The importance, or not, of a story in a song
 

Just wondered how everyone feels? Assuming the song has a lyric, is it important to you that it tells some sort of story or gives you an insight into the writer, or are you happy if it's vacuous and fluffy, obvious rhymes strung together with no real intention to impart any sort of message or tell a story?

Obviously, coming from a prog rock background, I like to hear good ideas expressed in lyrics, but that's just me. I know some here aren't even bothered about lyrics, and then again there are the non-English artistes, so I would just be interested to see how people view lyrics, if at all?

It's great but in no way a requirement.

How the hell did you get a post in before I even posted the thread??? :yikes: :bowdown: Your mod powers are truly awesome!

I'm unsure what the question is asking. Are you wondering if it's better to have a story in a song or...

I'm not sure how clearer I can make it.
When you listen to a song, is it important to you that the lyric of said song tells a story, ie are you happy if it's a "rock all night" or "dance with me" or "this sucks" kind of idea, or do you prefer (not saying it has to, just is it your preference) for it to tell a story, make a point, or give you some insight into the writer of the song?

I really thought the question was clear. I hope it is now.

you should try looking at the poll m8

Ki's stupid. End story.

Lyrics are not critical to my enjoyment of music, however, if they are great and they tell a great story, it elevates what's already been written.

I'm pretty much only drawn to lyrics that have some sort of dark content that's paired with wry self-awareness or a colourful story. See: Colin Meloy, Colleen Green, Jarvis Cocker, Kevin Barnes, so on.

EDIT: Oh, I see, this isn't about lyrics so much as it's actually about the content of them. Yes. I prefer musicians that tell stories in their writing to those who write nearly-meaningless, half-expressed ideas.

I didn't see the poll. My bad.