An open letter to 'I am not a lyrics person'

Dear “I am not a lyrics person”, 

Oh, I see you. You’re the one in the back of the room, nodding along to that catchy tune, smiling politely when someone mentions the lyrics, and quickly muttering, “I’m not really a lyrics person,” like some badge of honour. You, my friend, are the vibe person. The “I like the music” person. I know your reaction as you read this - Pfft, lyrics? They’re just words! The music is what really matters.

And, look, I get it. Life’s busy. You've got emails to send, meetings to attend, people to impress, make the world a better place and an entire digital life to maintain. But allow me to gently (but firmly) rock your world for a moment: You’re missing out. You might debate that the last thing you need is to care about some words sung by a stranger. But what if I told you that, in your dismissal of lyrics, you’re missing out on the essence of music? That beneath the beat, beneath the harmony, there’s an entire universe of emotion, storytelling, and profound beauty waiting for you?

But before that, to all the new faces, hello, I am Tanushree Ishani Das (TID). I have a blog piece where I have shared everything about myself. I think you will enjoy it. Life is too short, take that risk and read my blog :)

Now, before you click away in a huff (probably to listen to something with a catchy beat or a groovy vibe but zero substance), let me take you on a little journey through the enchanted forest of song lyrics, where magic happens and ordinary tunes transform into timeless anthems.

The Magic Behind the Words

At the heart of every great song, there’s usually a message. A lyric is the vessel that carries this message straight into your soul. And yes, while the music - oh, sweet music - absolutely holds its own, it’s the words that give the song its reason for existing. Without the words, it’s like a painting without a frame - still visually impressive, but it just doesn’t mean anything. You wouldn’t walk into the Louvre and stare blankly at a masterpiece, right? You’d be asking questions: What’s the story? What does it say about it? The same goes for a song.

Now, I’m not asking you to become a poet laureate overnight. But next time you hear a song, try this: listen to the lyrics. You’ll find they aren’t just there to fill the gaps between choruses. They're often the thing that makes the song last in your memory long after the final note fades.

Still not convinced? Ugggh stubborn goat! OK here’s why you should be paying attention -

You’re Not Just Listening - You’re Feeling

Here’s the thing. If you don’t care about the lyrics, then you’re essentially reading a book without looking at the words. Sure, the cover might be pretty, the paper might feel nice, and there’s probably a decent storyline - BUT YOU’RE MISSING THE WHOLE POINT.

Lyrics are the soul of a song. They’re the reason you remember a tune long after it stops playing. Think about the power of a single line in a song. You know the one. That lyric that hits you right in the feels, makes you look out of the window like you’ve just had an epiphany, and for a brief, shining moment, you think, “Yes, this is life.”

Take Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here”. Now, if you’re not familiar with the song (and I’m going to assume you’ve been living under a rock if you aren’t), here’s a little snippet of the lyrics:

“How I wish, how I wish you were here. We’re just two lost souls swimming in a fishbowl, year after year.”

Those 15 words aren’t just words. They’re an existential cry, an emotional confessional wrapped in a simple yet profound phrase. No amount of ‘vibe’ could convey the feeling of loss and longing that those words do. You don’t just hear it; you feel it. If you’re not catching that vibe, then I’d recommend you listen a little closer.

Let me share another example and this time one of my top favourites - Pink Floyd’s “High Hopes”. Why Pink Floyd again? Because nothing says ‘legendary’ like a bit of Floyd. And if you’ve never truly listened to the lyrics of this one, then you’re missing out on one of the most poignant meditations on life, loss, and the passage of time ever written.

“The grass was greener, the light was brighter, with friends surrounded, the nights of wonder.”

Right? You can practically feel that nostalgic ache, can’t you? It’s the sound of childhood innocence, and the painful recognition that the world - our lives - are constantly shifting beneath our feet. These aren’t just words. These are memories, fragile and fleeting. They’re not only telling you about the past, they’re inviting you to reflect on your own journey, and how you too have watched “the grass turn greener” or perhaps, less green as time goes on. It’s about what we lose and what we gain. And that, my friends, is something a mere ‘vibe’ just cannot capture. Although Gilmour’s guitaring in the song gives me a musical orgasm EVERY SINGLE TIME. 

Lyrics are The Silent Communicator of Our Hearts

Now, if you’re still in denial, let me bring in a heavy hitter and another one from my top three favourites - Guns N’ Roses, with their iconic “November Rain”.

You know the one. It’s not just a song. It’s practically a love letter set to music. And yes, while it may involve a metaphorical rainfall of epic proportions (because let’s face it, November rain is never just rain), the real emotional weight is carried by the lyrics.

Take this classic line from Axl Rose: “Nothin’ lasts forever, And we both know hearts can change.”

Ouch, right? That one line has the kind of emotional depth that makes you want to curl up with a box of tissues and a pint of ice cream (or perhaps, in most cases, a pint of IPA - but who’s judging?). I love the song but I cannot live it in real life. Lord no! This isn’t just a song. It’s a moment in time, and the lyrics are the thing that makes it linger in your memory long after the strings fade away.

“Do you need some time on your own? Do you need some time all alone? Ooh, everybody needs some time on their own, Ooh, don't you know you need some time all alone…”

“What about the beat, the playback voice, the guitar solo?”- you may ask. Those things matter, no denying that. But what makes a song last - what makes it become a classic - is the power of its lyrics. Because those lyrics speak to us. They voice the things we can’t express ourselves. They’re the intimate confessions, the heartfelt declarations, and the aching truths that we all recognise at our core.

When you’re in love, you don’t just want to hear a tune - you want that song to tell your story. The lyrics become words that you can’t find yourself. They’re the way we express the inexpressible. And when a song speaks to you in this way, you don’t just “like it.” You need it. This far outweighs feeding a prompt to ChatGPT and asking it to write a poem for your beloved. 

Now, if you think Metallica is just for head-banging and distortion-heavy <#iykyk> riffs, I’m about to change your world. Enter “Nothing Else Matters” - a song that’s as heavy in its emotions as it is in its sound. One of my top favourites. 

This one’s for the romantics who never realised that Metallica could also be a soundtrack to love. The classic line: “So close, no matter how far, Couldn't be much more from the heart, Forever trusting who we are, And nothing else matters”

It’s pure vulnerability. Metallica, the purveyors of the most ferocious riffs in rock history, stripped back to something soft, delicate, and incredibly intimate. In this song, the lyrics aren’t just telling a story about love - they’re living it. This is about being so close to someone that the world fades away, leaving only the raw connection between you. “Never opened myself this way, Life is ours, we live it our way, All these words, I don't just say, And nothing else matters”.

And whether you're in a relationship or not, we’ve all had those moments where we felt that intense closeness - “no matter how far.”

This song is like the heavy metal equivalent of a romantic letter, and if you don’t feel something when you hear it, well, you may need to have a little chat with your emotions.

And speaking of love... Let's talk about Aerosmith’s epic ballad “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing”.

Again, one of my top favourites. This song was practically made to be dedicated to your love - though you’d probably want to skip the “dreaming of you” part if you’re just in the early stages.

But hear me out. That line:

“ I don't wanna close my eyes, I don't wanna to fall asleep, 'Cause I'd miss you baby, And I don't wanna miss a thing”

It’s obsessive. It’s all-consuming. And that’s precisely why it works. Whether you’re madly in love, desperately missing someone, or caught in that first flush of infatuation, those lyrics are your feelings, perfectly encapsulated in song. It’s a raw, unapologetic declaration of wanting to live in the moment with someone so intensely, so completely, that you never want it to end. Sure, you may never actually want to live like that (I’m pretty sure some personal space is needed), but we’ve all been there. Aerosmith just says it for us in a way that hits deep.

Next, we go from love to… well, something more mystical. Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” is often called the greatest rock song of all time, and for good reason. The song is an absolute journey - both musically and lyrically. Again, one of my top favourites.

“There's a lady who's sure all that glitters is gold, And she's buying a stairway to Heaven. When she gets there she knows, if the stores are all closed, With a word she can get what she came for. Ooh, ooh, and she's buying a stairway to Heaven. There's a sign on the wall, but she wants to be sure 'Cause you know sometimes words have two meanings”

And just like that, you’re transported into a world of symbolism, mysticism, and spiritual longing. The lyrics speak of a journey - one that starts with confusion and ends with illumination. You could spend hours trying to decipher the layers of meaning in these lyrics, and trust me, you’d still feel like there’s something left unsaid. The beauty of these words is that they don’t just paint a picture - they make you feel the weight of every step you take in life, the choices you make, and the paths you follow. This is the kind of profound wisdom that only lyrics can deliver. Music without it? Well, you might still enjoy the melody, but you’ll miss the journey.

The Metaphor That Is Your ‘Lyrics-Less’ Song

Let’s talk about songs with no substance for a second—those tunes where the beat’s bouncy but the lyrics are about as meaningful as a soggy cracker. You know, those songs that only exist to fill the background noise of a conversation. They’re fine. Nice. But ultimately, they’re like… a metaphor for your life, if your life were a metaphor without a point.

Imagine a beautiful melody without any meaningful lyrics. It’s like a perfectly styled garden without a single flower. Sure, the grass is green, and the shrubs are well-trimmed, but where’s the colour? Where’s the life?

In contrast, songs with poignant, powerful lyrics are like a garden full of flowers—beautiful to look at, yes, but when you smell them, you can’t help but get lost in the experience. It’s the difference between a song that is instantly forgettable and one that you’ll be singing in the shower for decades.

Why are Lyrics so important for some?

Well, maybe it’s because humans are obsessed with stories. Let’s face it—life’s complicated enough as it is, so we seek solace in songs that articulate what we sometimes can’t.

Have you ever been in love? (I’m sure you have. If not, there’s always hope….. I think.) And in that moment, don’t you find yourself reaching for the perfect song? Something with lyrics that tell the world how you feel, when words themselves can’t do the job?

When we’re in love (or any deep emotion, really), we don’t just want to feel it—we want to express it. And the best way to express those feelings? With song lyrics. This is why people dedicate songs to one another. Or at least they used to. Oh Gosh! Bless my millennial heart. Think about it. It’s not because the music’s good. (Although, yes, the music helps.) It’s because those lyrics speak in a way that your own voice just can’t.

Take The Beatles’ “Something”: “Something in the way she moves, attracts me like no other lover.”

That lyric? It’s a declaration of love that doesn’t need an elaborate speech or a card with flowers on it. (A card with flowers? It’s so obvious that a millennial is writing this piece.) It’s simple, direct, and yet somehow, it holds the weight of the world.

The genius of lyrics is that they take something as abstract as emotion and turn it into something tangible.

The Legends of Lyrics: A Trip Down Memory Lane

Now, I’m not saying that every song from the ‘70s and ‘80s is a lyrical masterpiece. But… let’s be honest, a lot of them were. You’ve got David Bowie’s “Space Oddity” with its intergalactic isolation, The Rolling Stones’ “Angie” with its raw heartbreak, and Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” - the song that turned our collective reality into a surreal fever dream with lines like: “Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?”

If that doesn’t get your mind whirring, you might want to check if your soul’s still in there somewhere.

And speaking of timeless lyrics that continue to resonate across generations, let’s talk about John Lennon’s “Imagine”. Those simple, yet profound lines - “Imagine there's no heaven, It’s easy if you try, No hell below us, Above us, only sky” - carry a vision of hope, peace, and unity that feels as relevant today as it did when it was first released. 

The beauty of “Imagine” lies in its universality: it asks us to envision a world without the divisions that so often drive conflict - be it religion, nationality, or ideology. It’s the kind of song that makes you pause and think about what could be possible if we truly lived with open minds and hearts. Lennon’s lyrics are both a call to action and a meditation on the power of collective humanity, asking us to imagine a world where we are all united by our shared humanity rather than divided by what makes us different. In today’s turbulent times - amid political polarisation, environmental crises, and global conflicts, this song remains an anthem of hope. It reminds us that, as much as things may seem impossible, a world of peace and understanding isn't out of reach. The power of Lennon's words isn't just in their idealism; it's in the reminder that, through unity and love, we can begin to imagine a better future. And that's why “Imagine” remains evergreen, because it speaks to the universal longing for a more compassionate world, a longing that has never gone out of style.

Before I conclude, let’s talk about the great Bob Marley - whose music did more than just fill stadiums, it brought people together. Marley’s songs, like “One Love” and “Redemption Song”," were about unity, peace, and healing. But Marley’s influence wasn’t just confined to his fans. In fact, his music played a pivotal role in Jamaica’s political landscape during a time of intense division. In 1978, when the country was deeply fractured due to political unrest and violence between rival political factions, Marley famously brought together leaders from opposing sides for a historic peace concert. His music, rooted in messages of love and brotherhood, was the glue that held these polarised figures together, offering a moment of hope for the nation. His ability to unite people with his songs is a testament to the power of lyrics. His words didn’t just speak to individuals—they had the power to transcend the politics of the day and inspire collective action for peace. In today’s world, we’re still facing many of the same struggles: division, inequality, and conflict. But Marley’s legacy lives on, reminding us that music - especially when paired with meaningful, poignant lyrics, has the power to heal wounds, bridge divides, and inspire change. “One Love” remains not just a song, but a global anthem for peace, proving that his messages still resonate and have the power to bring us all together, no matter our differences.

As it was in the beginning (One Love!);
So shall it be in the end (One Heart!),

Moral of the blog: Don’t Be the Person Who Misses the Point

Look, I’m not here to make you feel bad for not appreciating the full glory of song lyrics. But I do implore you to listen closely next time. Because lyrics are not just window dressing; they’re the beating heart of the song. Without them, you’re not really hearing the song, you’re just catching a pleasant wave. And while that’s fine and all, isn’t life more than just a series of waves?

So, the next time you’re grooving to your favourite tune and someone mentions the lyrics, don’t shrug and mutter, “Oh, I don’t pay attention to those.” Instead, listen. Feel it. Because trust me—life’s too short to ignore the lyrics. You’re missing out on the magic.

Before I leave, here’s something for you. I promise it’s not a course on “How to appreciate lyrics” or a link to my GoFundMe campaign. If you’re a lyrics person, this DEFINITELY is for you and if you’re not, well, this could be a message from the universe. Click here to view this AMAZING surprise.

Goodbye, everybody, I've got to go
Gotta leave you all behind and face the truth