lyricist

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lyricist" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a person who writes the lyrics for songs, typically in the music industry. Example: "Taylor Swift is not only a talented singer but also an accomplished lyricist who writes her own songs."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

5) Lyricist on some of the greatest pop songs of the 1960s.

The Guardian

Turner is frequently hailed as the most brilliant lyricist of his generation – the heir to Dylan, Lennon or Cohen – and it is certainly true that he is careful with words.

The Guardian - Music

In 1996 John Perry Barlow, a former cattle rancher, lyricist for a rock band, the Grateful Dead, and commentator on technology, posted these words in an online discussion group.

The Economist

AT CHINA'S 'coming-out party', the Beijing Olympics in 2008, the popular theme tune was a song called "Beijing Welcomes You", with words by a renowned Hong Kong lyricist, Albert Leung.

The Economist

Ahmad Fouad Negm, a well-known poet and lyricist, derided the regulars as "preening and pompous, glib and loquacious, never going to demos and never mixing with crowds".

The Economist

So begins John Perry Barlow, once a lyricist for the Grateful Dead and now a cyber-libertarian, in a tract he penned in 1996, entitled, "A Declaration of the Independence of Cyberspace".

The Economist

U.S. lyricist, producer, and director.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Leonardo's portrait is also the inspiration for the classic song "Mona Lisa" by American lyricist Ray Evans and songwriter Jay Harold Livingston: It was famously recorded in 1950 by the jazz pianist and vocalist Nat King Cole and later by his daughter Natalie, as well as many others.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Fain achieved his first success as a songwriter after teaming up with lyricist Irving Kahal in 1927, and the pair collaborated until Kahal's death in 1942.

Encyclopedia Britannica

American lyricist, screenwriter, and actor who, enjoyed a six-decade-long creative collaboration with Betty Comden that resulted in not only a number of joyously enduring stage and screen musicals but so close a working and performing relationship that they were often mistakenly thought of as a married couple.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In 1960 he composed, with lyricist Oscar Brown, Jr., "We Insist!

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to someone's profession, use "lyricist" if they specifically write song lyrics. This term is widely recognized and understood.

Common error

Don't confuse a "lyricist" with a composer. A lyricist writes the words, while a composer writes the music. Some individuals perform both roles, but they are distinct skills.

Linguistic Context

The word "lyricist" functions primarily as a noun, identifying a person who writes the lyrics for songs. Ludwig's examples show it used in contexts ranging from describing historical figures to contemporary artists. The Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

44%

News & Media

35%

Science

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lyricist" is a common and grammatically correct noun used to describe a person who writes song lyrics. As Ludwig AI states, the word is widely used and understood. Predominantly found in Encyclopedias and News & Media, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts. While sometimes used interchangeably with "songwriter", "lyricist" specifically denotes the writer of words, not necessarily the music. Alternatives include "lyric writer" and "song poet", but "lyricist" remains the most recognized and direct term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lyric writer

This is a direct synonym, simply using two words instead of one.

songsmith

This alternative conveys the craft and skill involved in writing songs.

song poet

This alternative emphasizes the poetic aspect of lyric writing.

poet for songs

This alternative emphasizes the poetic element within songwriting.

composer of lyrics

This is a more formal and descriptive way to refer to a lyricist.

wordsmith for songs

This alternative highlights the skill in crafting words specifically for songs.

lyrical author

This alternative emphasizes the authorial role in lyric creation.

song text writer

This alternative is very literal and descriptive.

verse writer for music

This alternative specifies that the writing is for musical compositions.

words and music writer

This indicates someone who writes both words and music, not just lyrics.

FAQs

How is a lyricist different from a songwriter?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, a "lyricist" specifically writes the words to a song, whereas a songwriter may also compose the music. Many artists are both "composers" and lyricists.

What skills are important for a lyricist?

Key skills for a "lyricist" include strong writing ability, a good understanding of rhythm and meter, the ability to convey emotion and tell stories through words, and creativity.

What are some famous lyricists?

Some famous lyricists include Ira Gershwin, Stephen Sondheim, Tim Rice, and Bernie Taupin. These artists have written lyrics for some of the most iconic songs and musicals in history.

What's the difference between a "lyricist" and a poet?

While both poets and lyricists work with words, a "lyricist" writes words specifically intended to be set to music. A poet's work, on the other hand, stands alone without musical accompaniment, even if the "song poet" often use similar poetic devices.