Abstract Lyrics

[annayarbrough]

Hi guys.

I've noticed some songs getting placed over and over in popular shows despite having pretty abstract lyrics. While there's a definite mood, I don't know that the lyrics scream 'universal'... or maybe I'm oversimplifying.

What are your thoughts—have you seen a place for more abstract/almost poetic lyrics? I've always thought that it would be harder to place things like this (or at least harder to get past screeners).

Does mood win out in the end?

I'd welcome your thoughts. Not talking about super off-the-wall lyrics that make no sense to anyone... more so the ones that leave just a little bit of the story to the imagination.

[funsongs]

By "universal" in the lyrics department and in the TAXI listing use, that seems to be more about what NOT to use - i.e. specific names & places -
than what is deemed universally 'artistic' - even poetic, as you suggest. I think you're correct that MOOD is the main ingredient... and so, how you title a piece in alignment for the listing's language could make or break how quickly the client/screener is going to make that connection.
2 cents from The Peanut Gallery.
Your mileage may vary (gas is $3.56 here!! OUCH!!)

[Len911]

Anna, the way you laid out your case, I'd agree with. Not every song has a story, but they do have a mood that comes from the perspective. so yes, esoteric abstract, bad, poetic mood, no story, okay. The title may be especially important in a mood, poetic song than the other types.

[LoCaRi987]

Wow, Anna, you are hitting on a topic that I have been looking at a lot lately. To me many new song lyrics are "stream of consciousness" driven. This may be a starting place (for most of us) whereas the real lyric masters can do the entire lyric in one poetic swoop (not my talent, but we can collaborate with those so gifted). So, I believe there are many ways to get "there" with great lyrics -- e.g., based on something close to your heart, or real, or relate-able; spiced with poetic images to "say" a feeling in an image rather than blatant "Hallmark card" (as Robin Fredericks so eloquently puts in her book about how to write song lyrics).

Lyrics are very evolved right now, and some are better than others. Only time will separate out the really great songs, as in the really good songs will stand the test of time and be around in 40+ years.

[ochaim]

... more so the ones that leave just a little bit of the story to the imagination.

I think you nailed it right there. I think lyrics that describe a feeling without being too literal about what the feeling is makes them more syncable because its not “on the nose”, so they can be used without conflicting with anything in the scene as long as the mood is right. and they tend to be more poetic.

[markhimley]

I think you nailed it right there. I think lyrics that describe a feeling without being too literal about what the feeling is makes them more syncable because its not “on the nose”, so they can be used without conflicting with anything in the scene as long as the mood is right. and they tend to be more poetic.

+1 to this

[annayarbrough]

Thanks for the input guys! As a fan of slightly more ambiguous lyrics, I'm relieved

[funsongs]

Thanks for the input guys! As a fan of slightly more ambiguous lyrics, I'm relieved

WRITE ON!!

[annayarbrough]

Thanks for the input guys! As a fan of slightly more ambiguous lyrics, I'm relieved

WRITE ON!!

Hear hear!