--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Lyrics have to be underwritten. That's…" description: "\"Lyrics have to be underwritten. That's why poets generally make poor lyric writers because the language is too rich. You get drowned in it.\" — Stephen ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/78c/stephen-sondheim-1556_language_lyrics-have-to-be-underwritten-that-s-wh_1505233.jpg" --- # Lyrics have to be underwritten. That's why poets generally… ![“Lyrics have to be underwritten. That's why poets generally make poor lyric writers because the language is too rich. You get drowned in it.” quote by Stephen Sondheim](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/78c/stephen-sondheim-1556_language_lyrics-have-to-be-underwritten-that-s-wh_1505233.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/78c/stephen-sondheim-1556_language_lyrics-have-to-be-underwritten-that-s-wh_1505233.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/78c/stephen-sondheim-1556_language_lyrics-have-to-be-underwritten-that-s-wh_1505233.jpg) > “Lyrics have to be underwritten. That's why poets generally make poor lyric writers because the language is too rich. You get drowned in it.” [Stephen Sondheim](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-sondheim/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Poets often use overly rich language that can overwhelm lyrics, making them less effective in music. **In simple terms:** Poets’ language can be too rich for songs. Key Takeaway Simplify language for lyrical clarity. Themes songwriting poetry language creativity communication Mood reflective analytical Type educational insightful When to use this quote - songwriting workshops - writing lyrics - teaching poetry - editing songs - balancing richness and clarity Key Concepts literary criticism artistic expression Questions to Reflect On - How can poets adapt their style for music? - When does richness enhance a lyric? A Different Perspective Rich language may alienate listeners if not adapted. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Language](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/language/) [Lyric Writers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/lyric-writers-3561136/) [Lyrics Underwritten](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/lyrics-underwritten-5528894/) [Poetry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/poetry/) [Poor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/poor/) [Poor Lyric](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/poor-lyric-5528895/) [Rich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/rich/) [Song](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/song/) [Underwritten](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/underwritten-5528897/) [Underwritten Poets](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/underwritten-poets-5528896/) [Writing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writing/) ## Related quotes > [New lyric writers have become an asset for me. 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