Lyric vs. Lyrics — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 13, 2023
"Lyric" refers to a type of emotional and expressive poetry, while "Lyrics" are the words of a song.
Difference Between Lyric and Lyrics
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Lyric and Lyrics: A "lyric" is a form of poetry that conveys strong feelings or emotions, often intended to be sung. "Lyrics," on the other hand, specifically denote the set of words that make up a song.
Lyric and Lyrics: The word "lyric" often refers to the quality of a poetic expression, capturing a moment's emotion or an individual's personal response. "Lyrics" encompass the entire textual component of a song, from verses to chorus.
Lyric and Lyrics: While both "lyric" and "lyrics" relate to musical expression, "lyric" can stand alone as a poem without any musical accompaniment, but "lyrics" are primarily associated with songs.
Lyric and Lyrics: A "lyric" poem might not necessarily be set to music, and it revolves around personal musing. However, "lyrics" are crafted with the intention of them being sung or performed to a melody.
Lyric and Lyrics: Both terms highlight the importance of words in expressing emotions musically, but while "lyric" focuses on the poetic aspect, "lyrics" emphasize the textual part of musical compositions.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A type of emotional poetry.
Words of a song.
Usage Context
Poetry and sometimes music.
Primarily in music.
Relation to Music
Can exist without music.
Intended to be sung or performed.
Singularity/Plurality
Singular, represents a poetic form or one verse.
Plural, represents the entire text of a song.
Emphasis
Poetic expression and emotion.
Textual component of musical compositions.
Compare with Definitions
Lyric
Having a melodious and pleasant sound.
The lyric tones of the flute filled the room.
Lyrics
A printed or written version of a song's words.
She kept a notebook filled with her favorite song lyrics.
Lyric
(of poetry) expressing the writer's emotions, usually briefly and in stanzas or recognized forms
Lyric poems of extraordinary beauty
Lyrics
The words of a song.
She penned the lyrics of the hit song overnight.
Lyric
(of a singing voice) using a light register
A lyric soprano with a light, clear timbre
Lyrics
Written expressions intended to be sung.
The artist's lyrics often touch on themes of love and loss.
Lyric
A lyric poem or verse
An edition of Horace's Lyrics
Lyrics
Lyrics are words that make up a song, usually consisting of verses and choruses. The writer of lyrics is a lyricist.
Lyric
The words of a popular song
She has published both music and lyrics for a number of songs
Lyrics
Of or relating to a category of poetry that expresses subjective thoughts and feelings, often in a songlike style or form.
Lyric
Of or relating to a category of poetry that expresses subjective thoughts and feelings, often in a songlike style or form.
Lyrics
Relating to or constituting a poem in this category, such as a sonnet or ode.
Lyric
Relating to or constituting a poem in this category, such as a sonnet or ode.
Lyrics
Of or relating to a writer of poems in this category.
Lyric
Of or relating to a writer of poems in this category.
Lyrics
Lyrical.
Lyric
Lyrical.
Lyrics
Having a singing voice of light volume and modest range.
Lyric
Having a singing voice of light volume and modest range.
Lyrics
Of, relating to, or being musical drama, especially opera
The lyric stage.
Lyric
Of, relating to, or being musical drama, especially opera
The lyric stage.
Lyrics
Having a pleasing succession of sounds; melodious.
Lyric
Having a pleasing succession of sounds; melodious.
Lyrics
Of or relating to the lyre or harp.
Lyric
Of or relating to the lyre or harp.
Lyrics
Appropriate for accompaniment by the lyre.
Lyric
Appropriate for accompaniment by the lyre.
Lyrics
A lyric poem.
Lyric
A lyric poem.
Lyrics
Often lyrics(Music) The words of a song.
Lyric
Often lyrics(Music) The words of a song.
Lyrics
Plural of lyric
Lyric
(poetry) Of, or relating to a type of poetry (such as a sonnet or ode) that expresses subjective thoughts and feelings, often in a songlike style
Lyrics
The words to a song (or other vocal music).
Lyric
Of or relating to a writer of such poetry
Lyrics
Textual components accompanying a musical composition.
The album's lyrics resonated with many fans.
Lyric
Lyrical
Lyrics
The verbal part of a musical performance.
Many were moved by the profound lyrics of the anthem.
Lyric
Having a light singing voice of modest range
Lyric
Of or relating to musical drama and opera
Lyric
Melodious
Lyric
Of or relating to the lyre (or sometimes the harp)
Lyric
A lyric poem.
Lyric
The words of a song or other vocal music.
The lyric in line 3 doesn't rhyme.
The lyrics were written by the composer.
Lyric
Of or pertaining to a lyre or harp.
Lyric
Fitted to be sung to the lyre;
Lyric
Expressing deep personal emotion; - said especially of poetry which expresses the individual emotions of the poet; as, the dancer's lyrical performance.
Lyric
A lyric poem; a lyrical composition.
Lyric
A composer of lyric poems.
Lyric
A verse of the kind usually employed in lyric poetry; - used chiefly in the plural.
Lyric
The words of a song.
Lyric
The text of a popular song or musical-comedy number;
His compositions always started with the lyrics
He wrote both words and music
The song uses colloquial language
Lyric
A short poem of songlike quality
Lyric
Write lyrics for (a song)
Lyric
Expressing deep personal emotion;
The dancer's lyrical performance
Lyric
Used of a singer or singing voice that is light in volume and modest in range;
A lyric soprano
Lyric
Relating to or being musical drama;
The lyric stage
Lyric
Of or relating to a category of poetry that expresses emotion (often in a songlike way);
Lyric poetry
Lyric
A type of emotional and expressive poetry.
The poet's new lyric beautifully captured the essence of love.
Lyric
Suitable for singing to a melody.
The poem had a lyric quality that could be set to music.
Lyric
Relating to or characteristic of song.
His voice had a lyric softness that was mesmerizing.
Lyric
Expressing a poet's personal feelings and thoughts.
The lyric piece was a direct window into her soul.
Common Curiosities
Are all song words considered lyrics?
Yes, the textual component of a song is referred to as lyrics.
What is a lyric poem?
A lyric poem is a short poem expressing personal feelings and emotions.
Can a lyric stand alone without music?
Yes, a lyric can be a standalone poem without any musical accompaniment.
How do lyric and ballad differ?
While both are poetic forms, a lyric expresses personal emotions, whereas a ballad often tells a story.
Can lyrics be instrumental?
No, lyrics are the words of a song. Instrumental parts don't have lyrics.
Are lyrics always poetic?
While lyrics have a poetic element, they might not always adhere to traditional poetic structures.
What makes something lyrically strong?
Effective conveyance of emotion, vivid imagery, and resonance with the audience make for strong lyric content.
How do lyric and sonnet differ?
While both are poetic forms, a lyric emphasizes personal emotion, whereas a sonnet has specific structural rules.
Can "lyric" also describe a song's quality?
Yes, in context, "lyric" can describe the song's melodious and harmonious quality.
Why are some songs termed "lyric-less"?
It means the songs are instrumental and do not have lyrics or words.
Do all songs have lyrics?
No, some songs are purely instrumental without any lyrics.
Can a song have multiple sets of lyrics?
Yes, some songs have been reinterpreted with different lyrics over time.
Are lyrics copyrighted?
Yes, lyrics, like other creative works, are protected by copyright laws.
Are there software or apps to write lyrics?
Yes, several apps and software tools assist songwriters in crafting and organizing lyrics.
What's the origin of the word "lyric"?
It comes from the Greek word "lyrikos," meaning "singing to the lyre."
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
