# Who are the best modern lyricists? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [January 14, 2010, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-the-best-modern-lyricists/524998 "2010-01-14T22:41:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2010, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-the-best-modern-lyricists/524998/21 "2010-01-15T00:09:04Z")
David Byrne and Tom Waits were the first two to come to mind. I’m a big Neil Young fan also. I keep meaning to check out Costello but I haven’t gotten around to it. ---
**Author:** ![CoolHandCox](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/coolhandcox/32/16233_2.png) [@CoolHandCox](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CoolHandCox)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2010, 12:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-the-best-modern-lyricists/524998/22 "2010-01-15T00:11:17Z")
Daniel Hutchens from the band Bloodkin. Range of song lyrics, but always a southern underbelly. Here’s a link to their [songs/lyrics](http://www.bloodkin.net/Bloodkin.net/Lyrics.html). He has hundreds of great lyrics, but here are a couple lyrics below [describes his mother] > [@](#): > > “with a touch of Old Testament iron > and a whiff of wild Rhododendron” or [life in general] > [@](#): > > it’s hard keeping faith > when the world is such a whore or [waiting on God to talk to him] > [@](#): > > so I’ll polish up my rifle > bless each bullet with a kiss > stare for hours out the window > waiting for somebody I can’t miss > I am the hand of retribution > I am the cobra coiled to strike > waiting til I get my signal > I wonder if tonight’s the night ---
**Author:** ![Anamorphic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/anamorphic/32/3057_2.png) [@Anamorphic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anamorphic)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2010, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-the-best-modern-lyricists/524998/23 "2010-01-15T00:12:48Z")
> [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > Shane MacGowan > [@jjimm](#): > > Seconded. Thirded. ---
**Author:** ![Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e47c2d/32.png) [@Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biffy_the_Elephant_Shrew)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2010, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-the-best-modern-lyricists/524998/24 "2010-01-15T00:13:14Z")
Costello and Leonard Cohen. With a tip o’ the hat to Tom Waits and Joni Mitchell. ---
**Author:** ![Joe\_Kerrman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/45deac/32.png) [@Joe\_Kerrman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joe_Kerrman)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2010, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-the-best-modern-lyricists/524998/25 "2010-01-15T00:27:03Z")
All the names everyone brought up here are great. Anyone who remembers me knows Bob Dylan is my favoritest ever, so of course I think he’s the tops, mainly if you’re into creative imagery and not much plot. Among those not yet mentioned, I believe Rhett Miller does most of the lyrics writing for the Old 97s, and I’d have to say he deserves a big shout out. On school days in “Friends Forever”: > [@](#): > > “The 12 years after 5, the years you’re lucky to survive.” > … > “Went out for the football team > Found out the hard way not to live your dad’s dream > Then I found a guitar and the rest’s a fanzine.” From “Won’t Be Home No More” > [@](#): > > “You’re a bottlecap away from pushing me too far. > This problem’s getting big and it’s a compact car.” I just like that image of a bottlecap, because if you hold it in your fingers people always say you’re _this close_ to pushing me too far and, yeah, a bottlecap fits in there. Colin Meloy also does a fine job for The Decemberists, but his stuff is just so f\*\*king grim. ---
**Author:** ![Invisible\_Chimp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/f05b48/32.png) [@Invisible\_Chimp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Invisible_Chimp)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2010, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-the-best-modern-lyricists/524998/26 "2010-01-15T00:29:42Z")
Ditto Elvis Costello and Leonard Cohen. I nominate Richard Thompson and Robbie Fulks. ---
**Author:** ![Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e47c2d/32.png) [@Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biffy_the_Elephant_Shrew)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2010, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-the-best-modern-lyricists/524998/27 "2010-01-15T00:31:24Z")
> [@Ataraxy](#): > > I nominate Richard Thompson Good choice! ---
**Author:** ![RealityChuck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/realitychuck/32/195_2.png) [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2010, 12:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-the-best-modern-lyricists/524998/28 "2010-01-15T00:47:48Z")
Billy Joel. If he had concentrated on Broadway shows, he would have blown Stephen Sondheim out of the water. Others not mentioned so far: Keith Reid (of Procol Harum), Lyle Lovett. ---
**Author:** ![Terraplane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/74df32/32.png) [@Terraplane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terraplane)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2010, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-the-best-modern-lyricists/524998/29 "2010-01-15T00:51:59Z")
Sam Beam of Iron and Wine writes some good stuff. A lot of it is more imagery than narrative, but I think it’s just great. This one is mostly southern gothic imagery, it’s a good drivin’ down a long dirt road song. Woman King, [Full Lyrics](http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/Woman-King-lyrics-Iron-Wine/EBA4AECE9AA1D54A48256F710009E971), [YouTube clip](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8obrc0eA6gk) > [@](#): > > blackbird claw, raven wing > under the red sunlight > long clothesline, two shirt sleeves > waving as we go by > > … > > black hoof mare, broken leg > eye on the shot gun shell > age old dog, hornet nest > built in the big church bell This one is a bit more narrative-ish. Upward Over the Mountain, [Full lyrics](http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/ironwine/upwardoverthemountain.html), [YouTube clip](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Kh09MuIfIU) > [@](#): > > Mother don’t worry, I killed the last snake that lived in the creek bed > Mother don’t worry, I’ve got some money I saved for the weekend > Mother remember being so stern with that girl who was with me > Mother remember the blink of an eye when I breathed through your body > > … > > Mother I made it up from the bruise on the floor of this prison > Mother I lost it all of the fear of the Lord I was given > Mother forget me now that the creek drank the cradle you sang to > Mother forgive me I sold your car for the shoes that I gave you ---
**Author:** ![woodstockbirdybird](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/woodstockbirdybird/32/7905_2.png) [@woodstockbirdybird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/woodstockbirdybird)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2010, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-the-best-modern-lyricists/524998/30 "2010-01-15T00:53:25Z")
> [@Anamorphic](#): > > Thirded. Fourthed. He and Elvis Costello were the first two that sprang to mind. Morrissey’s a good pick, as well. I always found Dylan overrated. Lou Reed’s done some great work, as well. ---
**Author:** ![theoldman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/b782af/32.png) [@theoldman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/theoldman)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2010, 12:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-the-best-modern-lyricists/524998/31 "2010-01-15T00:54:00Z")
> [@slowmovingvehicle](#): > > I agree about Paul Simon and Bruce Springsteen, but I’m sorry - Bob Dylan is not in the same league as Ani DiFranco. holy smokes that was funny ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_Q](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/898d66/32.png) [@Johnny\_Q](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Q)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2010, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-the-best-modern-lyricists/524998/32 "2010-01-15T01:05:45Z")
Stephin Merritt is pretty good. ---
**Author:** ![pancakes3](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ba9def/32.png) [@pancakes3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pancakes3)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2010, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-the-best-modern-lyricists/524998/33 "2010-01-15T01:06:49Z")
this is a pretty lax definition of “modern” isn’t it? i would be hard pressed to list any lyricists that aren’t “modern”. +1 on the iron&wine lyrics. the Boss may have endearing lyrics, but i’m not sure if he’s epically great. mellencamp’s a better songwriter. ---
**Author:** ![Oakminster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/77aa72/32.png) [@Oakminster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oakminster)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2010, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-the-best-modern-lyricists/524998/34 "2010-01-15T01:23:22Z")
I’d probably vote for Dylan, with much love for Gordon Lightfoot, and, of course, the late Ronnie Van Zant. ---
**Author:** ![kingbighair](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/13edae/32.png) [@kingbighair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kingbighair)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2010, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-the-best-modern-lyricists/524998/35 "2010-01-15T01:59:17Z")
I am going to go with Bjork. ---
**Author:** ![koeeoaddi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/koeeoaddi/32/408_2.png) [@koeeoaddi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/koeeoaddi)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2010, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-the-best-modern-lyricists/524998/36 "2010-01-15T02:07:20Z")
> [@Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](#): > > Costello and Leonard Cohen. With a tip o’ the hat to Tom Waits and Joni Mitchell. Yes, yes, yes, yes, …and Patty Griffin. ---
**Author:** ![blondebear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blondebear/32/1022_2.png) [@blondebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blondebear)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2010, 2:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-the-best-modern-lyricists/524998/37 "2010-01-15T02:53:12Z")
I think Adam Schlesinger (of Fountains of Wayne) deserves a mention. Besides writing or co-writing many of FOW’s songs, he’s done notable work for movies (_That Thing You Do_, _Music and Lyrics_), TV (_A Colbert Christmas_), and theater (John Waters’ _Cry Baby_ ). ---
**Author:** ![ctywkr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ecb155/32.png) [@ctywkr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ctywkr)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2010, 3:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-the-best-modern-lyricists/524998/38 "2010-01-15T03:35:01Z")
I have to agree with most of the people in this thread. I have to add three. Warren Zevon, Kevin Gilbert, Frank Zappa. ---
**Author:** ![Sam\_Stone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Sam\_Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sam_Stone)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2010, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-the-best-modern-lyricists/524998/39 "2010-01-15T03:37:21Z")
Ahem. **Warren Zevon** and **John Prine**. Any list that doesn’t have both of them in the top 10 isn’t worth the photons needed to display it. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Second\_Stone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/bbe5ce/32.png) [@The\_Second\_Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Second_Stone)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2010, 3:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-the-best-modern-lyricists/524998/40 "2010-01-15T03:57:21Z")
> [@MPB\_in\_Salt\_Lake](#): > > Bob Dylan, Robert Hunter, Van Morrison are the Holy Trinity to all serious music lovers. (PERIOD) > > Paul Simon, Neil Young, and Bruce Springsteen should also be venerated… I’ve gotta agree with Hunter Thompson that “Mr. Tambourine Man” has the best lyrics of any song I’ve ever heard. And Bob Dylan isn’t on my 10 albums to bring to a desert island. Head and shoulders best lyrics ever. I am very fond of the lyrics of all MPB’s pick’s, except Paul Simon, whom I only like. I agree with Paul about his own lyrics from the old days: embarrassingly pretentious when looked back on and could only be loved by a teenager. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-the-best-modern-lyricists/524998.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-the-best-modern-lyricists/524998.md?page=3)