[johnny]

I enjoy a wide spectrum of lyrics, from ones that sound more like poetry to ballads (as in, telling a story) to lyrics that are rhythmically very interesting.

Still, I don't like lyrics that are too pretentious or too vapid. "Partying!" lyrics, I tend to find pretty ridiculous, as well as "I am so sad, woe is me, wah wah wah" lyrics. Lyrics are an art form, and some people get it right while others fail miserably.

Examples of some of my favorite lyrics:

"Poetic"

Pass the tea and sympathy for the good old days long gone
We'll drink a toast to those who most believe in what they've won
It's a long, long time 'til morning plays wasted on the dawn
And I'll not write another line, for my true love is gone

When I have no dreams to give you anymore
I'll light a blazing fire and wait within the door
And throw my life away, "I wonder why?" they all will say
And now I lay me down to sleep, forever and a day"

Janis Ian, Tea & Sympathy

"Rhythmic"

Here come old flattop he come grooving up slowly
He got joo-joo eyeball he one holy roller
He got hair down to his knee
Got to be a joker he just do what he please

He wear no shoeshine he got toe-jam football
He got monkey finger he shoot coca-cola
He say "I know you, you know me"
One thing I can tell you is you got to be free
Come together, right now, over me.

The Beatles, Come Together

"Ballad"

Oh what are those hills yonder, my love
They look as white as snow
Those are the hill of heaven, my love
You and I'll never know

Oh what are those hills yonder, my love
They look as dark as night
Those are the hills of hell-fire my love
Where you and I will unite

Oh twice around went the gallant ship
I'm sure it was not three
When the ship all of a sudden, it sprung a leak
And it drifted to the bottom of the sea

Traditional (Performed by Bob Dylan), The House Carpenter