Masterpieces of Lyric writing

Aaron · #1 08-03-2007, 12:39 AM

What tunes have your favorite stories?

Off of the top of my head I can think of "1952 Vincent Black Lightning" by Richard Thompson, "Kiss the Children" Ric Grech (Gram Parsons), and Paul Simon "Graceland".

NKUSigEp · #2 08-03-2007, 12:48 AM

CCR's "Bad Moon Rising" sticks out. Maybe not the best but definitely up there.

And Tool's "46&2" is pretty great for meaningful lyrics (ontop of a sweet bass line).

strangemusic · #3 08-03-2007, 12:53 AM

The Decemberists "Mariner's Revenge Song", hands down winner for a great story! "oh OHHHHHHHH......"

The BurgerMeister · #4 08-03-2007, 12:57 AM

anything by Leonard Cohen, but "Famous Blue Raincoat," "Suzanne," "Hallelujah," and "Take this Longing" stand out right now.

Genesis's "Back in N.Y.C." is some of Peter Gabriel's best, in my opinion.

also... "Airshow '88" and "Drinker's Peace" by Guided By Voices.

Jeramaya · #5 08-05-2007, 12:41 AM

jwsamuel · #6 08-07-2007, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaron

What tunes have your favorite stories?

Just about anything on Rodney Crowell's last three CDs (The Houston Kid, Fate's Right Hand an The Outsider).

Jim

hbarcat · #7 08-07-2007, 11:15 AM

Paul Simon's lyrics are the best.

I'm pretty sure it was his song writing ability that got Princess Leia to agree to marry him.

morf · #8 08-07-2007, 11:30 AM

Anything ever written by Bob Dylan.

tZer · #9 08-07-2007, 11:48 AM

"Freedom is just another word for nothin left to lose..."
- Me and Bobby McGee by Kris Kristofferson

I don't think I have ever heard so much said in so few words.

"Oh, I said "I'm so happy, I could die."
She said "Drop dead," then left with another guy. "
- The Angels Want to Wear my Red Shoes by Elvis Costello

I don't know if this rises to the level of a "Masterpiece Lyric" - but every time I hear it I laugh! Nontheless, Elvis (Declan) is a brilliant lyricist, in my opinion.

four2oh · #10 08-07-2007, 11:51 AM

i'm a bassist, who listens to words?! all i listen for is where the one is!

Phalex · #11 08-07-2007, 11:53 AM

I want to kiss her but...
She won't let me.

I want to hold her behind...
Closed doors and more.

She's the kinda girl who takes guys hearts and wreck't 'um

I don't remember who wrote that one,

The Beat Farmers "Happy Boy" was pretty friggin awesome tooo!

ebozzz · #12 08-07-2007, 12:47 PM

Strange Fruit by Abel Meeropol.

Jim Nazium · #13 08-08-2007, 05:46 AM

Is it this place
That makes me fall from you?
Forget the words
That once rang so true
And did we expect
That life was ever fair, my God
I sowed a field of rose and reaped a whipping rod
- Dam Would Break, Toad the Wet Sprocket

There is a silence that comes to a house
Where no one can sleep
I guess that's the price of love
I know it's not cheap
- Light My Way, U2

Baryonyx · #14 08-08-2007, 08:35 AM

Neil Peart did a stunning job on "Hold Your Fire". IMO, still the best album I've ever heard.

Phantopeth · #15 08-08-2007, 09:32 AM

I'm a fan of Ben Gibbard's lyrics with Death Cab For Cutie & The Postal Service. The Postal Service's "Nothing Better" gets me every time: to me, it's the saddest song ever written.

Then there's What Sarah Said, Transatlanticism, New Year, Title and Registration, the list goes on and on

nysbob · #16 08-08-2007, 09:51 AM

Bob Dylan - any tune on Blonde on Blonde

Randy Newman, John Prine, Warren Zevon - no shortage of great lyricists out there.

Jared Lash · #17 08-08-2007, 10:40 AM

+1 to a lot of what's already been mentioned - Paul Simon, Dylan, Cohen, Elvis Costello. I think his work with Disney has left Newman unappreciated as a great writer of biting sarcasm and satire. And I love "Strange Fruit". Bono has his moments IMO. I like most of Maynard's stuff.

Some that haven't been mentioned:

Michael Stipe is hit or miss, but some of his lyrics are amazing.

Adam Duritz's lyrics on the first Counting Crows album get me every time. I'm a fan, but I don't think they've made another album nearly as good as August and Everything After.

Jeff Buckley is the best modern torch singer I can think of.

Another personal favorite is Jackie Greene. I'm still surprised he hasn't broke out bigger nationally. He's got a gift for hooks and clever wordplay to go along with some amazing musical talent and an old soul outlook.

I'm sure I'll think of others.

**Adam Barkley** · #18 08-08-2007, 11:00 AM

Death may come invisible or in a holy wall of fire
In the breath between the markers on some black I-80 mile
From the madness of the governments to the vengeance of the sea
Everything is eclipsed by the shape of destiny

So love me now
Hell is coming
Kiss my mouth
Hell is here

Little soldier, little insect, you know war it has no heart
It will kill you in the sunshine or happily in the dark
Where kindness is a card game or a bent-up cigarette
In the trenches, in the hard rain, with a bullet and a bet

He says, "help me out"
Hell is coming
Could you do it now?
Hell is here

See the sterile soil,
Poisoned sky
Yellow water,
Final scraps of life
Bringing new tears

Wake, Baby, wake but leave that blanket around you there is no where as safe
I'm leaving this place but there is nothing I'm planning to take
Just you
Just you

No One Would Riot For Less by Bright Eyes.

Deacon_Blues · #19 08-08-2007, 11:37 AM

Sting:
All good but I particularly like these:
- I'm so happy I can't stop crying
- Shape of my heart
- Anything on the Soul Cages album

Don Henley:
Another truly great lyricist. A few examples that I particularly like:
- Hotel california
- The end of the innocence
- The heart of the matter

Steely Dan:
Cryptic, mostly quite funny lyrics that are as far from mainstream as you get. Any major dude will tell you that...

A few examples:
- Deacon Blues

- Doctor Wu
- Ricki don't lose that number
- Glamour profession

Stevie Wonder:
No-one can write songs like his and sing with the same feel as he does. THE Master of expressing feelings if you ask me.
- Lately
- Isn't she lovely
- Living for the city
- Pastime Paradise (Later used by Coolio in Gangsta's Paradise)
- Overjoyed

These lyricist just knocks me off my feet...