Favourite Lyricists?

[hanabiwings]

It may not be a very easy topic to discuss, because when relying on translations and so on, it is tough to say accurately. But, this is something I was wondering about: Who is your favourite lyricist?

I am most impressed by people whose lyrics appear in earnest. Even if the lyrics can seem clumsy in places, I am most attracted to this type of song. To me, lyrics are the foundation of a good song, so I hold them in high regards.

My favourite lyricist, is probably Ms. Onitsuka Chihiro. Every word she writes on the page appears more thoughtful than the last. Sometimes she says such strange things in her songs, but it is quite obvious that even these places are sincere representations of what she thinks. A lot of her early songs were spackled with English, sometimes in quite high doses. But, even these words seemed well thought out. I admire her.

Another favourite of mine has long been Ms. Hamasaki Ayumi. I'm certain to have some critics for my long history as a (sometimes vocal) supporter of the singer-songwriter/idol, but the truth is, she delivers. Her lyrics are so natural and sincere that I was attracted to them at once. From her rough beginnings during the first five singles she released to her more polished later works, I have always found something to marvel at. In every song, I find some common thread. There is always something that draws me to her. I feel like I have a comrade in her, somehow. It's long been my conviction that artists of any kind are trying to convey parts of themselves and their lives to other people. But with Ayu, I often thought, "I have felt the same way" or "That's exactly what I've been thinking!" More and more I realize that she has the same kinds of insecurities, irrationalities, and idiosyncrasies as anyone. I think that her humanity is something that I was attracted to first. She isn't necessarily a musician first: she is an artist trying to convey her message. Certainly, she is other things, but I like to believe that she is first an artist.

Gackt, too, has lately intrigued me. His lyrics aren't always pretty, but they're the type of lyrics that threaten to enthrall a person, in my eyes. It seems that he is seeking to overwhelm a person in the story he is telling. He mentioned this briefly in his autobiographical work. Others I really have respect for are Sakai Izumi (ZARD) and Yoshida Miwa (DCT). I think that the two of them are great to be able to write such a variety of high quality works on such a wide variety of topics. No matter how varied the lyrics and no matter what the inspiration, be it imagined or based upon experience, I think that they can pick something that will blend with the composition to which they are laying the words.

Any of you have someone who you really admire?

Ooo, and I forgot Nana from GARNET CROW. I really like her a lot a lot a lot: more than I can probably write.

[Akhet]

fiona apple!

"criminal"

I've been a bad, bad girl
I've been careless with a delicate man
And it's a sad sad world
When a girl will break a boy
Just because she can
Don't you tell me to deny it
I've done wrong and I want to
Suffer for my sins
I've come to you 'cause I need
Guidance to be true
And I just don't know where I can begin

What I need is a good defense
'Cause I'm feelin' like a criminal
And I need to be redeemed
To the one I've sinned against
Because he's all I ever knew of love

Heaven help me for the way I am
Save me from these evil deeds
Before I get them done
I know tomorrow brings the consequence
At hand
But I keep livin' this day like
The next will never come

Oh help me but don't tell me
To deny it
I've got to cleanse myself
Of all these lies till I'm good
Enough for him
I've got a lot to lose and I'm
Bettin' high
So I'm beggin' you before it ends
Just tell me where to begin

What I need is a good defense
'Cause I'm feelin' like a criminal
And I need to be redeemed
To the one I've sinned against
Because he's all I ever knew of love

Let me know the way
Before there's hell to pay
Give me room to lay the law and let me go
I've got to make a play
To make my lover stay
So what would an angel say
The devil wants to know

What I need is a good defense
'Cause I'm feelin' like a criminal
And I need to be redeemed
To the one I've sinned against
Because he's all I ever knew of love

What I need is a good defense
'Cause I'm feelin' like a criminal
And I need to be redeemed
To the one I've sinned against

Because he's all I ever knew of love



"sleep to dream"

I tell you how I feel, but you don't care
I say tell me the truth but you don' t dare
You say love is a hell you cannot bear
And I say gimme mine back and then go there - for all I care

I got my feet on the ground and I don't go to sleep to dream
You got your head in the clouds and you're not all what you seem
This mind, this body, and this voice cannot be stifled by your deviant ways
So don't forget what I told you, don't come around, I got my own hell to raise

I have never been so insulted in all my life
I could swallow the seas to wash down all this pride
First you run like a fool just to be at my side
And now you run like a fool, but you just run to hide, and I don't abide

I got my feet on the ground and I don't go to sleep to dream
You got your head in the clouds and you're not all what you seem
This mind, this body, and this voice cannot be stiffled by your deviant ways
So don't forget what I told you, don't come around, I got my own hell to raise

Don't make it a big deal, don't be so sensitive
We're not playing a game anymore; you don't have to be so defensive
Don't you plead me your case, don't bother to explain
Don't even show me your face, 'cuz it's a crying shame
Just go back to the rock from under which you came
Take the sorrow you gave and all the stakes you claim --
and don't forget the blame

I got my feet on the ground, and I don't go to sleep to dream
You got your head in the clouds, and you're not at all what you seem
This mind, this body, and this voice cannot be stifled by your deviant ways
So don't forget what I told you, don't come around, I got my own hell to raise




her lyrics are so clever and raw


my mantra in guilt felt times hehehe:

Heaven help me for the way I am
Save me from these evil deeds
Before I get them done
I know tomorrow brings the consequence
At hand
But I keep livin' this day like
The next will never come

[luminaire]

- Onitsuka Chihiro
- Azuki Nana
- Utada Hikaru
- Hamasaki Ayumi
- Hitoto You

Runner-ups:
- LISA
- Nakashima Mika
- Mochida Kaori
- KUMI (LOVE PSYCHEDELICO)

[AfanforXX]

x_x I don't have one, I don't really read translations therefore I judge mostly on song quality and vocal performance of the artist.

[paper_doll]

Well lets see, i like Ayu, Kyo (Dir en grey), Ryutarou (Plasitc Tree), Isshi (Kagrra,).

[Coelacanth]

Ayu, MISIA, hide, Tomiko Van...

Shakira

[ayumi_pukka89]

My favorite lyricist is Kyo (Diru). (To tell ya the truth...his lyrics sometimes make me cry....xD) God...he's amazing....>.<

[kournikova]

hamasaki ayumi n kokia for me

[UHPlus]

i like the lyrics of D.A.I's songs....they always have great depth and 'meanings of life' in it....

but i 'm not sure who wrote them...dai nagao or tomiko van?

[firefly]

Originally Posted by UHPlus

i like the lyrics of D.A.I's songs....they always have great depth and 'meanings of life' in it....

but i 'm not sure who wrote them...dai nagao or tomiko van?

I'm 99% sure tomiko writes all the lyrics ^_^v

and for me I love Ayu's, Utada's and Gackts lyrics (Even Vanilla LMAO) very much.

Another fave of mine is the chinese lyricist Lin Xi. (he's written many songs for Faye Wong) His Lyrics are very um... i dunno relaxing i guess, they're truthful and yet have a sense of playfulness to them or sometimes can also sort of laid back and almost sarcastic. Also his lyrics never sound forced, it all just seems to flow very naturally. Somehow they're always very simple and to the point but, they're also really beautiful too.

Never read any of Chihiro's lyrics b4 *runs off to find them* ^_^v

[luminaire]

For DAI, Tomiko writes lyrics. Ryo writes a few here and there, like "Week!".

[Findlay]

Personally I don't like lyrics that are about "love", for some reasons they just turn me off. As for the topic, my favorite lyricist is former member of ELT, Mitsuru Iagarashi, he mainly writes about the society, friendship, how to cope with our difficulties, dealing with failures, pursuing our dreams and goals plus helping others and also as the group name suggests, every little thing that happens around us that is actually important yet many people have neglected etc. Other than that, I really like Moriyama Naotaro's and Hitoto Yo's lyrics.

[PSYCHEDELICOdust]

Normally I love Utada's lyrics but with her Japanesey....oh dear.

Others include Ayu and Banchan.

[ashlee]

my favorite are : gackt, ayu (shes always makes me cry with memorial addrress), the one song namie wrote which was Drive i believe, and hikki's songs

[tsuki]

ayu, olivia, courtney love, gackt...

[Aldonia]

I love Olivia Lufkin's lyrics, as well as Ayu (of course!). Ayumi's lyrics are beautiful and so real.. I can relate to them at times. Olivia's lyrics can be beautiful at times, and strange at others.. I think that's why I like her lyrics, though.

[Ryu_1586]

Hmmm favorite lyricist....tough question indeed. So much music...so many artists......Well, to start it off... I would guess that my favorite lyricist(s) would have to be anyone ranging from Shaun Morgan (Of Seether) to Ayu, to Chester, and Mike (Of Linkin Park). I myself am one of my favorite lyricists (not to be stuck on myself lol, but I think that I can write rather well....sometimes. All of my friends praise my work, so I guess that I am good right?). But Yea, I like lyrics that seem true to life, personal experiences, and vibrant emotions. I like very explanitory feelings. It makes you relate rather well to the songs, and in turn, makes you like it (in most cases). It almost feels like you're connected with the singer (or writter of the lyrics).

[greggerz189]

Favorite Lyricists:

AYUMI HAMASAKI - I absolutely ADORE her lyrics. They're so inspiring and touching. And creative! Ayu's got quite a good head on her shoulders. She's a smart cookie.

ANGELA AKI - OO! She's really good at this. Abstract and original.

UTADA HIKARU - she's got some good ones, but not too many that are really thought-provoking

HIRAI KEN - I like his style of songwriting. It's not quite as immature as some of Hikaru's pieces, but then again, isn't too thought-provoking either...O_O

NAKASHIMA MIKA - She's written some damn good lyrics, that Mika, but only a few. She's got a few diamonds and the others are just...eh.

OTSUKA AI - she has some good lyrics, too, but then a lot of her songs have the same underlying theme, so it doesn't provide much of a sense of originality.

SHAKIRA - my favorite non-asian lyricist. love her!

[truehappiness]

I see bumpage. XD

But I love Ayu and Kaori Mochida <3 So expressive in their lyrics AND compositions.

[Hikki never counts cause she was like that since she was like 4]