Sorry – just seen this.

Robert

Short answer, lyrics need music, poetry doesn't.  Houseman is easier to set to music than Donne.

Both modes of art, but let's not confuse apples with oranges.  At least, not until someone discovers the score for the Iliad.

Robin

On 21 October 2016 at 18:50 David Lace <[log in to unmask]> wrote:


I'm still not clear on what exactly your distinction between poetry and lyrics is? I agree some lyrics don't "read" as good as some poems, and that some poems don't read as good as some lyrics. But where does that get us regarding a clear distinction?






--------------------Original Message----------------

Jamie McKendrick wrote:

I have the highest regard for him as a singer/songwriter - his
lyrics are way more interesting than most of the tribe - but as a poet I
don't rate him that highly. Hence my demurral at the award.