What is more important in a song – lyrics or music?

by Deep Gold Deep Gold's Music in Maine

It just seems so logical and fascinating to try to talk about lyrics and music separately and to weigh their value in a song, doesn’t it? But a song is sung, and by definition, is a blend of words and melody. Any good song, either by luck or the artist's prowess, is an ideal forging of the lyric with many melodic elements in a way that is suited for that particular genre.

Are lyrics and music separable, though? Well, most likely not! Music and lyrics have to be weaved with each other in a way that respects the various elements of a song, or else something gets off the right track on both sides.

Of course, the question of pitting lyrics up against music in songs seems to overlook the fact that there are so many different elements, techniques, artistic choices and craft involved in making the audience notice the lyrics or in loving a song. So, what should be asked and explored is not so much "what is more important" but more like - How do the singer/songwriter(s) craft or treat all the elements in their songs, to spotlight certain elements (like a lyric or a hook) and not others? What makes a song a hit? And if a song is not a hit, what elements are ignored in the song? Even if a song has the best new music in Maine, if key elements such as approach to lyrics, delivery of the lyric, voice of the singer, arrangements, sonic texture, instrumentation, key, harmonic motion, culture, producer, etc. are not attended to, then it is very likely the song will simply feel hollow or just not click with audiences on some level.

Musical artists and bands, whose songs stand the test of time, have attended to themselves (their heart, their vision, their ideas, and their taste) and to the many technical elements of their songs by their talent, intention, passion and hard work. Deep Gold from Portland is a good example of such artists as his songs are a perfect mix of his resonant voice, poignant lyrics and soothing music – all of which make for a treat to the ears.

In conclusion, to just pit 'lyrics' against "music" only appears to be an oversimplification of singing/songwriting or little like asking the wrong sort of question.