The Best lyricists of all times

If Shakespeare got in a time machine, and went to the 1960's to become a beatnik, he would have changed his name to bob dylan.

Dylan should top this list. Mj and veder are good, but Dylan is unparrelled. Neither has written anything as beautiful as I want you, as ambitious as desolation row, as backhandly snark as positively 4th street, don't think twice. And so on... And it's the entire catalog. Dude has songs he's played once or twice that are lyrically amazing. Abandoned love, carribean wind, 4th time around. Listen to the bootlegs and live stuff. He is constantly changing lyrics to songs and improving upon them. Hell tangled up in blue (popular) has changed from first person to third over the years... Dylan tapped into woody guthrie's (should be on the list) spirit and ran with it and eventually surpassed Guthrie. He captured the ear of an entire generation with blowin in the wind and held it for years and years. I'm a 23 year old guitar/harmonica and look up to dylan as my number 1 influence 40 years later. He resonates through music lore, as he should. Find me an MJ line that touches a nerve like "how many roads must a man walk down/before you call him a man" Dylan is a phenomenal lyricist and in my opinion, one of the greatest poets America has ever seen. PS if you haven't read Dylan's short novel "tarantula" I highly recommend it.

I can't help but wonder why Dylan isn't topping the list. "Desolation Row", "It's Alright Ma", "Tangled Up In Blue", "Forever Young", etc. are some of the most lyrically brilliant songs of the rock canon and maybe ever.

"in my life" is still disputed, I believe. "Strawberry Fields" is great. "Imagine" is great the first couple times you hear it, then it appears be less art and more poltics. - Overall Lennon was definitely a great lyricist, though not he lost some edge when the Beatles broke up and he no longer had Paul to compete with.

^You, sir, obviously know nothing about the Beatles or even Lennon's solo career. Paul was the saccharine one. John wrote the great lyrics like "Strawberry Fields Forever", "In My Life", and "IMAGINE"! Freaking Imagine! If that song isn't enough proof of the quality of his music, listen to the entire Imagine album. Jealous Guy, Gimme Some Truth...his lyrics are phenomenal.

I can argue it. John Lennon's lyrics are overly romantic, saccharine and hypocritical. They explore no true emotional depth, but just the same shallow ideals as the times they represent. The quality of the melodies can be argued - the lyrical quality, however, cannot; as is there is none.

Should be number one

because he was "the third Beatle"

why do people automatically assume that Harrison was "the third beatle"?

George Harrison before Paul McCartney??? Yikes....

MJ was a good lyricist, has written some amazing things, but he should not be number 1 on this list, not even in the top 10. There are dozens of more worthy candidates.

Death makes angels of us all and gives us wings where we had shoulders smooth as raven's claws

Should be #3, behind Dylan and Oberst.

Should be higher.

Bernie Taupin # 51 are you kidding me. He is easily top 10 and probably top 5.

Amen. Like Elton John said himelf.....There would be NO Elton John without Bernie Taupin.

Waterloo sunsets is one of the best ever

In my opinion, he is #1. Please listen to "Dedicated Follower of Fashion" or "Well Respected Man", I can't stop smiling while listening to his songs. By the way, #2 is David Bowie.

Being an artist, he is able to create images in his lyrics. Space Oddity was one of the best examples, and of course we have to mention "Life On Mars" (Isn't it the "Comme d'habitude/My Way" written in a parallel universe?)

bono should be top 10. just go read the lyrics from "the fly"

She is obviously very well-read! The problem with today's lyricists is that they didn't grow up reading. They don't have a mastery of words because they haven't been exposed to many. It's pretty sad.

Bruce is not just a great musician and performer, but a great poet.

Everyone today likes pop, because it requires a simple mind, but Bruce is rock and brings out a poetic "flavor" and is the best lyricist ever.

I love the song "Glory Days" and "Thunder Road" and the Boss is great. He expresses himself clearly and in a poetic way. Jonathon Stewart said that when he listens to Bruce, he is not a loser, he is part of an epic poem-about losers.

All of his songs are epic poems about life and sadness and he is not the boss- he is god

The Boss needs to be higher. Thunder Road, Backstreets, and Jungleland are some of the best lyrics ever written, and that's just the Born to Run album. Definitely top 5.

Thunder Road is my favorite song ever

4th Of July, Asbury Park (Sandy), Incident On 57th Street, Meeting Across The River&Jungleland, My Father's House, Racing In The Street, Sinaloa Cowboys, Black Cowboys, Stolen Car, Point Blank, Streets Of Philadelphia, The Hitter, The Promise, The Promised Land, The River, Thunder Road, Wild Billy's Circus Story.... well the list goes ever on.. Look up the lyrics to those songs and you'll see that Bruce Springsteen is the best lyricist of all time!

Jimi Hendrix's lyrics were pure poetry, having him this far down on the list is disgraceful. Voodoo Child? good lord. Little Wing? Gypsy Eyes?

Agreed with the other guest. Nonsense phrases that you have to be high in order to tie into something else are in so many songs just to get from one verse to another.

Needs to be in top 10. His lyrics are so tight and void of nonsense phrases.

Personally, I think Morrissey belongs somewhere in the late teens or early twenties, not top 1.

My bad, there not their

His lyrics are some of the best I've ever heard, and even though it was their biggest hit, Their is a Light that Never Goes Out has the most amazing arrangement. Not to mention the lyrics are superb

Neil Peart is also the greatest drummer / percussionist of all time.

Plus ca change, Plus c'est la meme chose, The more that things change, The more they stay the same. (circumstances) I don't think he's a great lyricist, but still he has to be int this list.

My three favourites are Neil Peart, Roger Waters and Jim Morrison. They are by far more advanced lyricists than anyone else and probably are still ahead of their time. I'm shocked that they are not 1, 2 and 3

I think Neil should be at number 1.

Roger should be in the top 5 with kohen, morrissey, nick cave and dilan.

Could probably be #1 here. He's a poet like Dylan but of a different style. Dylan was a beat poet. Waters is closer to a romantic poet.

Yes. Listen to "The Final Cut" Great!

He is number one no doubt.His lyrics must be too over you peoples heads.

no. not at all.

I agree but it's Vedder.

It's "It's". :)

Its Vedder :)

best there ever was

His words create vivid pictures and evoke strong emotion never before attempted by other artists.

He should be number 1.

this is number one, without a doubt

A true prophet..

What's So Funny Bout Peace Love and Understanding was written by Nick Lowe

what's so funny about peace love and understanding!!!! Epic

Sky Blue and Black is a masterpiece.

The lyrics kinda run together, sorry.

The entire Late For The Sky album should put him in the top 10. People just aren't as familiar with him as, say, Eminem. Some samples: I'm gonna find myself a girl Who can show me what laughter means And we'll fill in the missing colors In each other's paint-by-number dreams And so they traded their tired wings For the resignation that living brings And they exchanged life's bright and fragile glow For the glitter and rouge Now the angels are older They know not to wait out for the sun They look over my shoulder At the maps and the drawings of the journey I've begun -From "The Pretender", "Before The Deluge", and "Farther On", respectively.

His combo of having a great voice and great lyrics make him not only one of the better lyricists of all time, but one of the best musicians of all time as well

A human being in pain writes the most beautiful and honest poems in a world made of cruelty and truth. 'I want to walk on snow and not leave a footprint.' he says in 4st 7lb and theres no one today who can express such a painful and deadly concept in such a delicate and poetic way. His lyrics and not just lyrics, are poetry...

Neil Peart should be #1. BY FAR the greatest lyricist. I think it's honorable that he's mentioned-he just isn't the frontman.

Richey wrote the best lyric ever in 4st 7lb, he should be number 1

why isn't Richey Edwards no 1??? outrage!!!

Eulogy - great writing

Maynard is so above the rest it's not even funny, just look up one of his songs in Tool or A Perfect Circle and you'll see for yourselfes. It doesn't matter wchichsong, they're all pure poetry.

His lyrics are much more emotional and intelligent and deep than anyone else's, with the exception of thom yorke.

Actually, it's Maynard James Keenan. And his are the most intelligent lyrics I've ever heard.

Today is one of the greatest songs ever written, he should be number 2

I think he is on this list twice!

Him and Maynard James Keenan are my favorites by far

This man is a true lyrical genius. He's right up there with Dylan,Lennon & McCartney, Morrison. He's a poet. His lyrics form pictures. he'll sing about murder,depravity,serial killers,multiple murders and freaks of nature. However on the flip side to that, he's written some of the beautiful love songs in existence, and not your "candy coated, sickly sweet, holding hands in the park at sunset" type love song, which seems to sweep the world off their collective feet ( generally speaking), but REAL love songs, the anguish of love, the hurt of love, deep possessive love, unrequited love, but also the joys of love, the pleasure it brings to you. All done in such a way, you'd swear these were songs handed down from generation to generation. Theres not many Song writers will ever aspire to the heights this man has reached. He should definately be in the top 3 of all time.

Nick Cave should be much higher.

how is he this far down???????????hes not even my fav singer or performer but he is the best lyricist

best lyricist ever, should be number 1

All his songs have extreme deep meaning that u have to think to get his message. Never had I said WTF did he just say with beatles and majority of rock and pop. Most won't say he's the best because they don't know him. His word play is unmatched by any artist in history period. He also influenced every lyrical rapper after him. Much credit should go to rakim who is most influential NAS nit onlynhad content but it sounded so good it's almost impossible to believe he does it. I would put him against anyone and his lyrics are better and he write the greatest dis song of any genre is history. If u don't know the name u won't understand where I'm coming from

No doubt best lyricist of all time. better than Eminem and a little better than tupac.

Seriously nr 50. he is the nr. 1 best hip hop lyricist so he should be above Eminem. ... Freedom or jail, clips inserted, a baby's bein born Same time my man is murdered, the beginning and end As far as rap go, it's only natural, I explain My plateau, and also, what defines my name. that he is nr 50 makes me mad

''I opened up Shakespeare's tomb, stole his remains, grinded his bones, then smoked 'em and got in the game''...or...''True in the game, aslong as blood is blue in my vein, I pour my heineken brew, to my deceased crew in Memory Lane''...perfect examples of why he is atleast top 5.

he should be in top 5.his way of presenting the streets is just outstanding.

NaS is illmatic. Memory Lane is ill

didn't he write "Me and Bobby McGee" - Joplin sang that song like no one else. Possibly her best performance.

I'm excited about finding this list and in many cases I agree. Bob Dylan is beyond brilliant. In fact, he penned one of my favorite songs of all time. Ani DiFranco should definitely be higher on here, but she hasn't the exposure of most of these artists and yes, it matters. Vetter: sure. Fiasco: a stretch. Tupac: crickets. Cohen: hard to argue. Eminem: take the time to listen, without an agenda or preconceived notions. If you can't appreciate it, it is a shame, however don't fret, there may be art forms that you can appreciate that some of the rest of us can't wrap our minds around. He has no contemporary equal whom I've had the pleasure of hearing.

Eminem is not even close to the best hip hop lyricist!!!! Why is he number six for all types of music.....maybe number six in hip hop,

Just like Morrissey, Eminem does not deserve to be this high on the list. I like his lyrics, but they just don't compare to the company he's around. Just one place below Dylan, and he even beats Marley, Cohen, and the Boss. Maybe people are just more familiar with him.

If you think he is a lyrical geniuses you obviously haven't heard of John Lennon or Bob Dylan.

Mind blowing Lyrics.

'Throw down your umbilical noose so i can climb right back.' 'Rape me, rape me, my friend' 'Come as you are, as you were, as i want you to be, as a friend, as an old enemy' 'Its ok eat fish, they have got no feelings...' May disturb, may offend, may confuse or be completely incomprehensible but it all comes from emotion, pain and overwhelming feelings.

His lyrics are beautiful... deep... depressing.

Nobody portrayed real life in his songs like 2Pac. He may have turned a little pop at the end of his career, but lyrically he crushes most of these guys listed over him.

His lyrics were/ are an inspiration to the oppressed, I know that doesn't apple to many but for the few living threw what he depicted with his every word, not only did it have a galvanizing effect but also provided that glimmer of hope which ultimately was enough to mark his legacy as one of the greatest lyricists of all times.

Robert Hunter was the voice, the words of the Dead. Sit down with Ripple, or Friend of the Devil, or Althea, or Loser and we can argue all night long about who the best lyricist in Rock was. My vote will always be Robert Hunter.

Should be higher. A truly incredible songwriter and lyricist

needs to be higher. jeff tweedy is an amazing poet

Jeff tweedy had the best lyrics that can be ever said by any man. Listen to his live album "Kicking Television" or studio album "yankee hotel foxtrot" then you will understand.

Truly genius, has won noble prize for "Gitanjali".

The greatest ever. He's the only one with a Nobel prize in this list!

He is the best.Indians are proud on him as he is a noble award winner.According to me he should be at number 1.

Elliott Smith makes me high everytime i listen to him.

John is one of the best lyricist ever. Like Dylan and Cohen he is often looked over because of his voice. He writes lyrics that are smart, funny and touching.

Absolutely Incredible! Should definately be near the top!

this guy is good

Conor Oberst is a lyrical genius

conor oberst is too great to be true

seriously, he should be up way higher.

Conor Oberst is by far the second greatest of all time (After Dylan)

Seriously I'm not saying anything bad against her or anything but no way is she a lyrical genius ... Especially at no.18....Like, come on...

Wow above Roger Waters??!! This is a sick sick world.

best lyricist here. He deserves to be more famous than he is right now. He is not phony at all. Lots of people on this list have shallow lyrics. Not this guy!

Depeche Mode amazing band!

45 lol. but I agree. songs like Bukowski, Blame it on the Tetons, Styrofoam boots/its all nice on ice, 3rd Planet and this list goes on. love love love modest mouse

man he needs more props than 62; Brock is in my top ten of the best lyricist in today's music industry.

Dave Matthews' lyrics relate to everyday situations and puts them into song form. Almost all of his songs, if not all, are easy to relate to and apply to anything.

Matt Thiessen is one of the most underrated songwriters in the world today. Everything this guy writes is gold!

He's a poet. Great lyrics, especially on Mrs. Potters Lullaby

Layne Stanley was brutally honest and showed a poetic cruelty against what could torment him. 'Here they come to snuff the rooster Yeah here come the rooster, yeah You know he ain't gonna die No, no, no oh, you know he ain't gonna die' How can this chorus be so raw and sweet at the same time? Raw of death and sweet of living...

I couldn't agree more. The songs title and registration and crooked teeth are probably my favorites with death cab. The Against all odds cover by the postal service was amazing as well.

Chris Cornell is probably one of the best lyricist from the 90's. Besides expressing pain lyricly in his songs, he has the nessecity of enchanting us manifesting anger vocally...