Songwriter vs. Lyricist — What's the Difference?

A songwriter is a musician who professionally composes musical compositions and writes lyrics for songs. A songwriter can also be called a composer, although the latter term tends to be used mainly for individuals from the classical music genre and film scoring, but is also associated writing and composing the original musical composition or musical bed.

A lyricist or lyrist is a songwriter who writes lyrics—words for songs—as opposed to a composer, who writes the song's music which may include but not limited to the melody, harmony, arrangement and accompaniment.

One who writes lyrics or tunes, or both, for songs. Also called songsmith, songster.

A writer of song lyrics. Also called lyrist.

(music) A musician who composes songs; especially writing the song's lyrics and/or creating a melody or a tune for the song.

A person who writes the lyrics of a song.

A composer of words or music for popular songs

A person who writes the words for songs