Art Quote by John Drinkwater
“But in the finished art of the song the use of words has no connection with the use of words in poetry.”
About This Quote
The quote contrasts lyrical songwriting with traditional poetry, noting that song lyrics prioritize musicality and emotional resonance over the formal constraints of poetic language.
In simple terms: Song lyrics differ from poetry in function
Key Takeaway
Lyrics serve music, not poetic form
Themes
Music vs. literature
Form vs. function
Emotional expression
Artistic intent
Mood
Reflective
Creative
Analytical
Type
Observation
Analysis
Commentary
When to use this quote
- Composing a pop song
- Analyzing a folk ballad
- Teaching songwriting
- Comparing lyrical content across genres
Key Concepts
Lyricism
Poetic structure
Sound and rhythm
Cultural perception
Practical Applications
- Songwriting workshops
- Music education curricula
Questions to Reflect On
- How does music change the way we interpret words?
- Can a lyric be considered poetry?
![“[an encounter in space] "Some celestial event. No--no words--no words to describe it. Poetry! They should have sent a poet. So beautiful. So beautiful...I had no idea. I had no idea.” quote by Carl Sagan as Ellie Arroway](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/934/carl-sagan-as-ellie-arroway-95_encounter_an-encounter-in-space-some-celestial-eve_2347837.jpg)
![“His [Death] voice is cold at first, John. It seems unfeeling. But if you listen without fear, you find that when he speaks, the most ordinary words become poetry. When he stands close to you, your life becomes a song, a praise. When he touches you, your smallest talents become gold; the most…” quote by Martine Leavitt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b74/martine-leavitt-20406_break_his-death-voice-is-cold-at-first-john-it_934268.jpg)
