A good lyric is like modern art in that it’s simplicity masks a great deal of emotion and skill, usually distracted by the idea that it can be done by any common audience member. To save space for a few great examples, I’ll rebut this argument by asking “then why don’t you?”. Does anyone assume that the following were just scribbled down in the midst of lunch? Spend the time to get past how simple these are, and appreciate the talent it takes to get that much emotion, imagery, and that big of a story into such sweet lyrics!
Dwight Yoakam - I Got You
“I got a note from the man over at the bank
Said the next ten gallons of gas I buy won’t be going in my tank
Hey I know I might seem near dead but honey I think I might just get well
Cause I’ve got you to see me through…”
Bob Dylan - Positively 4th Street
“I wish that for just one time
You could stand inside my shoes
You’d know what a drag it is
To see you”
Townes Van Sandt - Loretta
“Her age is always 22
Her laughing eyes a hazel hue
Spends my money like water falls
Loves me like I want her to”
John Prine - Far From Me
“Will you still see me tomorrow?”
“No, I got too much to do.”
Well, a question ain’t really a question
If you know the answer too.
(and I don’t think Rothko ever had to worry over a rhyme scheme!)
