Her Campus Logo Her Campus Logo
SBU | Culture > Entertainment

Lyrics Speak Louder Than Words

Jenna Billings Student Contributor, St. Bonaventure University
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at SBU chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Let’s be honest for a second: words can be pretty basic or boring. Sure, they’re useful for getting across the point, but sometimes, they just don’t have the punch we need. Lyrics, on the other hand, are next level. There’s something about the way a lyric can hit you right in the gut, make you shout along with the song, or even get you crying in your car at 2:00 a.m. Music isn’t just about the beat—it’s about how the lyrics speak to us on a whole other level. They have that special power to make us feel things we never knew we needed to feel. Lyrics speak louder than words because they make you feel.

Music stands as a sanctuary for the soul in a world that constantly bombards us with information, opinions, and noise. While many of us may gravitate toward instrumentals or beats to set a mood or energize a workout, there is something inherently powerful in lyrics that resonates with our experiences, emotions, and personal beliefs. Lyrics speak louder than words because they encapsulate universal truths, provoke thought, and often express what we cannot articulate ourselves.

Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga’s “Die With a Smile” is catchy and fun, with a playful confidence. When Lady Gaga sings, “I wanna die with a smile,” it feels like an invitation to be yourself and enjoy life, leaving you with an unstoppable vibe.

Gracie Abrams’ “I Love You, I’m Sorry” is the ultimate self-love anthem. With empowering lyrics, it encourages you to embrace your worth and reclaim your space, leaving you inspired and ready to take on the world.

Artists such as Tupac Shakur, Kendrick Lamar, and J. Cole have shown how powerful words can be when addressing issues of inequality, injustice, and personal struggles. These lyricists do more than entertain; they provoke thought and inspire change. When Tupac rapped about the challenges of life in marginalized communities, his words transcended mere entertainment, becoming a voice for the voiceless.

Pop music has also evolved in terms of lyrical complexity and depth. Artists like Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, and Billie Eilish have expressed a wide range of emotions and experiences—ranging from youthful innocence to introspective vulnerability. Their lyrics draw listeners in with personal and relatable messages. The best pop songs are not just catchy, they evoke feelings of connection, making listeners feel understood in ways that ordinary conversation often cannot.

In a world filled with quick soundbites and social media posts, song lyrics stand out distinctly. They cut through the noise and resonate deeply, conveying a wealth of emotion, vulnerability, and power. Lyrics do more than just tell a story—they shape our thoughts and perspectives. They resonate with us because they express what we often struggle to articulate. Whether the themes are heartbreak, empowerment, or a desire for change, lyrics help us connect with our emotions and linger in our minds long after the music has faded. They are more than just words on a page; they represent experiences. They penetrate our hearts and minds, whether they explore feelings of heartbreak, confidence, or deep introspection. Lyrics challenge us, make us feel understood, and inspire us to sing along at the top of our lungs. That is the true magic of lyrics.

Jenna Billings, a junior from Allegany, New York, is an active member of the St. Bonaventure Her Campus chapter. She publishes weekly articles covering music, lifestyle, personal experiences, and hobbies. Jenna is dedicated to fostering the chapter's creativity, supporting her peers, and contributing to the vibrant community that Her Campus provides.

Jenna is a Junior, majoring in early childhood, young childhood, and special education with a concentration in English. She is also involved in the Bonaventure Education Association, Empower, and the SBU Book Club, and she plans on studying abroad in Oxford.

Apart from academics, Jenna’s life revolves around the music she loves, random adventures, and side quests with her best friends. Jenna is a hobby collector, specifically grandma hobbies like sewing and crocheting. She loves to watch sports with her family, and she LOVES to share her music taste, reading, singing, baking, and spending money.