The Greatful Death's lead guitarist Jerry Garcia has said that "All talk is lying [...] Go hear me play. That's me. That's what I have to say" (Gans & Simon, 1985)

Plenty of other people are more or less of the same opinion.
What do you think about this statement? Is the music itself, sound and rhythm, more important and honest than lyrics?

when the Greatful Dead's Jerry Garcia said that; was he referring to talk as in an "interview"? in other words; interviews aren't important, i'll tell you what i feel through my music. ? well that's how i take that statement. but i'm not a fan of theirs so i could be wrong.


i feel that both are important. however i don't feel that both must be present in a song for it to be enjoyable either. i've read that most people, (the average listener), hear 90% lyrics and 10% music. however, i'm sure most of the people on here are "above" average listeners of music, lol, and appreciate lyrics and the music equally.

CHIC0 said:

I would have expected those percentages to be reversed. Generally, lyrics mean nothing to me. I can appreciate a clever line, but what draws me to a song is a melody, a guitar tone, or some other type of sound. The only time I notice lyrics is when a line is remarkably stupid (like Baby, I need your body…or something), which shocks me out of my enjoyment of the song.

However, I wouldn't be surprised to find I'm the only person who replies who feels that way.

damosuzuki said:

there's always a margin of error in surveys/polls.



i'm sure you're not.

damosuzuki said:

According to an article I've read you are NOT the only one to be of that opinion. (Former) Rock critic and sociologist Simon Frith is one of those who mean that "the crucial variables are sound and rhythm" and that lyrics come in second place.

They can mos def be equally as important..IMHO

Personally, I prefer music to lyrics. I think this question is really a more personal preference thing. I love instrumentals and listen mostly to instrumentals so the music is what catches my attention FIRST and FOREMOST. Not to say that the lyrics aren't important but I prefer the music(instrumentation) FIRST!

The first couple of times I hear a song its about the lyrics
After that...Its the music.

I guess it depends on the genre of music....Electro-Clash, Dance, Electronica,Industrial, or any genre similar to those then no, lyrics aren't a factor.