Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Lyrics are the words or text of a song that convey its meaning and emotions. They are typically written by the songwriter and sung by the vocalist.
Related terms
Melody: The melody is the tune or sequence of musical notes in a song. It is separate from the lyrics but works together with them to create a complete musical experience.
Subjectivity: Subjectivity refers to personal opinions, perspectives, or interpretations that vary from person to person. When it comes to interpreting song lyrics, subjectivity plays a significant role in why people might have different understandings.
Emotional connection: Emotional connection refers to an individual's ability to relate emotionally to something, such as lyrics in a song. Different life experiences and emotional states may lead individuals to connect with certain lyrics more strongly than others.