L is for Lyrics: Song Lyrics

Song lyrics inspire me. Certain lyricists have an uncanny ability to convey powerful feelings and complex ideas in few words. How do they do that?  How do they register with us on an emotional and intellectual level so quickly.

Due to my fascination with song lyrics, I can't listen to music when I write. I write in complete silence. If there's music playing anywhere, my concentration goes towards the lyrics; studying the phrasing and the word choice, listening to the story.

Do you write with music playing?

Are you distracted by the lyrics?

Even though I am a song lyric junky, music matters. There are songs that I love even though I cannot identify any of the words; Pearl Jam's Yellow Ledbetter springs to mind. By the way, if you've never seen the Misheard Lyrics Guy's YouTube vid, do yourself a favor and watch this. Be prepared to laugh, it's hilarious. 

Granted, this is a subjective topic but here are a few of my favorite lyricists: Bob Dylan, Elvis Costello, Amy Ray & Emily Saliers (Indigo Girls), Wilco, Joanna Newsom, Paul Simon, James Mercer (The Shins), John Prine, Neko Case, Tom Waits, Issac Brock (Modest Mouse), Bruce Springsteen, Laura Marling, Bright Eyes, PJ Harvey, Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell, Jackson Brown, Amy Winehouse, Neal Young, Rufus Wainwright, Martha Wainwright, John Lennon... I could go on and on.

Who are your favorite lyricists?