Best Lyricists

[METALMAN]

The majority of lyricists mentioned here tend to be more "depressing" in nature. I'm not arguing against them being great lyricists, but sometimes a more amusing, "wacky" lyrics style can be appreciated too. Best example I can think of this would be Frank Zappa. His songs are often stupid and pointless, yet they often make me laugh out loud, so I'd say there's some skill in that.

On the other hand, if I fancy more downbeat lyrics, Elliott Smith would be a worthy addition to the names mentioned by others in this thread.

Edited July 20, 2008 by metalman

[Turbo Yannis]

On the note off upbeat lyricists, I think Max Bemis is amazing at being able to go from upbeat to downbeat in a second. Especially in 'Every Man Has a Molly', he justs gets it so amazingly spot on.

[Steeb]

Max Bemis is one of my personal favourite lyricists ever, for gems such as:

"My people were slaves before yours invented hip-hop"

and "I can't get laid in this town without these pointy fucking shoes."

Also heavily enjoy Morrissey, Robert Smith, Billy Corgan (sometimes, others his lyrics are terrible) and Trent Reznor (with the Corgan rule in place).

[Turbo Yannis]

I think I love you for quoting Woe

[Mr Evil Guy]

I thought this topic was concluded when Quom mentioned Stephin Merritt?

But if it must go on, Spencer Krug is smart in everything he writes, example;

There was a flood

A world of water

The mason’s wife

Swam for her daughter.

One thousand people

Did what they could.

They found the steeple

And tore out the wood.

Five hundred pieces

Means five hundred float.

One thousand people means

Five hundred don’t.

+ "all fires have to burn alive.. to live" and everything he does with Wolf Parade. So yeah, Spencer Krug is fucking sick.

Now I will mention that fellow from TV On The Radio, because of Staring At The Sun. Noooooote the trees cause the, diiiiiiiiirt is temporary. (nod)

[Steeb]

I think I love you for quoting Woe

Not just quoting it, but quoting the best line in the song. Wait. No. Album. Wait. No. EVER.

>_>

[Guest Mr. Potato Head]

The first name I thought of when I saw the title, and one that fits even better with the more 'upbeat' slant - Roger Hodgson. His lyrics are introspective, at times wacky, and most of the rhymes seem almost accidental ('The Logical Song' obviously nonwithstanding).

[apsham]

Okay fuck, I have no idea how I did or even could forget about Jesse Lacey and that is just based off me thinking of "Jesus" right now, but everything that Brand New has done (that has been good, I mean.. they're pretty hit and miss for me) is beyond excellent. But Jesus is seriously one of the best written songs that I have ever heard, bar none... when it comes to lyrical content and volume. It's hard to pick just ONE favorite part, but I will narrow it down to;

I know you're coming in the night like a thief

But I've had some time, O Lord, to hone my lying technique

I know you think that I'm someone you can trust

But I'm scared I'll get scared and I swear I'll try to nail you back up

So do you think that we could work out a sign?

So I'll know that it's you and that it's over so I won't even try

I know you come for the people like me

But we all got wood and nails, and turn out hate in factories

[Draevyn]

I've got to throw Jason Mraz into the mix with lyrics like this:

hey mr. curiosity

is it true what they've been saying about you

are you killing me

you took care of the cat already

and for those who think it's heavy

is it the truth

or is it only gossip

call it mystery or anything

just as long as you'd call me

i sent the message on did you get it when i left it

see this catastrophic event

it wasn't meant to mean no harm

but to think there's nothing wrong is a problem

i'm looking for love this time

sounding hopeful but it's making me cry

love is a mystery

mr. curious...

come back to me

mr. waiting ever patient can't you see

that i'm the same the way you left me

in a hurry to spell check me

and i'm underlined already in envy green

and pencil red

and i've forgotten what you've said

will you stop working for the dead and return

mr. curious well i need some inspiration

it's my birthday and i cannot find no cause for celebration

the scenario is grave but i'll be braver when you save me

from this situation laden with hearsay

i'm looking for love this time

sounding hopeful but it's making me cry

and love is a mystery

mr. curiosity

be mr. please

do come and find me

find, find me

oh ,come on oh, yea yea

(opera break)

i'm looking for love this time

sounding hopeful but it's making me cry

(trying not to ask why)

this love is a mystery

mr. curiosity

be mr. please

do come and find me

love is blinding when the timing's never right

oh who am i to beg for difference

finding love in a just an instant

well i don't mind

at least i've tried, well i tried

I tried...

amd also, probably a less than popular addition but the combined efforts of Scott Stapp and Mark Tremonti for Creed with lyrics like

Hurray for..a child that makes it through,

If there's any way because,

the answer lies in you,

They're laid to rest,before...

they've known just what to do,

Their souls are lost because..

they could never find.

What's this life for?...

What's this life for?...

What's this life for?...

What's this life for?....

I see your soul, it's kind of grey,

You see my heart, you look away,

You see my wrists, I know your pain,

I know the purpose on your plane,

Don't say your last prayer because..

you could never find...

What's this life for?...

(REPEAT 3X)...(then stop and yell)

But they ain't here anymore!

Don't have to settle the score..

Cause we all live under the reign,

of one king....

but they ain't here anymore...,

Don't have to settle no goddamn score..,

Cause we all live!..under the reign!!

I said of only just one king! ,one king! ,one king!!

Well they ain't here anymore!

Don't have to settle no, goddamn score...

Cause, we all live ..under the reign of..one king......(fade)

I pretty much love everything Scott Stapp does so I'm a bit biased on that one but oh well.

[Synjynpsychobitch]

Leonard Cohen, Robert Smith, Maynard James Keenan, Ani Difranco, Sam Beam, Neil Peart, Tori Amos, Elliott Smith, and Bernie Taupin.

And while I'm at it I'll mention Springsteen. I'm not a fan, but I'll admit he has some damn fine lyrics. As long as I don't have to listen to him I'm fine. The most confounding, yet amusing song "Blinded by the Light" I still don't know what the hell that song is about, but I adore the lyricss.

Edited July 21, 2008 by Synjynpsychobitch

[K]

I'm going with Saul Williams.

End of thread.

So here's the plan. The ides of march are always at hand. And when the power hungry strike, they strike the poorest of man. And if you dare put up a fight, they'll come and fight for your land. And they'll call it liberation or salvation. A call to the youth! Your freedom ain't so free, it's just loose. but the power of your voice could redirect every truth. Shift and shape the world you want and keep your fears in a noose. Let them dangle from a banner star spangled. I'm willing and able. To lift my dreams up out of their cradle. Nurse and nurture my ideals 'til they're much more than a fable. I can be all I can be and do much more than I'm paid to. And I won't be a slave to what authorities say do. My desire is to live within a nation on fire, where creative passions burn and raise the stakes ever higher. Where no person is addicted top some twisted supplier who promotes the sort of freedom sold to the highest buyer. We demand a truth naturally at one with the land, not a plant that photosynthesizes bombs on demand, or a search for any weapons we let fall from our hands. I got beats and a plan. I'm gonna do what I can. And what you do is question everything they say do, every goal ideal or value they keep pushing on you. If they ask you to believe it question whether it's true. If they ask you to achieve, is it for them or for you. You're the one they're asking to go carry a gun. Warfare ain't humanitarian. You're scaring me, son. Why not fight to feed the homeless, jobless, fight inflation?! Why not fight for our own healthcare and our education?! And instead, invest in that erasable lead, 'cause their twisted propaganda can't erase all the dead. And the pile of corpses pyramid on top of our heads.

Or nevermind, said the shotgun to the head.

[MDK]

The majority of lyricists mentioned here tend to be more "depressing" in nature. I'm not arguing against them being great lyricists, but sometimes a more amusing, "wacky" lyrics style can be appreciated too. Best example I can think of this would be Frank Zappa. His songs are often stupid and pointless, yet they often make me laugh out loud, so I'd say there's some skill in that.

On the other hand, if I fancy more downbeat lyrics, Elliott Smith would be a worthy addition to the names mentioned by others in this thread.

I say the same about Jimmy Pop from Bloodhound Gang. Its mostly purile nonsense, but its funny and well written at the same time.

[Hobo]

Leonard Cohen, Robert Smith, Maynard James Keenan, Ani Difranco, Sam Beam, Neil Peart, Tori Amos, Elliott Smith, and Bernie Taupin.

And while I'm at it I'll mention Springsteen. I'm not a fan, but I'll admit he has some damn fine lyrics. As long as I don't have to listen to him I'm fine. The most confounding, yet amusing song "Blinded by the Light" I still don't know what the hell that song is about, but I adore the lyricss.

I had Springsteen mentioned in my post, but then took him out. Taupin too. I think, Randy Newman and Peter Gabriel are worth a mention too, Jackson Browne and Warren Zevon too.

[Clawson]

Gordon Downie, hands down completely and utterly ass rapes verybody. Except for Morrissey.

I left your house this morning about a quarter after nine

coulda been the Willie Nelson coulda been the wine

when I left your house this morning

it was a little after nine

it was in Bobcaygeon I saw the constellations

reveal themselves one star at a time

Drove back to town this morning with working on my mind

I thought of maybe quitting

thought of leaving it behind

went back to bed this morning

and as I'm pulling down the blind

the sky was dull and hypothetical

and falling one cloud at a time

That night in Toronto with its checkerboard floors

riding on horseback and keeping order restored

til the men they couldn't hang

stepped to the mic and sang

and their voices rang with that Aryan twang

I got to your house this morning just a little after nine

in the middle of that riot

couldn't get you off my mind

so I'm at your house this morning

just a little after nine

cause it was in Bobcaygeon where I saw the constellations

reveal themselves one star at a time