It’s good to ask simple questions now and then. We learn the edges of things that way. And sometimes, that’s good. So—what is a song? At its core, a song is a blend of lyrics and melody. But what about instrumentals? They’re definitely music… but are they songs?
Songs are sung. Instrumentals aren’t—unless you’re scatting. Such a fine distinction. A song without lyrics is still music. But a song without melody? That’s… poetry.
Misheard and Still Loved
Songs are made to be sung along to. If we don’t know the words, we plow ahead anyway. Sometimes we sing the wrong lyrics. That doesn’t matter—except to purists. People still argue over what’s actually being said in “Louie, Louie.” Often the melody is so strong that the balance shifts. We can recite the lyrics, but rarely stop to consider them. “Yummy, yummy, yummy, I’ve got love in my tummy…” Okay—maybe not much to consider. Unless it’s a subconscious reference to the Vagus Nerve, which lets us think and feel from below the brain. Then? Suddenly very deep lyrics.
The Leonard Cohen Problem
I’ve raised this topic before— especially with Leonard Cohen. He was a published poet for a decade before he turned to songwriting. I once challenged readers of this blog to read his lyrics as poetry. If you weren’t familiar with his music, it might’ve worked. But for me? I couldn’t get through two lines before the melody crept in. The song took over the poem.I think I missed something.
The Current Quandary
This month, I’m recording Leonard’s work for a poetry website. The original poems are going well. Reading his song lyrics—without melody—is harder. I want listeners to hear the lyrics. To feel their weight, not just their tune. But reading them with a hint of the melody feels… off. Why not just sing the song? (Ha! If only I could.) My belief is this: Something additional can be learned when we disconnect the words from the music. But the link is so strong. It might be an impossible task. And not worth the attempt.
I’m in a quandary. Stay tuned.
