# 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:** 3
**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, 3:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-the-best-modern-lyricists/524998/41 "2010-01-15T03:59:19Z")
My list should have had four names on it. I did forget John Prine. I am an Idiot!!! ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2010, 3:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-the-best-modern-lyricists/524998/42 "2010-01-15T03:59:35Z")
Leonard Cohen Bruce Cockburn (not terribly well known in the US, but huge in his native Canada) ---
**Author:** ![In\_Winnipeg](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/a8b319/32.png) [@In\_Winnipeg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/In_Winnipeg)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2010, 4:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-the-best-modern-lyricists/524998/43 "2010-01-15T04:54:11Z")
Lennon and McCartney, Dylan, Cohen, Phil Ochs. ---
**Author:** ![GameHat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/ed655f/32.png) [@GameHat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GameHat)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2010, 5:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-the-best-modern-lyricists/524998/44 "2010-01-15T05:04:00Z")
You all get -1 for neglecting to mention [Beck](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beck) [Sea Change](http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:hifqxqtaldhe) was a fucking masterpiece of a breakup album. These days…I barely get by I don’t even try ---
**Author:** ![JThunder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e95f7d/32.png) [@JThunder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JThunder)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2010, 5:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-the-best-modern-lyricists/524998/45 "2010-01-15T05:55:21Z")
The late, great Howard Ashman. ---
**Author:** ![MerryMagdalen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c2a13f/32.png) [@MerryMagdalen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MerryMagdalen)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2010, 6:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-the-best-modern-lyricists/524998/46 "2010-01-15T06:02:13Z")
Lou Reed. Leonard Cohen. And Robyn Hitchcock. ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2010, 10:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-the-best-modern-lyricists/524998/47 "2010-01-15T10:07:55Z")
Billy Bragg Nick Cave Dido (I am not joking here - _Thank You_ is a great song) ---
**Author:** ![EinsteinsHund](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/einsteinshund/32/8400_2.png) [@EinsteinsHund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EinsteinsHund)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2010, 12:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-the-best-modern-lyricists/524998/48 "2010-01-15T12:49:54Z")
Post #48, and I’m the first to mention Ray Davies? ---
**Author:** ![MostlyClueless](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba9def/32.png) [@MostlyClueless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MostlyClueless)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2010, 12:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-the-best-modern-lyricists/524998/49 "2010-01-15T12:53:48Z")
> [@kingbighair](#): > > I am going to go with Bjork. Yes. ---
**Author:** ![Sigmagirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c89c15/32.png) [@Sigmagirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigmagirl)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2010, 1:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-the-best-modern-lyricists/524998/50 "2010-01-15T13:22:03Z")
> [@Labdad](#): > > John Hiatt’s lyrics never cease to amaze me. I came in to say John Hiatt. ---
**Author:** ![wolf-alice](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/9e8a1a/32.png) [@wolf-alice](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolf-alice)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2010, 2:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-the-best-modern-lyricists/524998/51 "2010-01-15T14:04:12Z")
My other husband, [John Darnielle](http://www.4ad.com/themountaingoats/profile/). > [@](#): > > I am drowning > There is no sign of land > You are coming down with me > Hand in unlovable hand Please get into him; the Mountain Goats are marvellous. Sometimes it’s the [delivery](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK2zYgZcP2k), but he’s lyrically, in my opinion, top-notch engaging stuff. I’ve never seen an audience inspired to belt out _I hope you die, I hope we both die_ with such genuine affection. ---
**Author:** ![MPB\_in\_Salt\_Lake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c0e974/32.png) [@MPB\_in\_Salt\_Lake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MPB_in_Salt_Lake)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2010, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-the-best-modern-lyricists/524998/52 "2010-01-15T22:33:11Z")
Since he hasnt been mentioned, I will add my 2 cents that Sting (though he may personally be a pompous jackass) wrote some incredibly insightful lyrics when he was with the Police (his solo stuff, not so much) and that in the late 70’s-early 80’s, the Police were about the most literate, lyrically significant rock band around… ---
**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 16, 2010, 7:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-the-best-modern-lyricists/524998/53 "2010-01-16T07:27:38Z")
> [@MPB\_in\_Salt\_Lake](#): > > Since he hasnt been mentioned, I will add my 2 cents that Sting (though he may personally be a pompous jackass) wrote some incredibly insightful lyrics when he was with the Police (his solo stuff, not so much) and that in the late 70’s-early 80’s, the Police were about the most literate, lyrically significant rock band around… I think his solo lyrics are better. More mature, less heavy handed. ---
**Author:** ![gaffa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e68b1a/32.png) [@gaffa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gaffa)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2010, 8:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-the-best-modern-lyricists/524998/54 "2010-01-16T08:04:02Z")
Lyricists who don’t get anywhere near the respect they deserve: **Kirsty MacColl**. She was a genius lyricist, the female Elvis Costello. Some samples: _Big Boy on a Saturday Night_ \*The last of England’s spoiled brats, grand order of the gutter rats A big fish in a public house You’re never going to learn to shut your mouth A silly pseudo lager lout with nothing much to shout about Spent hours looking in the mirror trying to perfect the perfect pout Now take the spotlight and pause for your applause Well my oh my you’re such a big boy on a Saturday night \* The internal rhymes, the alliteration, the structure… ---
**Author:** ![stpauler](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9d8465/32.png) [@stpauler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stpauler)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2010, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-the-best-modern-lyricists/524998/55 "2010-01-17T02:58:06Z")
[Greg Brown](http://www.gregbrown.org/gblyrics.html) is a legacy songwriter whose lyrics express so much without feel “fancy”. From “The Poet Game”, a song that talks about love and loss: > [@](#): > > I had a friend who drank too much > and played too much guitar - > and we sure got along. > Reel-to-reels rolled across > the country near and far > with letters poems and songs.. > but these days he don’t talk to me > and he won’t tell me why. > I miss him every time i say his name. > I don’t know what he’s doing > or why our friendship died > while we played the poet game. [Natalie Merchant/10,000 Maniacs](http://www.nataliemerchant.com/r/the-wishing-chair/lyrics/among-the-americans) always seems to be ignored when it comes to these lists. Her topics revolve around heavier ideas and I’ve always been impressed that she can do it without being heavyhanded or trite. In “Among the Americans” she recounts the Cherokee’s trail of tears and uses their word for President Andrew Jackson > [@](#): > > Suddenly, they were told to leave- > > As the snake uncoiled on a road > the length was eighty miles > wagons’ weary horses > lead the feverish exiles > barefoot in the early snow > on a ridge > where they beheld their home > coarse and barren > not the haven > promised by the Father > > Jaksa Chula Harjo John Wesley Harding does my favorite type of songwriting, mixing topical ideas with a dash of wit. In “Protest Protest Protest”, he takes the view of an aged cynic. > [@](#): > > I know it must have been easy > When everyone was ready to shout > There was much to complain about > Just get the guitar out > It was “Nixon And Agnew Out!” > Or whatever, but attitudes have changed > And we’re happy in the herd > Now the enemy’s blur > Prick us and we purr > It’s time to choose your words > A bit more wisely > > All you wanna do is Protest! Protest! Protest! > Could you be more introspective? > Protest Protest! Protest! It’s only you that’s suspect > That negative attitude will get you nowhere > Nowhere, nowhere, nowhere [Poi Dog Pondering](http://www.platetectonicmusic.com/id122.html) (Frank Orrall) has a way of writing uplifting lyrics without _frommage_, even if it’s about death. > [@](#): > > And all around my muscle and all around my bone, > don’t incinerate me or seal me from > the dirt which bore me, the bed that which from > the rain falls upon and the fruit comes from > For the dirt is a blanket, no fiery tomb, > No punishment, reward, or pearly white room > And you who say that in death we will pay, > The dead they can’t hear a word that you say > Your words are not kind, sober or giving, > they only put fear in the hearts of the living > So put away your tongues and roll up your sleeves, > and pick up your shovel and bury me deep. There’s also: Jill Sobule, Tom Waits, Tim Minchin, Cheryl Wheeler, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Ani DiFranco, Patty Griffin, and I’m sure I’m forgetting some big ones. ---
**Author:** ![MPB\_in\_Salt\_Lake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c0e974/32.png) [@MPB\_in\_Salt\_Lake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MPB_in_Salt_Lake)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2010, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-the-best-modern-lyricists/524998/56 "2010-01-17T03:05:09Z")
Poi Dog Pondering was SUCH a great band, and the couple of times I saw them play live were absolutely stand out performances… I dont know too much about what is going on with Frank Orrall recently, but that guy is seriously talented. ---
**Author:** ![Mixolydian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/da6949/32.png) [@Mixolydian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mixolydian)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2010, 3:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-the-best-modern-lyricists/524998/57 "2010-01-17T03:22:21Z")
Before this gets too out-of-hand (and methinks it will)…a few I haven’t seen mentioned… Steve Goodman Jackson Browne Jay Farrar and although he technically doesn’t fall into the last half century…Chuck Berry. ---
**Author:** ![MadTheSwine](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/9fc29f/32.png) [@MadTheSwine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MadTheSwine)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2010, 3:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-the-best-modern-lyricists/524998/58 "2010-01-17T03:29:10Z")
Warren Zevon Paul Simon Freddie Mercury Marty Robbins John Denver Dolly Parton ---
**Author:** ![LVBoPeep](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/858c86/32.png) [@LVBoPeep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LVBoPeep)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2010, 3:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-the-best-modern-lyricists/524998/59 "2010-01-17T03:48:49Z")
I’m just ditto-ing a few. Paul Simon- early stuff I really love “Cecilia” but mostly I like the later, solo career songs. There are VERY few albums that I like start from finish without any skipping songs, and _Graceland_ is one of them. But my favorite song of his has to be \*Hearts and Bones \*,I especially love the line: “Mountain passes, slipping into stone”. It’s simple but it’s just something I turn over in my head over and over. Morrissey/The Smiths: “Don’t you know…time’s tide will smother you”. I didn’t know when I was one of those depressed girls with the Hatful of Hollow t-shirt- but twenty years later, I sure as hell know now. Then I don’t know if anyone mentioned him because overall, he may not qualify. But Iggy Pop’s _The Passenger_ is my favorite song ever. \*Oh, the passenger. He rides and he rides. He sees things from under glass. He looks through his window’s eye. He sees the the things he knows are his, He sees the bright and hollow sky He sees the city asleep at night He sees the stars are out tonight. And all of it is yours and mine… \* ---
**Author:** ![koufax](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/7ea924/32.png) [@koufax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/koufax)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2010, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-the-best-modern-lyricists/524998/60 "2010-01-17T17:11:00Z")
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