Best Lyrics Ever Written

Theremin

Hi,

Trying to write some lyrics here and have a serious case of writer's block, so would appreciate some opinions as to the best lyrics ever written (either individual lines/couplets or full songs) so I can cadge some ideas.

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

Examples:
Song: 'Hallelujah' (Leonard Cohen)
Line: 'The ghost of electricity howls in the bones of her face' - Visions of Johanna (Bob Dylan)

MrJoeSoap

"Religions fall,
Children shelled,
Children shelled?
Thats all very well,
But could you please keep the noise down?"

- Morrisey: "The Lazy Sunbathers"

"How many times have you heard someone say,
If I had money I would do things my way.
But little they know,
That its so hard to find,
One rich man in ten,
With a satisfied mind.

Money can't buy back all your youth when you're old,
A friend when you're lonely,
Or peace to your soul,
The wealthiest person is a pauper at times,
Compared to the man with the satisfied mind."

- Joe Hayes/Jack Rhodes: "Satisfied Mind"

"Wash me away,
Clean your body of me,
Erase all the memories,
They'll only bring us pain.
And I've seen,
All I'll ever need."

- Muse: "Citizen Erased"

You believe there’s something else
To relieve your emptyness
And you dream about yourself
And you bleed and breath the air
And it’s on and on and on and on and on

I just kinda died for you
You just kinda stared at me
We will always have the chance
We can do this one more time

- Foo Fighters: "Aurora"

Le Rack

Del AMitri - Tell Her (mainly the last two verses)

Tell her not to go
I ain’t holding on no more
Tell her something in my mind freezes up from time to time

Tell her not to cry
I just got scared that’s all
Tell her I’ll be by her side, all she has to do is call

Tell her the chips are down
I drank too much and shouted it aloud
Tell her something in my heart
Needs her more than even clowns need the laughter of the crowd

Tell her what was wrong
I sometimes think to much
But say nothing at all
And tell her from this high terrain, I am ready now to fall

Tell her not to go
I ain’t holding on no more
Tell her nothing if not this; all I want to do is kiss

Tell her something in my mind
Freezes up from time to time.

Basq

Maybe not the best ever written but my personal favourite:

Death Cab For Cutie - I Will Follow You Into The Dark

Love of mine some day you will die
But I'll be close behind
I'll follow you into the dark

No blinding light or tunnels to gates of white
Just our hands clasped so tight
Waiting for the hint of a spark
If heaven and hell decide
That they both are satisfied
Illuminate the no's on their vacancy signs

If there's no one beside you
When your soul embarks
Then I'll follow you into the dark

In Catholic school as vicious as Roman rule
I got my knuckles brusied by a lady in black
And I held my toungue as she told me
"Son fear is the heart of love"
So I never went back

If heaven and hell decide
That they both are satisfied
Illuminate the no's on their vacancy signs

If there's no one beside you
When your soul embarks
Then I'll follow you into the dark

You and me have seen everything to see
From Bangkok to Calgary
And the soles of your shoes are all worn down
The time for sleep is now
It's nothing to cry about
Cause we'll hold each other soon
The blackest of rooms

If heaven and hell decide
That they both are satisfied
Illuminate the no's on their vacancy signs

If there's no one beside you
When your soul embarks
Then I'll follow you into the dark
Then I'll follow you into the dark

Absolutely beautiful!

MrJoeSoap

^ Great Song ^

hawkmoon269

Misty Morning Albert Bridge (The Pogues):-

"I dreamt we were standing
By the banks of the thames
Where the cold grey waters ripple
In the misty morning light
Held a match to your cigarette
Watched the smoke curl in the mist
Your eyes, blue as the ocean between us
Smiling at me

I awoke alone and lonely
In a faraway place
The sun fell cold upon my face
The cracks in the ceiling spelt hell
Turned to the wall
Pulled the sheets around my head
Tried to sleep, and dream my way
Back to you again

Count the days
Slowly passing by
Step on a plane
And fly away
I’ll see you then
As the dawnbirds sing
On a cold and misty morning
By the albert bridge"


BOB DYLAN - Jokerman Lyrics

"Standing on the water, casting your bread
While the eyes of the idol with the iron head are glowing
Distant ships sailing into the mist
You were born with a snake in both of your fists while a
hurricane was blowing
Freedom just around the corner for you
But with truth so far off, what good will it do.

Jokerman dance to the nightingale tune
Bird fly high by the light of the moon
Oh, oh, oh, Jokerman.

So swiftly the sun sets in the sky
You rise up and say goodbye to no one
Fools rush in where angels fear to tread
Both of their futures, so full of dread, you don't show one
Shedding off one more layer of skin
Keeping one step ahead of the persecutor within.

Jokerman dance to the nightingale tune
Bird fly high by the light of the moon
Oh, oh, oh, Jokerman.

You're a man of the mountain, you can walk on the clouds
Manipulator of crowds, you're a dream twister
You're going to Sodom and Gomorrah
But what do you care ? Ain't nobody there would want marry your
sister
Friend to the martyr, a friend to the woman of shame
You look into the fiery furnace, see the rich man without any
name.

Jokerman dance to the nightingale tune
Bird fly high by the light of the moon
Oh, oh, oh, Jokerman.

Well, the Book of Leviticus and Deuteronomy
The law of the jungle and the sea are your only teachers
In the smoke of the twilight on a milk-white steed
Michelangeo indeed could've carved out your features
Resting in the fields, far from the turbulent space
Half asleep near the stars with a small dog licking your face.

Jokerman dance to the nightingale tune
Bird fly high by the light of the moon
Oh, oh, oh, Jokerman.

Well, the rifleman's stalking the sick and the lame
Preacherman seeks the same, who'll get there first is uncertain
Nightsticks and water cannons, tear gas, padlocks
Molotow cocktails and rocks behind every curtain
False-hearted judges dying in the webs that they spin
Only a matter of time 'til the night comes stepping in.

Jokerman dance to the nightingale tune
Bird fly high by the light of the moon
Oh, oh, oh, Jokerman.

It's a shadowy world, skies are slippery gray
A woman just gave birth to a prince today and dressed him in
scarlet
He'll put the priest in his pocket, put the blade to the heat
Take the motherless children off the street
And place them at the feet of a harlot
Oh, Jokerman, you know what he wants
Oh, Jokerman, you don't show any response.

Jokerman dance to the nightingale tune
Bird fly high by the light of the moon
Oh, oh, oh, Jokerman."


Walk To The Water - U2:-

"She said it wasn't cold
She left her coat unbuttoned
She wore canvas shoes
White canvas shoes
Around her neck
She wore a silver necklace
'It was given to me by my father' she said
'It was given to me'

She took the back way home
Past the lights at Summerhill
Turn left on to the north strand
And on
On towards the sea

He said he was an artist
But he really painted billboards
In large capital letters
In large capital letters
He was telling jokes
Nobody else would listen to him

I saw you that day
Your lips were cherry red
Your legs were crossed your arms wide open
Your hair was coloured gold
And like a field of corn
You were blown by the wind
You were blown by the wind

Walk, walk, walk to the water
Walk with me awhile
Walk, walk, walk to the roadside
walk with me in a light

A room in the Royal hotel
With sea facing views
A man with a suitcase
Full of things he doesn't need
I'm looking through your window
I'm walking through your doorway
I'm on the outside
Let me in

Let me love you
Let me love you
Let me

Walk, walk, walk to the water
Walk with me
Walk, walk, walk to the roadside
walk with me a while "

Basq

MrJoeSoap wrote:

^ Great Song ^

Yep... my favourite song of the past year without question!

Femelade

Tim, wish you were born a girl - of montreal

Tim, wish you were born a girl,wish you were born a girl
So I could've been your boyfriend.
I know it's not possible now.
I just never met a girl I like half as much as you.

And we could lay around in bed, stay there all day,
Or at least until the afternoon
And I could make you spaghetti with tomato sauce
With just a touch of oregano and a parsley stem.

And then when you got sick,
I could take the day off work.
I could've made you chicken soup,
And we could watch soap operas
- oh, those TV dramas!
I could catch your cold
and you could take care of me.

If I could've met you at school, or met you at work,
It would have changed everything.
Those years of losing, confusion and insecurity,
They would have been shared,
they would have been easier.

Tim, wish you were born a girl,
So I could've been your fiancé.
I'm not saying you can't be all these things for me,
But it's just not the same because you're a man,
and so am I.

Binomate

Hold Me
Like The River Jordan
And I Will Then Say To Thee
You Are My Friend

Carry Me
Like You Are My Brother
Love Me Like A Mother
Will You Be There?

Weary
Tell Me Will You Hold Me
When Wrong, Will You Skold Me
When Lost Will You Find Me?

But They Told Me
A Man Should Be Faithful
And Walk When Not Able
And Fight Till The End
But I'm Only Human

Everyone's Taking Control Of Me
Seems That The World's
Got A Role For Me
I'm So Confused
Will You Show To Me
You'll Be There For Me
And Care Enough To Bear Me

(Hold Me)
(Lay Your Head Lowly)
(Softly Then Boldly)
(Carry Me There)

(Lead Me)
(Love Me And Feed Me)
(Kiss Me And Free Me)
(I Will Feel Blessed)

(Carry)
(Carry Me Boldly)
(Lift Me Up Slowly)
(Carry Me There)

(Save Me)
(Heal Me And Bathe Me)
(Softly You Say To Me)
(I Will Be There)

(Lift Me)
(Lift Me Up Slowly)
(Carry Me Boldly)
(Show Me You Care)

(Hold Me)
(Lay Your Head Lowly)
(Softly Then Boldly)
(Carry Me There)

(Need Me)
(Love Me And Feed Me)
(Kiss Me And Free Me)
(I Will Feel Blessed)

[Spoken]
In Our Darkest Hour
In My Deepest Despair
Will You Still Care?
Will You Be There?
In My Trials
And My Tripulations
Through Our Doubts
And Frustrations
In My Violence
In My Turbulence
Through My Fear
And My Confessions
In My Anguish And My Pain
Through My Joy And My Sorrow
In The Promise Of Another Tomorrow
I'll Never Let You Part
For You're Always In My Heart.

Maccattack

Plagueriser!

The last few lines of this are beautiful

Phone's off the hook
No one knows where we are
It's a long time since I
Drank champagne
The ocean is blue
As blue as your eyes
I'm gonna take it with me
When I go

Old long since gone
Now way back when
We lived in Coney Island
Ain't no good thing
Ever dies
I'm gonna take it with me
When I go

Far far away a train
Whistle blows
Wherever you're goin
Wherever you've been
Waving good bye at the end
Of the day
You're up and you're over
And you're far away

Always for you, and
Forever yours
It felt just like the old days
We fell asleep on Beaula's porch
I'm gonna take it with me
When I go

All broken down by
The side of the road
I was never more alive or
Alone
I've worn the faces off
All the cards
I'm gonna take it with me
When I go

Children are playing
At the end of the day
Strangers are singing
On our lawn
It's got to be more
Than flesh and bone
All that you're loved
Is all you own

In a land there's a town
And in that town there's
A house
And in that house
There's a woman
And in that woman
There's a heart I love
I'm gonna take it
With me when I go
I'm gonna take it
With me when I go

TOM WAITS - "Take It With Me"

ctrl-alt-delete

Willy Mason - Oxygen

I wanna be better than oxygen
So you can breathe when you're drowning and weak in the knees
I wanna speak louder than Ritalin
For all the children who think that they've got a disease
I wanna be cooler than t.v.
For all the kids that are wondering what they are going to be
We can be stronger than bombs
If you're singing along and you know that you really believe
We can be richer than industry
As long as we know that there's things that we don't really need
We can speak louder than ignorance
Cause we speak in silence every time our eyes meet.

On and on, and on it goes
The world it just keeps spinning
Until i'm dizzy, time to breathe
So close my eyes and start again anew.

I wanna see through all the lies of society
To the reality, happiness is at stake
I wanna hold up my head with dignity
Proud of a life where to give means more than to take
I wan't to live beyond the modern mentality
Where paper is all that you're really taught to create
Do you remember the forgotten America?
Justice, equality, freedom to every race?
Just need to get past all the lies and hypocrisy
Make up and hair to the truth behind every face
That look around to all the people you see,
How many of them are happy and free?
I know it sounds like a dream
But it's the only thing that can get me to sleep at night
I know it's hard to believe
But it's easy to see that something here isn't right
I know the future looks dark
But it's there that the kids of today must carry the light.


If i'm afraid to catch a dream
I weave your baskets and i'll float them down the river stream
Each one i weave with words i speak to carry love to your relief.

Closing Doors

A couple of personal faves:

Radiohead: True Love Waits

I'm not living
I'm just killing time
Your tiny hands
Your crazy kitten smile

Just don't leave
Don't leave

And true love waits
In haunted attics
And true love lives
On lollipops and crisps

Just don't leave
Don't leave


Bell x1: Rocky Took A Lover

He said 'I wanna shine in the eye of Orion
But I drove my soul through the Black Hole!'
She said 'What a wonderful way to wake me
You weren't so nice last night
You're such an asshole when you're drunk'
He said 'At least I'm OK in the mornings'

He said 'The three wise men came a long way
Following that pin hole in the sky
Yeah that one right there'
She said 'I don't believe in any old Jesus
If there was a God, then why is my arse
The perfect height of kicking?'




Damien Rice: The Professor

Loving is fine if it's not in your mind
But I've ****ed it up now, too many times
Loving is good if it's not understood
Yeah, but I'm the professor
And feel that I should know
What makes her come and what makes her stay?
What make the animal run, run away and
What makes him tick apart from his prick
And the lonelier side of the jealousy stick
I don't know, I don't know, I don't know

ctrl-alt-delete

Closing Doors wrote:

A couple of personal faves:

Radiohead: True Love Waits

I'm not living
I'm just killing time
Your tiny hands
Your crazy kitten smile

Just don't leave
Don't leave

And true love waits
In haunted attics
And true love lives
On lollipops and crisps

Just don't leave
Don't leave


Bell x1: Rocky Took A Lover

He said 'I wanna shine in the eye of Orion
But I drove my soul through the Black Hole!'
She said 'What a wonderful way to wake me
You weren't so nice last night
You're such an asshole when you're drunk'
He said 'At least I'm OK in the mornings'

He said 'The three wise men came a long way
Following that pin hole in the sky
Yeah that one right there'
She said 'I don't believe in any old Jesus
If there was a God, then why is my arse
The perfect height of kicking?'




Damien Rice: The Professor

Loving is fine if it's not in your mind
But I've ****ed it up now, too many times
Loving is good if it's not understood
Yeah, but I'm the professor
And feel that I should know
What makes her come and what makes her stay?
What make the animal run, run away and
What makes him tick apart from his prick
And the lonelier side of the jealousy stick
I don't know, I don't know, I don't know

have to say excellent choices - especially rocky took a lover - what a great song that is

Boo-yah

Weezer - Across The Sea

It's my favourite song. The combination of the lyrics and the way they are sung is masterful, especially the part in bold


You are 18 year old girl who live in small city in Japan.
You heard me,
on the radio.
About one year ago and you wanted to know,
all about me,
and my hobbies.
My favorite food and my birthday

Why are you so far away from me?
I need help and you're way across the sea
I could never touch you - I think it would be wrong
I've got your letter
you've got my song

They don't make stationary like this where I'm from - so fragile, so refined
So I sniff
and I lick
your envelope and fall to little pieces every time
I wonder what clothes you wear to school
I wonder how you decorate your room
I wonder how you touch yourself
and curse myself for being across the sea

Why are you so far away from me?
I need help and you're way across the sea
I could never touch you - I think it would be wrong
I've got your letter
you've got my song

At 10 I shaved my head and tried to be a monk
I thought the older women would like me if i did
You see mom, I'm a good little boy
It's all your fault, momma.
It's all your fault

Goddamn, this business is really lame
I gotta live on an island to find the juice
So you send me
your love
from all around the world
As if I could live on words and dreams and a million screams
oh, how I need a hand in mine to feel.

Why are you so far away from me?
Why are you so far away from me?
I could never touch you - I think it would be wrong
I've got your letter
you've got my song
I've got your letter
you've got my song

KnifeWRENCH

Smashing Pumpkins-Tear (the first two verses)
The lights came on fast,lost in motorcrash
Gone in a flash unreal,but you knew all along
You laugh the light,i sing the psalms
To watch you numb.

I saw you there,you were on your way.
You held the light,and for the first time Heaven seemed insane
Cos Heaven is to blame,for taking you away.
Do you know the way that I can,do you know the way that i can't lose?
Do you know the things that I can,do you know the things that I can't choose?
Where is your heart,where has your heart run to
Tear me apart,tear me apart from you.

Bjork-Hyperballad (2nd verse and chorus)
It's early morning,no-one is awake.
I'm back at my cliff,still throwing things off.
I listen to the sounds they make on their way down.
I follow with my eyes 'til they crash.
I imagine what my body would sound like,slamming against thse rocks.
And when it lands,will my eyes be closed or open?

I go through all this,before you wake up.
So I can be happier,to feel safe with you again. (X2)

Smashing Pumpkins-Tales Of A Scorched Earth
Everyone's lost,just waiting to be found.
And everyone's a thought,just waiting to fade.

The Breeders-I Just Wanna Get Along
If you're so special,why aren't you dead?

Boo-yah

Eels - Dead Of Winter

Standing in the dark outside the house
Breathing the cold and sterile air
Well I was thinking how it must feel
To see that little light
And watch it as it disappears
And fades into
And fades into the night

So I know you’re going pretty soon
Radiation sore throat got your tongue
Magic markers tattoo you
And show it whare to aim
And strangers break their promises
You won’t feel any
You won’t feel any pain

And the streets are jammed with cars
Rockin’ their horns
To race to the wire
Of the unfinished line

Thought that I’d forget all about the past
But it doesn’t let me run too fast
And I just wanna stand outside
And know that this is right
And this is true
And I will not
Fade into
Fade into the night

Standing here in the dark

Civilian_Target

"James Joyce is ****ing my sister" (repeat ad nauseum) - Therapy?

Suspect Device - Stiff Little Fingers

Over the Hills and Far Away - Nightwish

OLP

Colin Hay - Waiting For My Real Life To Begin

Any minute now, my ship is coming in
I'll keep checking the horizon
I'll stand on the bow, feel the waves come crashing
Come crashing down down down, on me

And you say, be still my love
Open up your heart
Let the light shine in
But don't you understand
I already have a plan
I'm waiting for my real life to begin

When I awoke today, suddenly nothing happened
But in my dreams, I slew the dragon
And down this beaten path, and up this cobbled lane
I'm walking in my old footsteps, once again
And you say, just be here now
Forget about the past, your mask is wearing thin
Let me throw one more dice
I know that I can win
I'm waiting for my real life to begin

Any minute now, my ship is coming in
I’ll keep checking the horizon
And I'll check my machine, there's sure to be that call
It's gonna happen soon, soon, soon
It's just that times are lean

And you say, be still my love
Open up your heart, let the light shine in
Don't you understand
I already have a plan
I'm waiting for my real life to begin

OLP

Simon & Garfunkel - The Sound Of Silence
Hello darkness, my old friend,
I’ve come to talk with you again,
Because a vision softly creeping,
Left it’s seeds while I was sleeping,
And the vision that was planted in my brain
Still remains
Within the sound of silence.

In restless dreams I walked alone
Narrow streets of cobblestone,
’neath the halo of a street lamp,
I turned my collar to the cold and damp
When my eyes were stabbed by the flash of
A neon light
That split the night
And touched the sound of silence.

And in the naked light I saw
Ten thousand people, maybe more.
People talking without speaking,
People hearing without listening,
People writing songs that voices never share
And no one deared
Disturb the sound of silence.

Fools said i,you do not know
Silence like a cancer grows.
Hear my words that I might teach you,
Take my arms that I might reach you.
But my words like silent raindrops fell,
And echoed
In the wells of silence

And the people bowed and prayed
To the neon God they made.
And the sign flashed out it’s warning,
In the words that it was forming.
And the signs said, the words of the prophets
Are written on the subway walls
And tenement halls.
And whisper’d in the sounds of silence.

Oriel

Sorry about the length of this but:

Meat Loaf - For Crying Out Loud (written by Jim Steinman)

I was lost till you were found
But I never knew how far down
I was falling
Before I reached the bottom
I was cold and you were fire
And I never knew how the pyre
Could be burning
On the edge of the ice field

And the now chilly california wind
Is blowing down our bodies again
And we’re sinking deeper and deeper into the chilly california sand
Oh I know you belong inside my aching heart
And can’t you see my faded levis bursting apart
And don’t you hear me crying:
Oh babe, don’t go
And don’t you hear me screaming:
How was I to know?

I’m in the middle of nowhere
Near the end of the line
But there’s a border to somewhere waiting
And there’s a tankful of time
Oh give me just another moment to see the light of the day
And take me to another land where I don’t have to stay

And I’m gonna need somebody to make me feel like you do
And I will receive somebody with open arms, open eyes,
Open up the sky and let the planet that I love shine through

For crying out loud
You know I love you
For crying out loud
You know I love you
For crying out loud
You know I love you

I was damned and you were saved
And I never knew how enslaved
I was kneeling
In the chains of my master

I could laugh but you could cry
And I never knew just how high
I was flying
Ah, with you right above me

I’m in the middle of nowhere
Near the end of the line
But there’s a border to somewhere waiting
And there’s a tankful of time
Oh give me just another moment to see the light of the day
And take me to another land where I don’t have to stay

And I’m gonna need somebody to make me feel like you do
And I will receive somebody with open arms, open eyes,
Open up the sky and let the planet that I love shine through

For crying out loud
You know I love you
For crying out loud
You know I love your
For crying out loud
You know I love you

For taking in the rain when I’m feeling so dry
For giving me the answers when I’m asking you why
And my oh my
For that I thank you

For taking in the sun when I’m feeling so cold
For giving me a child when my body is old
And don’t you know
For that I need you

For coming to my room when you know I’m alone
For finding me a highway and driving me home
And you gotta know
For that I serve you

For pulling me away when I’m starting to fall
For revving me up when I’m starting to stall
And all in all
For that I want you

For taking and for giving and for playing the game
For praying for my future in the days that remain
Oh lord
For that I hold you

Ah but most of all
For cryin’ out loud
For that I love you

Ah but most of all
For cryin’ out loud
For that I love you

Ah but most of all
For cryin’ out loud
For that I love you

When you’re crying out loud
You know I love you

OLP

The Who - Baba O'Riley

Out here in the fields
I fight for my meals
I get my back into my living
I don't need to fight
To prove I'm right
I don't need to be forgiven

Don't cry
Don't raise your eye
It's only teenage wasteland

Sally ,take my hand
Travel south crossland
Put out the fire
Don't look past my shoulder
The exodus is here
The happy ones are near
Let's get together
Before we get much older

Teenage wasteland
It's only teenage wasteland
Teenage wasteland
Oh, oh
Teenage wasteland
They're all wasted!

chiller

love on mellon collie and the infinite sadness listen to that track brilliant love it! TO MANY OTHERS TO NAME WAY TO MANY

finlma

The one and only Sultans of Ping FC

My, brother, knows, Karl Marx,
He met him eating mushrooms in the peoples park,
He said 'What do you think about my manifesto?'
'I like a manifesto, put it to the test-o.'

Took it straight down to meet the anarchist's party.
I met a groovy guy, he was arty farty,
He said 'I know a little latin man a cus man a kai'
I said 'I don't know what it means' he said 'neither do I'

Eat natural foods, bathe twice daily,
Fill your nostrils up with gravy.
Don't drink tea and don't drink coffee.
Cover your chin in yorkshire toffee.

Dancing in the disco, bumper to bumber,
Wait a minute, where's me jumper, ( x4 )

Amazotheamazing

Some really depressing and bad songs already picked on this thread especially considering the original 2 songs the OP used as examples, to my mind both those songs are accusations, Jeff Buckley never catches the anger and defeat in Cohen's version of Hallejuah. Dylan's Visions of Johanna isn't as angry but it's resigned, the narrator is done with the scene. Not sure what lyrics I'd recommend though, both are quite dense songs and very hard replicate.

Tiger Jim

This is where we came from
From here we'll not return
Welcome to your home
It's here you will learn:
That all is not what you thought it was
Here you will find whatever you lost
Here you will find whatever you need
Whatever that be

I can see the Angels, one has a frown.
It's because of me
I can see the Angels touching ground
But it's just a dream.

(Anon)

Roxy*

Underneath the birdge,
tarpis from the leak,
and the animal ive trapped,
have all become my pets,
and im living of grass,
and the drippings from the ceiling,
its ok to eat fish,
cos they dont have any feelings....
-somthings in the way

orangerooster

Tom Waits and Leonard Cohen write brilliant lyrics in general. 'Tom Traubert's Blues and Martha by Tom Waits have very good lyrics, probably not the best but its too hard a thing to decide what is!

Crucifix

"They tremble with the nervous thought,
Of having been at last forgot"
Sufjan Stevens - They Are Night Zombies!! They Are Neighbors!! They Have Come Back From the Dead!! Ahhhhh!
And his song Casimir Pulaski Day also has great lyrics.

lordgoat

Som pretty swful songs up there, good ones so far, sound of silence and Tom Waits.

Lyrics there's none better than Elliotts'


i'm not what's missing from your life now
i could never be the puzzle pieces
they say that god makes problems
just to see what you can stand
before you do as the devil pleases
and give up the thing you love
but no one deserves it
the first time i saw you i knew it would never last
i'm not half what i wish i was
i'm so angry
i don't think it'll ever pass
and i was bad news for you just because
i never meant to hurt you

-Pitseleh, Elliott Smith

Pitseleh

"Pitseleh" as Lordgoat mentioned. "Twilight" and "No Name No.2" are also wonderful from Elliott Smith.

Custom22

The Pussycat Dolls
PCD
Don't Cha

[Busta Rhymes]
Ok (ahh)
Yeahh (ahh)
Oh, we about to get it just a lil hot & sweaty in this mu'****a (oh, baby)
Ladies let's go (uhh)
Soldiers let's go (dolls)
Let me talk to y'all and just you know give you a little situation..listen (fellas)

[Buster Rhymes]
Pussycat Dolls
Ya see this **** get hot
Everytime I come through when I step up in the spot (are you ready)
Make the place sizzle like a summertime cookout
Prowl for the best chick
Yes I'm on the lookout (lets dance)
Slow bangin shorty like a belly dancer with it
Smell good, pretty skin, so gangsta with it (oh, baby)
No tricks only diamonds under my sleeve
Gimme tha number
But make sure you call before you leave

[Pussycat Dolls]
I know you like me (I know you like me)
I know you do (I know you do)
Thats why whenever I come around shes all over you
And I know you want it (I know you want it)
It's easy to see (it's easy to see)
And in the back of your mind
I know you should be on with me

[Chorus]
Dont you wish your girlfriend was hot like me
Dont you wish your girlfriend was a freak like me
Dont cha, dont cha
Dont you wish your girlfriend was raw like me
Dont you wish your girlfriend was fun like me
Dont you, dont cha

Fight the feeling (fight the feeling)
Leave it alone (leave it alone)
Cause if it aint love
It just aint enough to leave a happy home
Let's keep it friendly (let's keep it friendly)
You have to play fair (you have to play fair)
See, I dont care
But I know she aint gon wanna share
Hmmmm....

[Chorus]
Don't you wish your girlfriend was hot like me
Don't you wish your girlfriend was a freak like me
Don't cha, don't cha, baby
Don't cha, alright, sing
Don't you wish your girlfriend was raw like me
Don't you wish your girlfriend was fun like me (big thrills)
Don't cha

[Busta Rhymes]
Ok, I see how it's goin' down (ahh, don't cha)
Seems like shorty wanna little menage pop off or somethin, let's go
Well let me get straight to it
Every broad wan watch a nigga when I come through it
It's the god almighty, lookin all brand new
If shorty wanna jump in my ass then vanjewish
Lookin at me all like she really won do it
Tryna put it on me till my balls black an blueish
Ya wanna play wit ah playa girl then play on
Strip out the channel
And leave the lingerie on
Watch me and I'mma watch you at the same time
Lookin at ya wan break my back
You the very reason why I keep a pack ah the Magnum
An wit the wagon hit chu in the back of tha magnum
For the record, don't think it was somethin you did
Shorty all on me cuz it's hard to resist the kid
I got a idea that's dope for y'all
As y'all could get so I could hit the both of y'all

[Pussycat Dolls]
See, I know she loves you (I know she loves you)
I understand (I understand)
I'd probably be just as crazy about you
If you were my own man
Maybe next lifetime (maybe next lifetime)
Possibly (possibly)
Until then, Oh friend you're secret is safe with me

[Chorus]
Dont you wish your girlfriend was hot like me (oh)
Dont you wish your girlfriend was a freak like me (like me)
Dont cha, dont cha, baby
Dont cha, alright, sing
Dont you wish your girlfriend was raw like me (raw)
Dont you wish your girlfriend was fun like me (big thrills)
Dont cha, dont cha


Sublime...:v:

Basq

The Pussycat Dolls....

.. best lyrics ever written..

... please tell me you're joking?!

Custom22

There is such a thing as subjectivitiy you know. They are beautiful lyrics. Sheesh.

Close second.

BAND: FOOK
ALBUM:FOOK - 1992
SONG: Hips, Tits, Lips, Power!

Hips
Tits
Lips
POWER!

I didn't want a bull in china
I didn't want to fall in love
Let me give you broken peices
Hand in gloves

I want to give you it now
I want to give you some broken peices
Wanna give you it now
Hand in glove

I want to give you it now
Uh uh uh uh broken peices
Wanna give you it now
Valentine...
Twisted tied
Seeded valentine
Twisted broken peices
Twisted valentine

Power
I need it every hour

Valentine
Heart in mouth

JackKelly

somebody had to do it.

I usually find myself listening to the music more than the lyrics. So most of the time they fly over my head.

KnifeWRENCH

chiller wrote:

love on mellon collie and the infinite sadness listen to that track brilliant love it! TO MANY OTHERS TO NAME WAY TO MANY

yeah.......pumpkins had so many brilliant lyrics!!and brilliant songS!!i wasnt sure which one to go for for this thread,but i think Tear was lyrically their greatest song..

is_that_so

Hmm lots of songs and some great ones already

A few spring to mind


Hotel California -Eagles

"Her mind is Tiffany-twisted, she got the Mercedes Bends
She got a lot of pretty, pretty boys she calls friends
How they dance in the courtyard, sweet summer sweat
Some dance to remember, some dance to forget"

Simon And Garfunkel - The Boxer

"In the clearing stands a boxer and a fighter by his trade,
And he carries the reminders of every glove that laid him down,
Or cut him 'til he cried out in his anger and his shame,
"I am leaving, I am leaving."
But the fighter still remains."

Burt Bacharach - The way to San Jose

"In a week, maybe two, they’ll make you a star
Weeks turn into years. how quick they pass
And all the stars that never were
Are parking cars and pumping gas"

and finally

Tom Waits- The piano has been drinking

The piano has been drinking
my necktie is asleep
and the combo went back to New York
the jukebox has to take a leak
and the carpet needs a haircut
and the spotlight looks like a prison break
cause the telephone's out of cigarettes
and the balcony's on the make
and the piano has been drinking
the piano has been drinking...

and the menus are all freezing
and the lightman's blind in one eye
and he can't see out of the other
and the piano-tuner's got a hearing aid
and he showed up with his mother
and the piano has been drinking
the piano has been drinking

cause the bouncer is a Sumo wrestler
cream puff casper milk toast
and the owner is a mental midget
with the I.Q. of a fencepost
cause the piano has been drinking
the piano has been drinking...

and you can't find your waitress
with a Geiger counter
And she hates you and your friends
and you just can't get served
without her
and the box-office is drooling
and the bar stools are on fire
and the newspapers were fooling
and the ash-trays have retired
the piano has been drinking
the piano has been drinking
The piano has been drinking
not me, not me, not me, not me, not me

nachos

Favourite band at the moment, Arcade Fire.

Neighbourhood #1 (Tunnels)

And if the snow buries my,
my neighborhood.
And if my parents are crying
then I'll dig a tunnel
from my window to yours,
yeah a tunnel from my window to yours.
You climb out the chimney
and meet me in the middle,
the middle of the town.
And since there's no one else around,
we let our hair grow long
and forget all we used to know,
then our skin gets thicker
from living out in the snow.

You change all the lead
sleepin' in my head,
as the day grows dim
I hear you sing a golden hymn.

Then we tried to name our babies,
but we forgot all the names that,
the names we used to know.
But sometimes, we remember our bedrooms,
and our parent's bedrooms,
and the bedrooms of our friends.
Then we think of our parents,
well what the hell ever happened to them?!

You change all the lead
sleepin' in my head to gold,
as the day grows dim,
I hear you sing a golden hymn,
the song I've been trying to sing.

Purify the colors, purify my mind.
Purify the colors, purify my mind,
and spread the ashes of the colors
in this heart of mine.

Nimrod's Son

For sad yet cool lyrics: Joy Division - Love Will Tear Us Apart

When the routine bites hard
And ambitions are low
And the resentment rides high
But emotions won’t grow
And we’re changing our ways,
Taking different roads
Then love, love will tear us apart again

Why is the bedroom so cold
Turned away on your side?
Is my timing that flawed,
Our respect run so dry?
Yet there’s still this appeal
That we’ve kept through our lives
Love, love will tear us apart again

Do you cry out in your sleep
All my failings expose?
Get a taste in my mouth
As desperation takes hold
Is it something so good
Just can’t function no more?
When love, love will tear us apart again

For lust/raw sexual energy: Pixies - Cactus

Sitting here wishing on a cement floor
Just wishing that I had just something you wore

I put it on when I go lonely
Will you take off your dress and send it to me?

I miss your kissin' and I miss your head
And a letter in your writing doesn't mean you're not dead
Run outside in the desert heat
Make your dress all wet and send it to me

I miss your soup and I miss your bread
And a letter in your writing doesn't mean you're not dead
So spill your breakfast and drip your wine
Just wear that dress when you di-i-i-i-i-ne

Sitting here wishing on a cement floor
Just wishing that I had just something you wore

Bloody your hands on a cactus tree
Wipe it on your dress and send it to me

Sitting here wishing on a cement floor
Just wishing that I had just something you wore


For something way the hell out there: Super Furry Animals - Mountain People

Mountain People
Radiator
Lyrics
They don't care about
You and me
Obviously
No not us
We're the mountain people

So far away from those
Tree lined streets
Look so neat
Not for us
No fat chance
We're the mountain people

They seek us in the valley
They'll seek us on the plain
They own the milk and runny honey
And they're not quite the same

And we
Live together under
Fantasy
Oak trees
In the dark
We make sparks
So unique
We're the mountain people

Curiosity comes to
Plead with me
Vanity
Strangles me
Pulls me
Shakes me down
We're the mountain people

They seek us in the valley
They'll seek us on the plain
They own the milk and runny honey
And they're not quite the same

Because
They don't care about
You and me
Obviously
Hand-me-down
Culture
Waiting for the vulture
Yes-yes-yes
We're the mountain people
Hibernation comes so early
This year
Dig the peat
Pile it high
Let it dry
One last chance at ignorance
No fat chance
We're the mountain people

One short blast was
Followed by
Two longer ones
Short blast
Long blast
Coming for the outcast
Put me in a deep freeze
And I'll sneeze
We're the mountain people

From a distance
I can see them
Pacing
Upstream
Slowly
Ruthlessly
Onwards
Steady
Nets and cages
Open
Ready
Long term memory
Soothes me
Worry
Take me
Break me
Any way you fancy

Deep freeze put me in it and I'll sneeze, a
Deep freeze put me in it and I'll sneeze, a
Deep freeze put me in it and I'll sneeze, a
Deep freeze put me in it

Royale with Cheese

I'm not a major fan of deep, poetic lyrics. I mean it's not that I don't like them but I don't look for them in a song. A great song for me doesn't have to have absolutely great lyrics. Some of my favourite lyrics are pretty much the entire of 'Growing on Me' by the Darkness.

MrJoeSoap

Dr J wrote:

I'm not a major fan of deep, poetic lyrics. I mean it's not that I don't like them but I don't look for them in a song. A great song for me doesn't have to have absolutely great lyrics. Some of my favourite lyrics are pretty much the entire of 'Growing on Me' by the Darkness.

You know that song is about genital warts right? Listen to it again with that in mind.

Royale with Cheese

MrJoeSoap wrote:

You know that song is about genital warts right? Listen to it again with that in mind.

That's exactly the reason I like it. Who doesn't like genital warts?

Davey Devil

The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll by Bob Dylan

Good article here for anyone who is interested about the background to this great protest song.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/arts/fridayreview/story/0,,1424244,00.html#article_continue

William Zanzinger killed poor Hattie Carroll
With a cane that he twirled around his diamond ring finger
At a Baltimore hotel society gath'rin'.
And the cops were called in and his weapon took from him
As they rode him in custody down to the station
And booked William Zanzinger for first-degree murder.
But you who philosophise disgrace and criticise all fears,
Take the rag away from your face.
Now ain't the time for your tears.
William Zanzinger, who at 24 years
Owns a tobacco farm of 600 acres
With rich wealthy parents who provide and protect him
And high office relations in the politics of Maryland,
Reacted to his deed with a shrug of his shoulders
And swear words and sneering, and his tongue it was snarling,
In a matter of minutes on bail was out walking.
But you who philosophise disgrace and criticise all fears,
Take the rag away from your face.
Now ain't the time for your tears.
Hattie Carroll was a maid of the kitchen.
She was 51 years old and gave birth to 10 children
Who carried the dishes and took out the garbage
And never sat once at the head of the table
And didn't even talk to the people at the table
Who just cleaned up all the food from the table
And emptied the ashtrays on a whole other level,
Got killed by a blow, lay slain by a cane
That sailed through the air and came down through the room,
Doomed and determined to destroy all the gentle.
And she never done nothing to William Zanzinger.
But you who philosophise disgrace and criticise all fears,
Take the rag away from your face.
Now ain't the time for your tears.
In the courtroom of honor, the judge pounded his gavel
To show that all's equal and that the courts are on the level
And that the strings in the books ain't pulled and persuaded
And that even the nobles get properly handled
Once that the cops have chased after and caught 'em
And that the ladder of law has no top and no bottom,
Stared at the person who killed for no reason
Who just happened to be feelin' that way without warnin'.
And he spoke through his cloak, most deep and distinguished,
And handed out strongly, for penalty and repentance,
William Zanzinger with a six-month sentence.
Oh, but you who philosophise disgrace and criticise all fears,
Bury the rag deep in your face
For now's the time for your tears.

micromegas

Oasis - Don't Go Away



Cold and frosty morning,
There's not a lot to say,
About the things caught in my mind,
And as the day was dawning,
My plane flew away,
With all the things caught in my mind,

I don't wanna be there when your, coming down,
I don't wanna be there when you hit the ground,
So dont go away,
Say what you say,
Say that you'll stay,
Forever and a day,
In the time of my life,
Cos I need more time,
Yes I need more time just to make things right

Damn my situation and the games I have to play,
With all the things caught in my mind,
Damn my education I can't find the words to say,
With all the things caught in my mind,

I don't wanna be there when your, coming down, I
don't wanna be there when you hit the ground,
So dont go away,
Say what you say,
Say that you'll stay,
Forever and a day,
In the time of my life,
Cos I need more time,
Yes I need more time just to make things right.

Me and you whats going on,
All we seem to know is how to show,
The feelings that I wrote.
So dont go away,
Say what you say,
Say that you'll stay,
Forever and a day,
In the time of my life,
Cos I need more time,
Yes I need more time just to make things right.

And dont go away,
Say what you say,
Say that you'll stay,
Forever and a day,
In the time of my life,
Cos I need more time,
Yes I need more time just to make things right,
Yes I need more time just to make things right,
Yes I need more time just to make things right,
So Don't Go Away.

MorningStar

Very rarely noticed for how good some of his songs are but this one always hits me as it sounds so real and truthful.

Artist/Band: Kristofferson Kris
Lyrics for Song: Sunday Morning Coming Down

Well I woke up Sunday morning,
With no way to hold my head that didn't hurt.
And the beer I had for breakfast wasn't bad,
So I had one more for dessert.
Then I fumbled through my closet for my clothes,
And found my cleanest dirty shirt.
An' I shaved my face and combed my hair,
An' stumbled down the stairs to meet the day.

I'd smoked my brain the night before,
On cigarettes and songs I'd been pickin'.
But I lit my first and watched a small kid,
Cussin' at a can that he was kicking.
Then I crossed the empty street,
'n caught the Sunday smell of someone fryin' chicken.
And it took me back to somethin',
That I'd lost somehow, somewhere along the way.

On the Sunday morning sidewalk,
Wishing, Lord, that I was stoned.
'Cos there's something in a Sunday,
Makes a body feel alone.
And there's nothin' short of dyin',
Half as lonesome as the sound,
On the sleepin' city sidewalks:
Sunday mornin' comin' down.

In the park I saw a daddy,
With a laughin' little girl who he was swingin'.
And I stopped beside a Sunday school,
And listened to the song they were singin'.
Then I headed back for home,
And somewhere far away a lonely bell was ringin'.
And it echoed through the canyons,
Like the disappearing dreams of yesterday.

On the Sunday morning sidewalk,
Wishing, Lord, that I was stoned.
'Cos there's something in a Sunday,
Makes a body feel alone.
And there's nothin' short of dyin',
Half as lonesome as the sound,
On the sleepin' city sidewalks:
Sunday mornin' comin' down.

Do do do do do do do do,
Do do do do do do do,
Do do do do do do do do,
Do do do do do do do.

To fade

Beer is Life

Megadeth - In my darkest hour

In my hour of need
Ha you're not there
And though I reached out for you
Wouldn't lend a hand

Through the darkest hour
Grace did not shine on me
It feels so cold, very cold
No one cares for me

Did you ever think I get lonely
Did you ever think that I needed love
Did you ever think to stop thinking
You're the only one that I'm thinking of

You'll never know how hard I tried
To find my space and satisfy you too

Things will be better when I'm dead and gone
Don't try to understand, knowing you I'm probably wrong

But oh how I lived my life for you
Still you'd turn away
Now as I die for you
My flesh still crawls as I breathe your name
All these years I thought I was wrong
Now I know it was you
Raise your head raise your face your eyes
Tell me who you think you are, who ?

I walk, I walk alone
Into the promised land
There's a better place for me
But it's far, far away
Everlasting life for me
In a perfect world
But I gotta die first
Please God send me on my way

Time has a way of taking time
Loneliness is not only felt by fools
Alone I call to ease the pain
Yearning to be held by you, alone, so alone, I'm lost
Consumed by the pain
The pain, the pain, the pain

Won't you hold me again
You just laughed, ha, ha, bitch
My whole life is work built on the past
But the time has come when all things shall pass
This good thing passed away

Megadeth - A Tout Le Monde

Don't remember where I was
I realized life was a game
The more seriously I took things
The harder the rules became
I had no idea what it'd cost
My life passed before my eyes
I found out how little I accomplished
All my plans denied

So as you read this know my friends
I'd love to stay with you all
Please smile when you think of me
My body's gone that's all

A tout le monde
A tout mes amis
Je vous aime
Je dois partir
These are the last words
I'll ever speak
And they'll set me free

If my heart was still alive
I know it would surely break
And my memories left with you
There's nothing more to say
Moving on is a simple thing
What it leaves behind is hard
You know the sleeping feel no more pain
And the living are scarred

biko

No, not for one second did you look behind you
As you were walking away
Never once did you wish any of us well
Those who had chosen to stay
And if that's what it takes to make it
In the place that you live today
Then I guess you'll never read these letters that I send
From the valleys of the green and the grey

kawaii

Band (Well, duo...): They Might Be Giants
Album: Flood
Song: Particle Man

Particle man, particle man
Doing the things a particle can
What’s he like? it’s not important
Particle man

Is he a dot, or is he a speck?
When he’s underwater does he get wet?
Or does the water get him instead?
Nobody knows, particle man

Triangle man, triangle man
Triangle man hates particle man
They have a fight, triangle wins
Triangle man

Universe man, universe man
Size of the entire universe man
Usually kind to smaller man
Universe man

He’s got a watch with a minute hand,
Millenium hand and an eon hand
When they meet it’s a happy land
Powerful man, universe man

Person man, person man
Hit on the head with a frying pan
Lives his life in a garbage can
Person man

Is he depressed or is he a mess?
Does he feel totally worthless?
Who came up with person man?
Degraded man, person man

Triangle man, triangle man
Triangle man hates person man
They have a fight, triangle wins
Triangle man

-Beat That

/edit/ Waits is great also.

Beer is Life

biko wrote:

No, not for one second did you look behind you
As you were walking away
Never once did you wish any of us well
Those who had chosen to stay
And if that's what it takes to make it
In the place that you live today
Then I guess you'll never read these letters that I send
From the valleys of the green and the grey

What's this from?

MrJoeSoap

Beer is Life wrote:

What's this from?

New Model Army - Green and Grey

Duffman

Jeff Buckley:

"Last goodbye"

This is our last goodbye
I hate to feel the love between us die
But it's over
Just hear this and then i'll go
You gave me more to live for
More than you'll ever know

This is our last embrace
Must I dream and always see your face
Why can't we overcome this wall
Well, maybe it's just because i didn't know you at all

Kiss me, please kiss me
But kiss me out of desire, babe, and not consolation
You know it makes me so angry 'cause i know that in time
I'll only make you cry, this is our last goodbye

Did you say "no, this can't happen to me,"
And did you rush to the phone to call
Was there a voice unkind in the back of your mind
Saying maybe you didn't know him at all
You didn't know him at all, oh, you didn't know

Well, the bells out in the church tower chime
Burning clues into this heart of mine
Thinking so hard on her soft eyes and the memories
Offer signs that it's over... it's over

---

"Lover, you should've come over" Jeff Buckley

Looking out the door i see the rain fall upon the funeral mourners
Parading in a wake of sad relations as their shoes fill up with water
And maybe i'm too young to keep good love from going wrong
But tonight you're on my mind so you never know

When i'm broken down and hungry for your love with no way to feed it
Where are you tonight, child you know how much i need it
Too young to hold on and too old to just break free and run

Sometimes a man gets carried away, when he feels like he should be having his fun
And much too blind to see the damage he's done
Sometimes a man must awake to find that really, he has no-one

So i'll wait for you... and i'll burn
Will I ever see your sweet return
Oh will I ever learn

Oh lover, you should've come over
'Cause it's not too late

Lonely is the room, the bed is made, the open window lets the rain in
Burning in the corner is the only one who dreams he had you with him
My body turns and yearns for a sleep that will never come

It's never over, my kingdom for a kiss upon her shoulder
It's never over, all my riches for her smiles when i slept so soft against her
It's never over, all my blood for the sweetness of her laughter
It's never over, she's the tear that hangs inside my soul forever

Well maybe i'm just too young
To keep good love from going wrong

Oh... lover, you should've come over
'Cause it's not too late

Well I feel too young to hold on
And i'm much too old to break free and run
Too deaf, dumb, and blind to see the damage i've done
Sweet lover, you should've come over
Oh, love well i'm waiting for you

Lover, you should've come over
'Cause it's not too late

---

More Pumpkins:

"To Sheila"

Twilight fades
Through blistered avalon
The sky's cruel torch
On aching autobahn
Into the uncertain divine
We scream into the last divide

You make me real
You make me real
Strong as i feel
You make me real

Sheila rides on crashing nightingale
Intake eyes leave passing vapor trails
With blushing brilliance alive
Because it's time to arrive

You make me real
You make me real
Strong as i feel
You make me real

Lately I just can't seem to believe
Discard my friends to change the scenery
It meant the world to hold a bruising faith
But now it's just a matter of grace

A summer storm graces all of me
Highway warm sing silent poetry
I could bring you the light
And take you home into the night

You make me real
Lately I just can't seem to believe
You make me real
Discard my friends to change the scenery
Strong as i feel
It meant the world to hold a bruising faith
You make me real
But now it's just a matter of grace

MrJoeSoap

Duffman wrote:

Jeff Buckley: "Last goodbye"

Best... Song... Ever.