We had a discussion in my Literature class this year if there were any artists who released songs with lyrics of literary merit. We never came to a firm conclusion, but there was a timid agreement that musicians don't write advanced poetry, but they do their job - writing simple lyrics. However, I believe that there are a couple artists who have managed to transcend regular lyrics with some level of poetic quality. Bob Dylan, Jonie Mitchell, and Tom Waits were some that came to my mind. Keep in mind that not ALL of their work is extremely advanced, but they have their rises and falls. Are there any other artists that you would consider?

One of the best lines I've ever heard: "All the apostles, they're sitting in swings saying, "I'd sell off my savior for a set of new rings." Modest Mouse - Bankrupt on Selling. Great use of alliteration!

Lou Reed

In terms of newer artists, Jeff Tweedy (Wilco) writes some truly poetic lyrics.

Joni Mitchell.

Who else could adapt the whole Yeats poem comfortably into a song?

Lennon, Dylan, Waits, Roger Waters (formerly of Pink Floyd), Lou Reed, David Bowie (yes, Bowie can sometimes be a brilliant lyricist), Springsteen.

I could come up with others but those have a lot to offer in a literary sense.

I thought this thread was going to be about Spandau Ballet! I will throw Sting into the mix, as well as Peter Gabriel. Early Billy Joel is another prime candidate. Nick Cave is a lyrical god.

Jim Morrison

My bible consists of R.e.m. lyrics. More votes for Nick Cave, Tom Waits, Bob Dylan, Jeff Tweady, and David Bowie.

I worship at the altar of Cave and Waits. Dead Can Dance had some brilliant lyrics as well.

Richard Thompson has some brilliant lyrics. As mentioned already: Dylan, Mitchell, Waits.

Dead Milkmen


My Bloody Valentine


Common

Come on people:

Morrissey, especially anything he wrote with The Smiths

"It's so easy to laugh, it's so easy to hate. It takes strength to be gentle and kind."

And on the 8th day, God created Happy Shiny People, holding hands.

Some lyrics snippets I particularly enjoy:

"The gas heater's empty, it's damp as a tomb
and the spirits we drank are now ghosts in the room
I'm knackered again, come on sleep take me soon
And don't lift up my head 'til the the twelve bells at noon" - Spirit of the West, Home for a Rest

"For time it comes, and time it goes
It makes the strongest tree to bend
Kings and Queens have no defence
Time brings all things to an end" - Great Big Sea, Time Brings

In addition to pretty much the entire Bob Dylan catalogue. I also like how Loreena McKennit sings a few notable poems (The Highwaymen, Dark Night of the Soul, The Lady of Shallot).

Oh? How about "I was looking for a job and then I found a job"

Pure poetic genius!

You think the shadow of doubt
Is hanging over my head
It's just an angel
Whose wings hide the sun

Jarvis Cocker
Nick Cave
Leonard Cohen

Hey, that song is pure gold.

"Why do I give valuable time, to people who don't care if I live or die?"

Let's Dance!
Put on your red shoes and dance the blues.
Let's Sway!
To the song that's playing on the radio!

Let's see that Shakespeare fellow beat THAT!

I haven't seen Robert Hunter (lyricist for the Grateful Dead) mentioned.

Oh yes, I meant to mention Jeff Mangum. Great lyricist and overall song writer.

I know some people will disagree but I'd have to say Bob Marley. Most of the lyrics are fairly simple but he manages to get a lot of meaning and feeling across in a few words.

"There is a rose that I want to live for/
for all God knows, I may not have met her."

Joe Strummer rules.

I think Paul Weller with The Jam wrote some of the most amazing lyrics ever---and what I like about him is that he could (and did) write songs about ANYTHING---love, relationships, world politics, social causes, newspaper headlines, day to day life, or just walking down the street.

Ray Davies with the Kinks has also done some fantastic lyrics, as has Justin Sullivan of New Model Army.

Mike Scott with the Waterboys has written some fantastic stuff.
I would agree that Morrissey is a lyrical genius, and I would also praise Shane MacGowen of the Pogues.

Of course Dylan and Springsteen, and I also like a lot of REM's lyrics.

Man, there's a lot of people out there who have done some good lyrics:

Bob Marley
The Police
early Big Country
Bono's early stuff, particularly on Unforgettable Fire

Stephin Merritt of Magnetic Fields, The 6ths, The Gothic Archies and Future Bible Heroes

"Eligible, not too stupid
intelligible and cute as Cupid
knowledgeable, but not always right
salvageable and free for the night"
- A Chicken With Its Head Cut Off

"The cactus where your heart should be
has lovely little flowers
so though it's always pricking me
my ardor never sours"
-The Cactus Where Your Heart Should Be

"Papa was a rodeo
Mama was a rock'n'roll band
I could play guitar and rope a steer
before I learned to stand
Home was anywhere with diesel gas
Love was a trucker's hand
Before you kiss me you should know
Papa was a rodeo"
-Papa Was a Rodeo

"I'll turn into a nightingale
My song will warm thy heart...
Well, I'll turn into a threshing machine
and tear thy bird apart...
But I'll turn into a vampire
and kiss you on the neck...
Well I'll turn into a silver cross
and send thee back to Heck...
But I'll turn into a hydrogen bomb
and atomize the air...
Well I'll turn into a cockroach
and you'll see if I care...
But I'll turn into a supernova
and burn up everything...
Well I'll turn into a black little hole
and you'll turn into string...
But I'll turn into God himself
and then you'll come to me...
Well I will not believe in you
and then where will you be?"
- Wi' Nae Wee Bairn Ye'll Me Beget

Many of Bruce Cockburn's songs.

My favourite being:
CALL IT DEMOCRACY