lyrics

word · lemma: lyric

/ˈɫɪɹɪks/
LIR-iks
/lˈɪɹɪks/
LIR-iks

Definition

The words of a song; what the singer sings.

Usage & Nuances

'Lyrics' is always plural, even for one song ('the lyrics are...'). Use 'lyrics' for songs, not for poems (for poetry, use 'poem' or 'verse'). Common collocations: 'write lyrics', 'learn the lyrics', 'song lyrics'.

Example Sentences

I love reading the lyrics to my favorite songs.

basic

The lyrics to this song are very sad.

basic

She writes her own lyrics for every song.

basic

I can't sing the chorus because I always forget the lyrics!

natural

These lyrics really speak to me—they describe exactly how I feel.

natural

Sometimes I make up my own lyrics when I can't remember the real ones.

natural