Castle Paradox

[msw188]

When you listen to lyrics, are you more interested in the literal meaning or the poetic flow? I guess that's a little vague, I'll tell you all what made me think of this: I once read a review of Van Morrison's Astral Weeks album, and the reviewer made a comment like (and I'm paraphrasing here): People seem to like the lyrics, but to me it seems like too often Van chooses words more for their sound than for their meaning.
Now I'm asking, why does this author view this as a negative idea? If the lyrics were only used for literal meaning, than you might as well read them from a lyric book, rather than hear them sung.
For myself, I tend to put the balance more towards the flowing side, and the mood and feel of the lyrics rather than their literal meaning. But at the same time, I don't like hearing nothing but imagery and atmosphere. I think that's why I like John Lennon; his word choice is very good in my opinion, and he often has something very meaningful to say as well, at least to me. Some other favorite lyricists of mine include:
Bob Dylan, Keith Reid (Procol Harum), Van Morrison (NOT Jim!), Pete Townshend (usually), Stevie Wonder (usually), Paul Simon (occasionally), some combination of Crosby Stills and Nash, not usually Neil Young though...

[Iblis]

[Setu_Firestorm]

Call me an ignoramous, but I never listen to a song for the lyrics. For some reason, I only listen to songs for their musical sound.

....then I find out later what they're really saying. Heh.
_________________


Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/georgerpowell
Newgrounds: http://setu-firestorm.newgrounds.com

[madhatter]

For me, it depends on the song. I love to write, so I like to listen for the meaning of the lyrics. But then again, I also like the sound of the words themselves. So I think it depends on each song. I listen to a lot of Bob Dylan, and I don't listen for how the words sound, but what they mean. Same goes for Leonard Cohen and a bit of Janis Joplin. On the other hand, I'll listen to Buffy Saint-Marie's work for the sound of her words, as well as their meaning. She has a truly amazing voice (or should I say lung capacity?). Note that I only have listened to her early folk music though. I dunno what she's been singing recently, but I've heard it's techno >.<

Setu: There's nothing wrong with that. If you love playing instruments, listen to them as well. They're as important to a song as the lyrics are, in most cases. In fact, depending on the song, they're more important.

[Chaz VanLanden]

I listen to music for its sound then poetic value and the way the lead singer delivers the linespersonally. But The music can't be corny ethier
_________________
You may only address me as OVERLORD Neko-Kame... Never Ne-Ne-Ka!

[Zerith]