Where Do You Draw the Line Between Poetry and Lyrics?

Has the line of distinction become blurred when it comes to distinguishing between poetry and lyrics? Poems don't always need to be set to music, and songs don't necessarily have to rhyme. This exploration delves into the nuanced boundaries of these creative forms and how personal experiences have influenced my approach to writing.

Transitioning from Lyrics to Poetry

The journey began with a commitment to writing love songs. However, it quickly became apparent that these songs, while often heartfelt, did not resonate with me in the same way initially. My realization stemmed from the transient nature of love and the fact that feelings can change rapidly. This was echoed in some actors from both film and television, who expressed similar sentiments about writing songs with different women's names or experiencing the highs and lows of love. As a result, I shifted my focus to poetry. What better way to capture deeply emotional and enduring sentiments than through the discipline and artistry of poetry?

The Ritual of Writing and Its Impact

Writing poetry offers a more focused and contained process. An hour of work often yields a more satisfying and enjoyable outcome. Additionally, the ability to share these creations with others becomes a practical and attainable goal. Unlike the iterative nature of refining songs, poetry allows for a single, definitive version that can be celebrated. The past years, dedicated to songwriting, are now mere echoes in memory, replaced by a more deliberate approach centered on poetry.

The Challenge of Repeating Verses

Songs often suffer from repetitive lyrics, which can quickly diminish my interest. While choruses add enthusiasm and repetition for chorus sections is well-tolerated, excessive repetition elsewhere can be tedious. The constraint of syllables stretching to fit musical notes can lead to nonsensical phrases that would be detrimental to a song's quality. In contrast, poetry offers a richer canvas for expressive writing. Although some repetition can be a writing device, it is often seen as more effective when used judiciously. Poetry also lends itself better to recital, with performances varying, sometimes enhancing and other times detracting from the experience.

Embracing Structure and Common Hymns

The structures of common hymns, particularly the 8-6-8-6 syllable pattern, offer a framework for writing poetry. Singing these drafts helps refine the phrasing, making the editing process more efficient. Although my poems are not always aligned with hymns' notes, if a common metre hymn matches a poem's style, the pairing can create powerful and memorable works. The challenge of finding these aligning hymns often leads to a deeper engagement with both the written word and the music itself.

The Evolution of Online Platforms for Poets

Online platforms like provide an opportunity for poets to showcase their work. This e-book service offers visitors a collection of poems, allowing them to download editions that are free from advertisements. Poets can update their collections annually, ensuring that their work stays current and accurate. My collection on PoemHunter, for instance, now includes corrected versions and new poems, showcasing the dynamic nature of poetic expression.

Comparing and Enhancing Poetic Skills

Exploring other poets' work on the same platform provides an invaluable opportunity to compare and refine poetic skills. The website's search options allow visitors to compare different versions of poems, observe the evolution in editing and eloquence. Writers who follow the 8-6-8-6 common metre pattern can experiment with singing their poetry to matching hymns, often enhancing the sentiment and resonance of the work.

Conclusion

Whether you prefer the flowing and musical quality of lyrics or the measured and profound nature of poetry, the lines between the two are increasingly blurred. However, the discipline and artistry of poetry offer a distinct and fulfilling approach to creative expression. As I continue to explore and refine my craft, the boundary between poetry and lyrics serves not as a barrier but as a bridge to a deeper and more meaningful creative experience.