Hi Kenneth,

For me there's a big difference in regards of abstract and plainspoken lyrics.

In plainspoken lyrics the intention of the writer is usually self-evident and there's no need to speak of it, unless it is not readily apparent. I can imagine writing/singing a love song meant to show how conceited and unlovable the singer is. This "kind of" strategy is practiced by Randy Newman: it's a comedic, satiric turn, for sure, and I'd better explain to my peers in a forum what my intentions are, or I'm dead meat, LOL...
So there are some exceptions...

But with more abstract lyrics, the reader is starting out with something "strange" to begin with, so talking about what "one is trying to achieve" is certainly natural and welcome, but for most of us it's not comfortable territory for reviewing...I would rather know up front (from the author) what he/she wants me to pay attention to, so as to concretize, somewhat, how to approach the lyric...

--Mike


Last edited by Michael Zaneski; 01/22/09 12:52 AM.
Fate doesn't hang on a wrong or right choice
Fortune depends on the tone of your voice

-The Divine Comedy (Neil Hannon)
from the song "Songs of Love"
from the album "Casanova" (1996)