Have you heard of the lyric people vs. beat people theory?
Essentially the concept formulates that people prefer music/songs based on one of two things — the lyrics or the beat. I am, without a doubt, a lyric person. My favorite songs are always based on the story, ideas and raw emotion of a song.
My favorite songs are the ones that “read” like poetry. I favor music that allows me to connect with my internal thoughts and feelings. Almost always I choose songs that evoke a deeper understanding of what I already feel, creating sort of a scaffolding effect, facilitating new thoughts and connections on top of what’s already there.
Because of this, music plays a major role in my mood. Certain music can radically change how I’m feeling. And I listen to a lot of music… I clock around 50 to 60 hours of listening time, weekly. Music is a huge part of my life and I love sharing songs that “mean something to me” with others. So, in no order, I’ve compiled a list of songs that contain some of my favorite lyrics.
Genre: Alternative
Year: 2019
Favorite Lyrics: And I heard you’re living on your own// how’s it feel to pay for your own phone?// you got a job now, honey// yeah, you did, what you said you would do// and I never doubted you for a minute, babe// I just thought you were meant for more// and with all the years that we’ve wasted// it’s time for our own lives// cause it’s gonna rain in the city, so you might as well get out and play
Genre: Contemporary Folk
Year: 2022
Favorite Lyrics: What if I give up too soon?// a racehorse with nothing to lose// running just because it’s supposed to// cause they bet too much money
Genre: Singer/Songwriter
Year: 2013
Favorite Lyrics: a heart on the run// keeps a hand on the gun// you can’t trust anyone// I was so sure// what I needed was more// tried to shoot out the sun
Genre: Country
Year: 1969
Favorite Lyrics: close your eyes// I’ll be here for a while// well there’s lots of things along the road I’d surely like to see// I’d like to lean into the wind and tell myself I’m free// but your softest whisper’s louder than the highways call to me
Genre: Alternative
Year: 2022
Favorite Lyrics: You don’t know how to let me be// and when you finally do// I’ll hate you for that too// cause I am water and you’re glue
Genre: Americana
Year: 2022
Favorite Lyrics: she comes from silver spoon, golden rule, private school//never missed Sunday church// and I come from blue collar, low dollar// out here where concrete meets old red dirt// and I don’t know what happened but it sure don’t add up on paper
Genre: Singer/Songwriter
Year: 1965
Favorite Lyrics: Yonder stands your orphan with his gun// crying like a fire in the sun// look out, the saints are coming through// and it’s all over now, Baby Blue// the highway is for gamblers, better use your sense// take what you have gathered from coincidence
Genre: Country
Year: 2021
Favorite Lyrics: money’s been a wise buck this year// now there are always things in life that you’ve always feared// there ain’t a use to pouting around// singing woe is me until your six feet down// always following the same old tracks// time to break off cut a new path
Genre: Traditional Folk
Year: 2018
Favorite Lyrics: in my mind and in my mind, I’ve spent my whole life movin’// I’ve spent my whole life on a road// from a dream, I’m wakin’ up// and for the first time I’m terrified of wakin’ up alone
Fun fact: my best friend showed me this song :)
Genre: Country
Year: 2023
Favorite Lyrics: It’s everything that I can’t take// just fades away in this beautiful landscape// it’s painted in my mind, I hear// singing in the leaves, gentle whisper in the trees// and I’m right there when I close my eyes
Genre: Country
Year: 2022
Favorite Lyrics: You in the morning time// reminds me of a simpler time// cutting grass for cash and gasoline// to prove I’m with your touch and time// the way a woman’s hands are warfare// to a wise man’s worn out ways// the way I figured I was worthless// when I lost a love that should’ve stayed
P.S. This is my favorite song; quite literally the entirety of the lyrics are my favorite.
Choosing just a few songs to share with you all was grueling, but I hope you found at least one song that resonates. If you’re an Apple Music user and want to look through some of the playlists I’ve made you can find me @katherinerhenderson.