Re: lyrics

[Michael Shannon <mes31@cornell.edu>]

>Where do you think Pete stands as a lyrasist?  Is he near a Dylan or
>Springsteen or Davies?  I'm not even going to mention Morrison who
>wrote such profound lyrics as "Light My Fire" and "Touch Me".  I'm a
>Doors fan but think he's overrated.  Obviously being Who fans, you
>will be positive of a more positive note, but do you think his words
>drive the song or is it the music?  

Not to be picky, but Morrison didn't write the lyrics to "Touch Me," and he
didn't write much of "Light My Fire" either--both were Robby Krieger's
work.  It should suffice to say that Mr. Krieger isn't a lyrical genius.
You'll find that most Doors songs with "canned" lyrics were written by
someone other than JM.  I think Morrison did write some pretty profound
lyrics from time to time...that is when I can actually figure them out!

As for Townshend, I'd have to say that he's not too shabby.  For me, the
lyrics are the best part of most of the slow Who stuff, and definitely main
attraction in his solo work.  But when it comes to The Who's maximum R&B,
it's the music that keeps me listening.  Not that some Who rockers aren't
fairly intriguing pieces of poetry, mind you...but who cares?!  I listen to
"WGFA," "Can't Explain," etc. for their musical power.

I like Dylan and Springsteen, but I'd have to say that neither one of them
really impresses me musically.  I think many people feel this way, and the
way we explain our interest in these guys is by attributing it to their
lyrics (there's got to be some reason, right!).  Townshend could be
considered close to them lyrically if he had to be, but he doesn't need
to...he's a better musician!  People pick on Pete's guitar-work all the
time, but I don't see Dylan or Springsteen writing "Quadrophenia."

-Mike