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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.
Lyric vs. Lyrics — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Lyric and Lyrics

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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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Author Spotlight

Written by
Tayyaba Rehman
Tayyaba 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.

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