Lyrics vs. Poetry?

hmm. You can think of lyrics as free verse poetry. Free versing is a form of poetry that does not implement any pattern (stanza, meter, rhyme sceme, etc..). I would think that lyrics would be easier to understand than poems. The writer would have a lot more freedom writing free verse/lyrics, as opposed to the rigid form and unchanging meters of a poem.

Also this is just my opinion, but i think poems are much more antiquated than lyrical devices. The fact that most of the best poets in history date back hundreds of years really contributes to the fact that we have a harder time understanding it. Why? mainly because the language back then isn't used in modern times. People who lived back in Shakespeares' times probably had an easier time understanding what he wrote.

Another thing. People tend to be more exposed to music than poetry. They also find music more appealing. This might be a reason why more people understand music better.

The major difference is audience. Lyrics are written for a mass audience of people with disposable cash. Poetry is written for an audience that understands literature. Obviously one is much larger than the other.

Because of that initial difference, lyrics often times depend on cliche and less grammatically correct language in order to keep the beat. I poetry cliche is frowned upon as being lazy and grammatically incorrect language is laughed at UNLESS it is cleverly deliberate and is a device to make a point.

Lyrics go to a specific song but poetry comes from that persons heart

lyrics are poetry put to music. the reason most people understand lyrics better is that most poets try to use different ways to communicate the same idea in poetry.

I need a good balance of the two. No matter how great the lyrics are, if the beat and guitar sucks, I just can't listen. Likewise, no matter how fabulous the accompaniment, if the lyrics are dumb (and we've all heard those songs that make NO sense), I can't be bothered to listen... Besides, I rarely just listen. I have to sing along...

confusing factor. query using yahoo. just that might help!