Top 20 Best Lyricists of All Time, by The Top Tens

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Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan is an American singer-songwriter whose poetic lyrics and influential songwriting shaped the folk and rock music scenes. He often incorporates social and political themes, earning him a Nobel Prize in Literature in 2016. Dylan's work from the 1960s continues to impact generations of musicians and lyricists.

Well, I am shocked, stunned, and flabbergasted! Usually, I wouldn't be angry if my first choice is not on top. But it's Bob Dylan! He is on top. He is number one!

Anyone who's heard It's Alright Ma, Desolation Row, It's All Over Now Baby Blue, Visions of Johanna, Blowin' in the Wind, Like a Rolling Stone, Positively 4th Street, Idiot Wind will understand. There is no way this man is not on top.

Until he is, I shall boycott the musicians above him. Lucky for me, there are only two. And well, I don't listen to Tupac. Ever! I'll just only listen to George Harrison's Beatles songs and give up on John's solo career.

Dylan's lyrics are on an entirely different level compared to any other artist. His songs paint vivid scenes with developed characters and unparalleled variety in vocabulary. He has hundreds of lyrical masterpieces. There is absolutely no contest here. Rappers can only dream of being able to rhyme as well as Dylan.

Excerpt from the overlooked gem, "Ballad of Frankie Lee and Judas Priest":

"Eternity?" said Frankie Lee

With a voice as cold as ice

"That's right," said Judas Priest, "Eternity

Though you might call it 'Paradise'"

"I don't call it anything,"

Said Frankie Lee with a smile

"All right," said Judas Priest

"I'll see you after a while"

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John Lennon

John Lennon was an English musician and co-founder of The Beatles, renowned for his deeply personal and socially conscious lyrics. His solo work often tackled themes of peace, love, and self-reflection. Lennon's lyrical contributions to both The Beatles and his solo career remain iconic in the history of music.

Lennon had more in his locker than anyone else. Dylan was predictable, putting random words together. Lennon was much more diverse.

Once you start to write a song, poetry disappears. It becomes a song. Lennon had a much wider range of writing, while the others usually wrote in one style.

The irony of all this was that Lennon knew he was superior to anyone else. His intellect was so far ahead. No one could match him in this department. His vision, leadership, and creative ability were too advanced and mostly misunderstood.

John was a writer and poet in his own right for two major reasons. The first being that his wordplay was fabulous, in a line that could be traced back to Edward Lear and Lewis Carroll (see I Am the Walrus or Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite).

Most importantly, John translated intricate feelings and emotions into words that we all could relate to. Lyrics such as Imagine, Isolation, and Don't Let Me Down are the poetic soundtrack to our lives, to our dreams, and to everyone's aspirations.

Roger Waters

Roger Waters is a British musician, best known as the co-founder and principal lyricist of the band Pink Floyd. His lyrics frequently deal with themes of alienation, war, and political injustice. Waters' work on albums like The Wall and Dark Side of the Moon solidified his place as one of rock's leading lyricists.

Every song written by Roger Waters has deep lyrics. There is a story behind all his songs. In terms of lyrics, he's sometimes underrated.

Come on, people, he wrote Dark Side of the Moon. What more could you want? He writes about life, insanity, politics, alienation, society, death, time, treason.

I'm glad he's in the top ten. He wasn't afraid to write about anything. He also wrote about the war and how it affected him. He's a genius. He also wrote The Wall, Animals, and Wish You Were Here after the true masterpiece, The Dark Side of the Moon.

Nobody can write like Roger Waters. His words hold such raw power that most of it is unfathomable to those who prefer lesser artists. His songs can make me cry, laugh, scream, and send shivers down my spine.

His music is the type that you have to listen to alone in a dark room without any external disturbances, because it is just that pure and powerful. He has created some of the most powerful works of art in the history of humankind and deserves to be called the best.

Eminem

Eminem, born Marshall Mathers, is an American rapper and songwriter known for his intricate rhyme schemes and rapid-fire delivery. His lyrics often explore personal struggles, societal issues, and dark humor. Eminem is considered one of the most influential rappers in modern hip-hop.

Unlike many in the music business, we have Eminem, who speaks to the grittiness of life. He doesn't just talk about the hope of a bright future but also the harsh truth of the normal, actual world we live in. As each day passes, the world is revealed to be more of what Eminem raps about than the hopeful world that is falsely promised.

Do I advocate against a future that's better? No, but he speaks about what is real and now, not like those who say one thing and live another. Because of this insight, his music actually stands ahead of the curve and sets itself apart from the rest in his field.

Eminem is an amazing artist. His lyrics may contain profanity, opinions, and often even a diss to another artist. Eminem definitely made an impact on the rap game worldwide. He's written songs about his life, his wife, and most often, his daughter Hailie.

He's also written songs that actually make you feel good about life, like Stronger Than I Was. On the other hand, he has songs that make you want to punch a brick wall, like Till I Collapse. Eminem is definitely amazing, and he always will be.

Neil Young

Neil Young is a Canadian singer-songwriter known for his introspective and often politically charged lyrics. His writing frequently addresses themes like environmentalism, war, and personal introspection. Young's music spans various genres, from folk to rock, making him a versatile and influential figure in music.

Beautiful symbolic lyrics, verging on Dylan's caliber. Songs such as Broken Arrow, simultaneously telling the story of a boy conscripted to the Vietnam War and his planned life.

The blunt and to-the-point songs like Ohio and Needle and the Damage Done. Songs with an amazing narrative, like Cortez the Killer, Powderfinger, Pocahontas, etc. He's brilliant!

The words to Thrasher are pure poetry. One single song makes me smile, laugh, cry, think, feel inspired, and even full of wanderlust and more. Amazing!

Definitely should be higher. Seriously, why is Kurt Cobain ranked higher?

Kurt Cobain

Kurt Cobain was the lead singer and lyricist of the grunge band Nirvana. His lyrics often reflected themes of alienation, angst, and disillusionment, resonating with a generation during the 1990s. Cobain's songwriting, particularly on Nevermind, helped define the sound and ethos of the era.

Kurt Cobain deserves to be at least in the top three. Words just came effortlessly to him. He was at ease with connecting ideas and emotions in a way that is relatable to everyone.

He invented a new genre for music. The genre, grunge, took form from his words. Kurt never wanted fame or money. He stayed in cheap hotels and never flaunted his wealth. He was honest and real, and that translated into his lyrics.

It's hard to find one song by Kurt about anything happy. A harsh upbringing, his bipolar disorder, stomach condition, and of course his vast drug experience messed him up. But from that, we got true poetry describing pain and sadness like no one ever had or will again.

Rest in peace, Kurt. Whether it was suicide or murder, you deserved better.

Freddie Mercury

Freddie Mercury, the lead vocalist of Queen, was known for his flamboyant stage presence and wide vocal range. His lyrics covered a wide array of topics, from love and heartbreak to more fantastical and operatic themes. Mercury's songwriting helped Queen become one of the most iconic rock bands of all time.

Bicycle Race is a good song. The song features surprisingly complex instrumentation, and the Jazz album as a whole perhaps represents the apex of Queen's experimentation. It features an imaginative solo played exclusively on bicycle bells, unusual chord progressions, shifts in time signature (from 4/4 to 6/8), and a whole host of pop culture references in the lyrics, including mentions of religion, the Watergate scandal, drugs, Jaws, Star Wars, and Frankenstein.

Freddie was a real legend. There would be no musician like him that would be as good as him. His lyrics are much better than those who are in the upper list. He should have been in the top three.

Paul Simon

Paul Simon is an American musician and songwriter, known for his solo work and as part of the duo Simon and Garfunkel. His lyrics are renowned for their storytelling, introspective themes, and poetic style. Simon's songs have covered a wide range of topics, from love to social issues, throughout his career.

I would vote for Bob Dylan, but I see the legend that is Paul Simon is in 11th place! Madness. As a student of English Literature, I would have to say the lyrics of "I am a Rock," "America," and pretty much all the songs on the album Graceland are nothing other than poetry in its purest and most beautiful form.

The idea that those above are in the faintest way superior makes me laugh. Paul's lyrics (and music, which is equally untouchable) transcend all those listed above. Many of them have written brilliant lyrics but not lyrics that can evoke the same raw power as those of Paul. Only Bob Dylan can rival this man's brilliance, and no other by a country mile.

As far as his place at the top of the pile is concerned: "He is a rock. He is an island."

Jim Morrison

Jim Morrison was the lead singer and lyricist for The Doors, known for his dark, poetic lyrics that often delved into themes of death, mysticism, and existentialism. His writing was heavily influenced by literature, philosophy, and surrealism. Morrison's lyrics are an integral part of The Doors' legacy in rock music.

Lyrics that stood out from the 'norm' of the day, when everyone was singing about flowers and happy trips, Jim sang about 'the end' and humanity's addiction to the fast lane. I wouldn't say he was a great poet, but as far as lyrics go, he is in a class of his own.

'Riders on the Storm' on its own should be enough to make this man number one. The entire 'LA Woman' album essentially works as a suicide note written in poetic form. The greatest poetic lyricist of all time.

He should be in the top ten. One of the best songwriters to have ever lived. Just look at songs like 'The Unknown Soldier' and 'The End'.

Robert Plant

Robert Plant is the lead singer and lyricist of Led Zeppelin, known for his powerful vocals and mythical, often mystical lyrics. His writing incorporates themes from literature, folklore, and personal experience. Plant's contributions to Led Zeppelin's music helped define the hard rock and heavy metal genres.

Definitely one of the best singers and lyricists ever. He is absolutely amazing!

Listen to 'Thank You', 'The Rain Song', 'Kashmir', 'All My Love', 'I'm Gonna Crawl', etc. The list goes on and on. He didn't just write about sex.

The best lyricist ever born. No one can give meaning to songs the way he does, just by making noises.

Leonard Cohen

Leonard Cohen was a Canadian singer-songwriter and poet known for his deeply philosophical and literary lyrics. His songs often touched on themes of love, spirituality, and human frailty. Cohen's work is celebrated for its elegance, emotional depth, and timeless appeal.

As someone who has listened to all of the artists in the current top twenty, and would identify as a fan of most, I can say that Leonard Cohen wins this contest by a landslide. Bob Dylan had his preachy Christian period, while John Lennon and Paul McCartney frequently wrote silly, nonsensical songs like "Yellow Submarine," "Come Together," or "I Am the Walrus." Robert Plant ripped off a good chunk of "his" lyrics from other artists.

Neil Young hasn't released a good album in a long time, but Leonard Cohen was still going strong, releasing "Popular Problems" only two years back to critical acclaim at the age of 82.

Roger Waters was in a mainly instrumental band with fewer lyrics in their entire discography than someone like Leonard Cohen has on a single album. So, how he's even considered when people think of the greatest lyricists is beyond me. Note to Pink Floyd fans: writing great lyrics isn't the same as writing about political themes. Songs like "Another Brick in the Wall" and "Money" are great songs in their own right, but they're not necessarily lyrical masterpieces. Rappers also belong in a different category in my opinion, as do overly venerated dead people, although it's nice to see Elliott Smith in that top 10.

David Bowie

David Bowie was a British musician known for his innovative songwriting and constant reinvention of musical and lyrical styles. His lyrics often explored themes of identity, fame, and societal change, pushing the boundaries of popular music. Bowie's genre-defying work has made him one of the most influential artists in modern music history.

David Bowie really was an amazing lyricist. His songs evoke such images and show such thought. The way his lyrics flow is amazing, his innovations were delightful, and his lyrics fit the music so well.

Maybe Bob Dylan was better at evoking images and maybe Bob Dylan was more innovative, but it was usually at the almost complete sacrifice of actual music.

One of the most creative musicians of all time, breaking the barriers of mainstream music forever.

His lyrics painted great pictures and told great stories.

Bob Marley

Bob Marley was a Jamaican singer-songwriter whose lyrics blended themes of love, peace, and social justice with Rastafarian spirituality. He is credited with bringing reggae music to international prominence. Marley's songs often advocated for political change and unity, making him a global cultural icon.

Bob Marley is one of the greatest cultural icons throughout the globe. A common man can identify himself in his songs. His lyrics are simple yet have a cutting edge to them. His songs are like medicine for millions out there.

"The stone that the builder refuse

Will always be the head cornerstone."

"The things people refuse

Are the things they should use."

- Robert Marley "Corner Stone" (1973)

Perhaps the greatest and most inspiring lyricist in the past 50 years, Bob Marley... The King of Kings.

Bob Marley was a brilliant lyricist and possibly the best that ever lived. Music inspired by God and the people.

Bruce Springsteen

Bruce Springsteen, often referred to as "The Boss", is an American singer-songwriter whose lyrics focus on working-class struggles, American life, and personal stories of hardship and hope. His writing is known for its vivid storytelling and emotional depth. Springsteen remains an iconic figure in American rock music.

It's sickening to see so many artists, who shouldn't even be in the top 100, ahead of Bruce. This man is one of the best, if not the best, lyricists of all time. He tells a story in each word he sings.

He connects with everyone everywhere and knows how to reach out personally, as if you were actually talking with him. And he is quite witty. But it's not the website's fault, just the brain-dead idiots who don't know what music is.

I can honestly say, I truly believe Bruce Springsteen to be a lyricist leagues ahead of both Bob Dylan and John Lennon. The Boss is the only lyricist whose lyrics I can just read as poetry and be totally satisfied.

Honestly, I don't believe that Lennon or Dylan ever wrote anything of that caliber.

Joni Mitchell

Joni Mitchell is a Canadian singer-songwriter known for her deeply personal and poetic lyrics. Her songs often explore themes of love, freedom, and social commentary, blending folk, jazz, and pop influences. Mitchell's introspective writing has earned her a lasting reputation as one of the greatest lyricists in music.

I am astonished she is so far down the list! Many of the singer-songwriters listed here, including list-leaders John Lennon and Bob Dylan, as well as her friend and fellow Canadian Neil Young, have gone on record stating their admiration for her genius as a lyricist.

Moreover, hundreds of highly respected musicians across Jazz, Rock, and Country, including Diana Krall, Herbie Hancock, Prince, David Crosby, James Taylor, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Bryan Adams, Leonard Cohen, Joan Baez, Sarah McLachlan, Adam Duritz, and more have nominated Joni Mitchell as the best lyricist of all time. Pick any one of her dozens of albums, and you will hear brilliant lyrics in every song. If you want to pick just one, listen to Blue.

Jimi Hendrix

Jimi Hendrix was an American guitarist and songwriter whose lyrics often combined vivid imagery with themes of love, freedom, and psychedelic experiences. Though known primarily for his groundbreaking guitar work, Hendrix's writing also reflected the cultural upheaval of the 1960s. His lyrical approach remains influential in rock and blues music.

His brilliant lyrics are largely overshadowed by his guitar playing, but Jimi was an absolute genius as far as writing lyrics goes. The man was an absolute poet, and it's a shame most people take his lyrics for granted.

Best guitarist ever, but on a bad day, there was always Hendrix to lull me back. He's well above a lot of these guys.

Thom Yorke

Thom Yorke is the lead vocalist and lyricist for Radiohead, known for his abstract and often dystopian lyrics. His writing frequently touches on themes of alienation, modern technology, and existential anxiety. Yorke's introspective and innovative approach to lyricism has made him a central figure in alternative music.

I would love to take a look inside this mans mind. A pure lyrical genius. I have no words to describe quite how beautiful and haunting and poetic his writing is, but I'm sure he would. His writing is so versatile, but I can always tell that it is his. He definitely should be higher on this list, at least top 5. I'm convinced he's an angel sent from above, and I'm not even religious.

Why is Alex Turner over Thom Yorke? I can't believe this.

He's a genius. Most people don't get his lyrics.

George Harrison

George Harrison was the lead guitarist of The Beatles and a prolific songwriter, known for his spiritually infused and introspective lyrics. His solo work often touched on themes of love, inner peace, and Eastern philosophy. Harrison's songwriting contributions were key to The Beatles' later success, and his solo career was widely acclaimed.

Although initially overshadowed by his bandmates, George Harrison was eventually able to showcase his writing talents, for which the music world and I are eternally grateful. Both with and without The Beatles, George proved himself to be just as good as Lennon-McCartney. I can't help but wonder what genius we were deprived of by him not writing on the earlier records.

George Harrison, throughout his career, is very much underrated both in terms of his guitar playing and his lyrics. He's a brilliant writer. Drawing inspiration from some of the greats in the field like Dylan and Lennon, his lyrics both in the later Beatles era (e.g., Within You Without You, Something) and in his solo career are excellent.

Cat Stevens

Cat Stevens, now known as Yusuf Islam, is a British singer-songwriter famous for his introspective and philosophical lyrics. His songs often explore themes of spirituality, personal growth, and the search for meaning. Stevens' music, including classics like "Father and Son" and "Wild World", continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.

He's written so many good lyrics, but my favourite is "If you want to sing out, sing out". Chorus: "You can do what you want, the opportunity's on, and if you can find a new way, you can do it today, you can make it all true and you can make it undo, you see, it's easy, you only need to know...". Very uplifting and inspiring, as is the movie "Harold & Maude," in which the song is used as a soundtrack.

At times, Cat Stevens seems like a less pretentious Bob Dylan, carefully weaving words together to get his message across. "I know we've come a long way, we're changing day to day, but tell me, where will the children play?"

Mark Knopfler

Mark Freuder Knopfler is a British singer, songwriter, guitarist, record producer, and film score composer. He is best known as the lead vocalist and guitarist of the band Dire Straits. Knopfler is also noted for his fingerstyle guitar playing and storytelling lyrics.

It's a tragedy that Mark doesn't get enough credit for his beyond superb guitar skills, but it's quite an evil sin to not put him on even the top 20. Like, seriously? I'll never get over Mark not getting enough credit, because I've NEVER seen him get the credit he deserves, but I'm glad I've come to know his music.

This man is not only an exceptional guitarist but one of the best lyricists. For those who doubt check out not only his Dire Straits stuff (he wrote every Dire Straits song) but his many solo albums since then. No-one better captures a scene or writes as story in song.

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