather favorably.

Also, you can find bad lyrics in even the greatest bands.

"They asked me to read a poem at the sorority sisters' home. Got knocked down and my head was swimmin'. I wound up with the dean of women! Yippee! I'm a poet, I know it. Hope I don't blow it." - Bob Dylan

"We all live in a yellow submarine, yellow submarine, yellow submarine." - The Beatles


Edited by thellama73 - May 03 2011 at 10:20

Alitare wrote: The dude abides!

Thank you Walter. 

I don't think prog has particularly bad lyrics. Some bands have really great lyrics, some others not. Just as in any other genre, I guess. There's a lot of brutally terrible and bland lyrics in pop, and just about all talk about love (or more likely, about broken hearts).

I NEVER UNDERSTOOD THIS COMMON CRITICISM.  

Edited by himtroy - May 04 2011 at 15:33

I'd rather hear about mountains coming out of the sky than whatever Dylan is rattling off most of the time.

Alitare wrote: But what about Prog versus singer/songwriter? What about non-prog experimental rock? (Ween, Flaiming Lips, Cocteau Twins, etc.?) I know most folks think of Lady Ga Ga or Nickelback or Shinedown when they think of rock and pop. I understand that. But when I think of pop, I think Cat Stevens, John Lennon, Carole King, or whatever. I absolutely hate lyrics about made-up mythical creature garbage. Where's the f**king human element in that hogwash? What's supposed to touch your heart and make you weep in Xanadu? What's supposed to blow your soul apart and give you despairing goosebumps in Gates of Delirium? What's supposed to break your resolve and bring tears to your eyes with Karn Evil 9? How can anybody relate with Close to the Edge on a personal or emotional level? I really like a few of these songs, but not lyrically or emotionally. Some folks think that all pop music is just series of shallow, emotionless love songs. Take a f**king cue from Will Oldham or Flaming Lips for once.  Today was another day full of dread but I never said I was afraid Because dread and fear should not be confused By dread I'm inspired, by fear I'm amused.. And I say nip nap, it's all a trap Bo bis and so is this Whoa whoa, to haiti, go And watch it all come down. Ding dong, a silly song sure do say something's wrong Smile a while, forget the bile And watch it all come down Since when did lyricism and poetry have to deal solely with the most extravagantly pompous, wordy, and unrealistic scenarios possible? Most of my favorite lyrics are as far from prog as you could imagine. Ian and Hammy are different cases, but when it comes to the likes of Rush, Kansas, Yes, Genesis, and the sort...I typically despise the lyrics. It's okay, because I ignore the lyrics if I don't like them. I'd only focus on the notes he's singing.

Alitare wrote: How can anybody relate with Close to the Edge on a personal or emotional level?

Very easily.

Mista-Gordie wrote: Alitare wrote: But what about Prog versus singer/songwriter? What about non-prog experimental rock? (Ween, Flaiming Lips, Cocteau Twins, etc.?) I know most folks think of Lady Ga Ga or Nickelback or Shinedown when they think of rock and pop. I understand that. But when I think of pop, I think Cat Stevens, John Lennon, Carole King, or whatever. I absolutely hate lyrics about made-up mythical creature garbage. Where's the f**king human element in that hogwash? What's supposed to touch your heart and make you weep in Xanadu? What's supposed to blow your soul apart and give you despairing goosebumps in Gates of Delirium? What's supposed to break your resolve and bring tears to your eyes with Karn Evil 9? How can anybody relate with Close to the Edge on a personal or emotional level? I really like a few of these songs, but not lyrically or emotionally. Some folks think that all pop music is just series of shallow, emotionless love songs. Take a f**king cue from Will Oldham or Flaming Lips for once.  Today was another day full of dread but I never said I was afraid Because dread and fear should not be confused By dread I'm inspired, by fear I'm amused.. And I say nip nap, it's all a trap Bo bis and so is this Whoa whoa, to haiti, go And watch it all come down. Ding dong, a silly song sure do say something's wrong Smile a while, forget the bile And watch it all come down Since when did lyricism and poetry have to deal solely with the most extravagantly pompous, wordy, and unrealistic scenarios possible? Most of my favorite lyrics are as far from prog as you could imagine. Ian and Hammy are different cases, but when it comes to the likes of Rush, Kansas, Yes, Genesis, and the sort...I typically despise the lyrics. It's okay, because I ignore the lyrics if I don't like them. I'd only focus on the notes he's singing. What are you doing in a progressive rock forum if you're always saying that you hate everything about that style? get a life man

Mista-Gordie wrote: Dude youre totally crazy for me most of the greatest lyrics of rock music are from prog rock.

Alitare wrote: Valentino wrote: Alitare wrote: How can anybody relate with Close to the Edge on a personal or emotional level? Very easily. Can you walk me through it, step by step? What am I missing? Why doesn't it make me weep or shake with emotion and intimate feeling?