ABSTRACT
The record’s lyrics provide its voice. Lyrics carry the sounds and meaning of language, and the character and expression of the performance. Song lyrics are studied for their syntax, poetic structure, literary content, and sound. The persona of the lyrics, the character of the singer, the lyrics’ voice, and the message and story of song are thoroughly engaged to establish context for analysis. The sound qualities of language and of sung lyrics are explored. The inherent linkage and fusion of lyrics and melody are examined deeply within the context of performance, leading to presentation of the variables of the vocal performance.
