Is it a good idea to recite song lyrics as poetry? - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Steve M. · 02-19-2007, 10:53 PM

I don't think so. I tried it two or three times at poetry readings in college and it was a really stupid thing to do. Song lyrics, contrary to popular wisdom, are not poetry; song lyrics don't normally sound as evocative read off a page as they are when performed to music.

ABlairican Pie · 02-19-2007, 11:02 PM

I don't know, I did that, and the instructor got on my case by saying some of my original poems sounded too much like rock lyrics, which means I was probably onto something!

It's interesting, because when you have poetic song lyrics (I've seen Bob Dylan's "Boots of Spanish Leather" featured in poetry book), it doesn't come across as the same thing as an actual poem, because of the meter and all that. I was a major poetry figure back in college back in the early 80's!

Featured at all the readings, and got published and everything.

Steve M. · 02-19-2007, 11:11 PM

I tried reading Pink Floyd's "Time" and Bob Dylan's "Subterreanean Homseick Blues" as poetry.

catlover79 · 02-20-2007, 12:55 AM

Maybe if it's a real obscure song no one will recognize...

02-19-2007, 10:53 PM	#1
Steve M. Back on the road to reality Forum Superstar Join Date: Nov 07, 2003 Location: New Jersey Posts: 33,307	Is it a good idea to recite song lyrics as poetry? I don't think so. I tried it two or three times at poetry readings in college and it was a really stupid thing to do. Song lyrics, contrary to popular wisdom, are not poetry; song lyrics don't normally sound as evocative read off a page as they are when performed to music.

02-19-2007, 11:02 PM	#2
ABlairican Pie Member Forum Superstar Join Date: Dec 12, 2001 Location: Living where cats reign more Supreme than a pizza. Posts: 31,620	I don't know, I did that, and the instructor got on my case by saying some of my original poems sounded too much like rock lyrics, which means I was probably onto something! It's interesting, because when you have poetic song lyrics (I've seen Bob Dylan's "Boots of Spanish Leather" featured in poetry book), it doesn't come across as the same thing as an actual poem, because of the meter and all that. I was a major poetry figure back in college back in the early 80's! Featured at all the readings, and got published and everything.
	__________________ Release the kitties. --Nathan Explosion

02-20-2007, 12:55 AM	#4
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,382	Maybe if it's a real obscure song no one will recognize...
	__________________ "Jesus loves you and He approves this message." "I'm alive. I'm feeling good. I'm trying to live every moment as much as I can." - Valerie Harper, March 2013

02-19-2007, 11:11 PM	#3
Steve M. Back on the road to reality Forum Superstar Join Date: Nov 07, 2003 Location: New Jersey Posts: 33,307	I tried reading Pink Floyd's "Time" and Bob Dylan's "Subterreanean Homseick Blues" as poetry.