Best lyricist

Posted by: Consciousmess on 26 August 2005

Hi everyone,

As we're all musical audiophiles in some form or another, I thought I'd ask you all who you think is the best lyricist of all time? I personally put Roger Waters at the top but bo doubt many of you will disagree, especially as everyone has a different taste to music. But judged soley on lyrics, my hat goes off to Roger Waters.

Happy regards,

Jon

Posted on: 21 September 2005 by Sloop John B

"What about the meek they've got a bloddy cheek!" Yes Mark E. would have to be there somewhere.

Dylan and Thompo go without saying.

showing my heritage here though adding Phil Lynnot. obviously not a Shelly or Keats but "The Boys are back in town" so justs hits the point right.

"The jukebox in the corner blastin out my favoutite song, the nights are getting longer it wont be long, wont be long till summer comes, now that the boys are here again" ah yes

not so much the words but the way they are articulated.

Posted on: 21 September 2005 by graham55

Jeff Buckley (poor man hardly had a chance, but what he left behind is amazing).

Graham

Posted on: 21 September 2005 by Chris Kelly

I think Arthur Lee at his most inspired was excellent. "Forever Changes" has some excellent lyrics.
Can't argue with al that's been said in favour of Dylan though. Can't wait for the Scorsese documentary next week.

Posted on: 22 September 2005 by Guido Fawkes

quote:
Originally posted by Chris Kelly:
I think Arthur Lee at his most inspired was excellent. "Forever Changes" has some excellent lyrics.
Can't argue with al that's been said in favour of Dylan though. Can't wait for the Scorsese documentary next week.

Forever Changes is indeed magnificient.

Posted on: 22 September 2005 by Fisbey

Howard Devoto.

Posted on: 08 October 2005 by Richard P

Pete Shelley

Posted on: 10 October 2005 by TomK

Michael Marra - a cult Scot so not a superstar but his lyrics are superbly quirky a la Randy Newman. My favourite is Hermless which is his proposal for a pacifist Scottish national anthem. First verse:

Hermless, hermless
There's never nae bother frae me
Ah go tae the library an' tak' oot a book
Then Ah come hame for ma tea

Posted on: 15 October 2005 by Steve O

Has to be Ray Davies. Pure genius.

Posted on: 15 October 2005 by BarryD

Blue, blue windows behind the stars,
Yellow moon on the rise,
Big birds flying across the sky,
Throwing shadows on our eyes

Crosby,Stils, Nash or Young?