Top 10 Best Lyricists in Rock
Some songs stick in your brain because of the riff. Others, it's the words that do it. The right lyricist can turn three chords into an anthem or a whisper into a war cry. They put poetry into punchlines, fury into philosophy, and somehow make heartbreak sound like a spiritual awakening.
You know the lines. You've shouted them out car windows, scribbled them on notebooks, maybe even tattooed one or two. They're the writers who've taken the chaos of life and turned it into something you could scream along to at full volume or sit with in silence.
This list is for the ones who wrote what you wish you could say. Vote for the lyricists who've gotten inside your head, wrecked you, lifted you, or just made you want to write something that mattered too.
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John Lennon
John Winston Ono Lennon, MBE (born John Winston Lennon, 9 October 1940-8 December 1980), was an English singer, songwriter, musician, and political activist. He rose to worldwide fame as the co-founder, co-lead vocalist, and rhythm guitarist of the Beatles, the most commercially successful band in the... read more
Brilliant in every way. Across the Universe is otherworldly and is beyond words. Nowhere Man is an anthem for all of us who struggle at some point. His Christmas song has a poignancy and a proactive message that tops all others, and Imagine is beyond brilliant in terms of its effective way of capturing and identifying what drives people apart: religion and fierce, childlike nationalistic pride.
John Lennon was the best at everything. He was an amazing lyricist and had more heart, soul, unflinching honesty, and creativity than any other writer!
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Roger Waters
George Roger Waters is an English singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and composer. He is best known as the co-founder, secondary lead vocalist, and bassist of the progressive rock band Pink Floyd. Waters was also the band's principal lyricist and conceptual leader through much of its most influential... read more
While Gilmour was the soul, Roger was the brain behind one of the most magical bands ever, Pink Floyd.
Makes you wonder if it is possible to convey so much with just a few words...
And if the cloud bursts, thunder in your ear
You shout and no one seems to hear.
And if the band you're in starts playing different tunes
I'll see you on the dark side of the moon. --- Brain Damage
How I wish, how I wish you were here.
We're just two lost souls
Swimming in a fish bowl,
Year after year,
Running over the same old ground.
What have we found?
The same old fears. - Wish You Were Here
Bleating and babbling I fell on his neck with a scream.
Wave upon wave of demented avengers
March cheerfully out of obscurity into the dream. ----- Sheep
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Maynard James Keenan
Maynard James Keenan, often referred to by his initials MJK, is an American musician, record producer, winemaker, and actor. He is best known as the vocalist for the Grammy Award-winning progressive metal band Tool.
Keenan is also the lead singer of the bands A Perfect Circle and Puscifer, which... read more
Maynard's lyrics are deeply personal, genuine, and penetrating. Each is a comprehensive plot with a meaningful purpose. The fact that Maynard understands not only the world around him but also his own emotions, desires, and flaws empowers him to find meaning in his conflicts.
This is what sets his lyrics apart from other dreary and introspective artists involved in heavy music. As he put it himself, he is a "pessimist with a sense of responsibility." In other words, he goes beyond the self-pity and misdirected anger that plague most metal lyricists, finding the lesson to be learned.
Maynard's lyrics are about growth. They'll pull you in and force you to find meaning within them. It's not therapeutic. It will not heal you. You'll be drawn into the undertow, and when it starts adding up at the bottom, it'll give you the strength and intuition to find your own way.
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Jerry Cantrell
Jerry Fulton Cantrell Jr. is an American musician, singer-songwriter, and guitarist best known as the founder, lead guitarist, co-lead vocalist, and primary songwriter of the rock band Alice in Chains. He has also released solo albums and contributed to various collaborations. Cantrell's guitar work... read more
One of the best songwriters and composers of ALL TIME, he is a music prodigy and a genius. His guitar riffs and songs are so unique and complex. Jerry deserves so much more recognition.
You, my friend, I will defend
And if we change, well, I love you anyway.
I love Alice in Chains' lyrics. They're so emotional! I think I'm gonna cry...
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Peter Lennodo
Peter Lennodo is a British musician. He is also a composer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He is best known as the vocalist, lead guitarist and main songwriter of the rock band The Arcana.
Just pick any song at random: Rain Down Drifter, Lemon Freddy, If I Find Myself, Flying High...
The lyrics in any song by The Arcana are great.
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Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan is an American singer-songwriter, author, and artist who has been an influential figure in popular music and culture for more than five decades. He gained fame in the 1960s with songs that became anthems for the civil rights and anti-war movements. In 2016, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in... read more
The most inspirational and metaphorical lyricist that has ever graced this earth.
Darkness at the break of noon
Shadows even the silver spoon
The hand-made blade, the child's balloon
Eclipses both the sun and moon
To understand you know too soon
There's no sense in trying.
Come on.
Then Morrison, Cobain, Maynard, Waters.
Bob Dylan at number 4? This is preposterous. Bob Dylan is the best lyricist of all time, hands down and without question. He was more than the voice of a generation. He was one of the best poets of all time. If you could ask any of the three writers listed above him, they would all say Bob Dylan is the GOAT.
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Pete Townshend
Peter Dennis Blandford "Pete" Townshend is an English musician, singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, best known as the lead guitarist and primary songwriter for the rock band The Who. He is considered one of the most influential rock guitarists and composers of all time. Townshend has also... read more
I love Pete Townshend's lyrics and how they weave through his music. I am happy to see him high on this list. Some other lists had him way down or not at all! He probably should be one or two behind Dylan, although I think his music is more listenable than Dylan's. Paul Simon and Elvis Costello should come after them.
Pete is the best writer of his generation when tackling the issues of teenage angst.
Best lyricist... probably only behind Bob Dylan. Listen to his compositions like "Behind Blue Eyes," "We Won't Get Fooled Again," "My Generation," etc. Also, he was the main guy with the idea of "rock operas" like Tommy and Quadrophenia.
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Kurt Cobain
Kurt Cobain (February 20, 1967 - April 5, 1994) was an American singer, songwriter, and musician, best known as the frontman of the grunge band Nirvana. Founded in 1987, Nirvana achieved global success in the early 1990s, reshaping rock music with albums like Bleach, Nevermind, and In Utero. Cobain died... read more
Kurt should be first. Some people find his lyrics nonsense. But if you listen to him and try to understand his words, you will find that he is the best. In his songs, he takes out all his feelings.
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James Hetfield
James Alan Hetfield was born on August 3, 1963. He is an American musician, singer, and songwriter known for being the co-founder, lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and main songwriter for the American thrash metal band Metallica. He helped form the iconic thrash metal group in 1981 after answering... read more
His lyrics are a lot more complicated than people seem to notice. After the first two albums, Metallica songs had very deep meanings. Although even lyrics to early songs like Jump in the Fire consist of fun yet complex lyrics.
If you didn't vote for James, you better have never listened to Metallica. If not, look up a lyric video of One or The Unforgiven.
James should be #1! His lyrics kick ass!
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Jim Morrison
James Douglas "Jim" Morrison (December 8, 1943 - July 3, 1971) was an American singer, songwriter, and poet best remembered as the lead vocalist and lyricist of The Doors. He became a counterculture icon of the 1960s, known for his flamboyant stage presence and poetic lyrics. Morrison died in Paris in... read more
Jim Morrison should be 2nd after Dylan. Possibly the most intelligent and poetic rockstar ever.
Break on Through to the Other Side. Enough said.
The End, Celebration of the Lizard, to name a few.
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Jim Steinman
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Dave Mustaine
David Scott "Dave" Mustaine (born September 13, 1961) is an American musician, singer, songwriter, actor, and author. He was the original lead guitarist of Metallica before being dismissed in 1983. Afterward, he formed the band Megadeth, where he became the lead vocalist and primary creative force.... read more
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Layne Staley
Layne Thomas Staley was an American musician who served as the lead singer and co-songwriter of the rock band Alice in Chains, which he founded with guitarist Jerry Cantrell in Seattle, Washington, in 1987. Alice in Chains rose to international fame as part of the grunge movement of the early 1990s.... read more
I'm pretty sure that Alice in Chains is the only band on here with two members listed (I mean, who else would you nominate? David Gilmour of Pink Floyd maybe? That's the only other one I can think of off the top of my head) and both of them are in the top 10.
Like I said with Cantrell, Layne (as well as everyone else in Alice in Chains) was a musical genius. RIP.
Genius songwriter:
"Tears that soak a callous heart."
"I still love you, but I still burn."
"If I can't be my own, I'd feel better dead."
"My pain is self-chosen. At least so the prophet says."
"I'm a riddle so strong, you can't break me."
"I messed around as a little boy, I grew up, made the blade my new toy."
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Paul Simon
Paul Frederic Simon is an American musician, singer-songwriter, and actor. He first rose to fame as one half of the duo Simon & Garfunkel, formed in 1964 with Art Garfunkel.
Following the duo's split in 1970, Simon launched a highly successful solo career. He is known for incorporating world music... read more
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Tuomas Holopainen
Tuomas Lauri Johannes Holopainen, born on December 25, 1976, is a Finnish songwriter, multi-instrumentalist musician, and record producer. He is primarily known as the founder, leader, keyboardist, and main songwriter of the symphonic metal band Nightwish. Holopainen has also studied both jazz and classical... read more
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Bono
Paul David Hewson (born May 10, 1960), known professionally as Bono, is an Irish singer‑songwriter, musician, philanthropist, and businessman. He is best known as the lead vocalist and primary lyricist of the rock band U2.... read more
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Freddie Mercury
Freddie Mercury was a Zanzibari‑born British singer of Indian descent, songwriter, and record producer, best known as the lead vocalist and lyricist of the rock band Queen. He achieved fame for his flamboyant stage persona and remarkable four-octave vocal range.... read more
He should definitely be higher. He did make one of the best songs in history, and that is even stated.
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Paul McCartney
Sir James Paul McCartney (born 18 June 1942) is an English singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and composer. With John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, he gained worldwide fame as a member of the rock band The Beatles, one of the most popular and influential groups in the history of pop... read more
Only 12? I mean, he's a worse lyricist than Lennon, but he was one of the first songwriters to write more mature songs like For No One, She's Leaving Home, Eleanor Rigby, and Yesterday.
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Amy Lee
Amy Lee, born Amy Lynn Hartzler, is an American singer-songwriter, classically trained pianist, and composer. She is best known as the co-founder and lead vocalist of the rock band Evanescence, which gained global fame with their 2003 hit Bring Me to Life... read more
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Mikael Åkerfeldt
Lars Mikael Åkerfeldt is a Swedish musician, best known as the lead vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter of the progressive death metal band Opeth. He was also the vocalist for the death metal supergroup Bloodbath, contributing to three albums before leaving the band in 2012... read more
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Michael Stipe
John Michael Stipe is an American singer, songwriter, film producer, music video director, and visual artist. He is best known as the lead vocalist of the alternative rock band R.E.M., which was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007. Stipe is also known for his distinctive voice and socially... read more
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Axl Rose
William Bruce Rose Jr., better known as Axl Rose, is an American singer born on February 6, 1962, in Lafayette, Indiana. He is the founding member and lead vocalist of the hard rock band Guns N' Roses, which rose to international fame with their debut album Appetite for Destruction (1987). Known for... read more
Axl is one of the most underrated lyricists in rock. Coma, November Rain, You Could Be Mine, and Civil War are some of his best work lyrically.
How Axl isn't at least in the top three is beyond me. He is definitely one of the most underrated lyricists of all time. Simply outstanding.
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Serj Tankian
Serj Tankian (Armenian: Սերժ Թանգյան. Born August 21, 1967) is a Lebanese-born Armenian-American singer-songwriter, composer, multi-instrumentalist, record producer, poet, and political activist.
He is best known as the lead vocalist of the Armenian-American rock band System of a Down. After the... read more
Serj is a fantastic lyricist, catering to his audience. My opinion was split between Serj and Maynard from Tool/APC, but Maynard always gets excessive attention due to the brilliance of his band. The depth of his lyrics would mean little if not for his bandmates (e.g., Danny Carey - what fantastic time signatures!). Besides, I have it from inside sources that Tool is and always has been Danny's band.
Meanwhile, Serj has left SOAD and proven himself great both behind and in front of the mic, writing and performing his album in its entirety.
My other favorites are:
- Layne Staley, who is a god and is above such lists...
- Mike Patton, who is a great vocalist if not a lyricist... same for Phil Anselmo (my personal favorite vocalist).
And who put Gene Hoglan on here? He's a drummer?!?!?
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Bernie Taupin
To have Bernie Taupin at 15 is total disrespect to one of the greatest lyricists of all time. He should definitely be in the top 5, if not the top 3 lyricists of all time.
Has to be in the top 5. Complex and innovative when most hits were written for three chords.
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Neil Peart
Neil Ellwood Peart (September 12, 1952 to January 7, 2020) was a Canadian-American musician and writer best known as the drummer and primary lyricist of the rock band Rush. He received numerous awards for his musical performances, including induction into the Modern Drummer Readers Poll Hall of Fame... read more
Thoughtful and explicit, Neil is able to tackle both philosophical and personal topics with beauty and precision. His writing was never tired or cliché. It is inspirational, descriptive, and thought-provoking.
Listen to songs such as Limelight, The Pass, and Prime Mover, and the lyrics will blow your mind.
Heavily influenced by the Greeks and Shakespeare, but unique in his own way...
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David Bowie
David Robert Jones, known professionally as David Bowie (January 8, 1947 - January 10, 2016), was an English singer born in London, the son of a sales promotion officer and a housewife.
He earned praise for his experimental and creative music, winning numerous awards and gaining admiration from... read more
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Alex Turner
Alexander David "Alex" Turner is an English musician. He is the lead vocalist, guitarist, and principal songwriter of the English rock band Arctic Monkeys. Turner is also known for his work with the side project The Last Shadow Puppets, and his lyrical style has received widespread acclaim.
This man has made and continues to make some of the most profound and moving pieces of literature through his amazing storytelling capabilities in his music. He should be way higher.
Don't get me wrong, I am a huge fan of some of the people listed above, but Alex's lyrics are so creative and beautiful. How can you list him this low?
He might be at 17, but unlike the others on the list, he is contemporary. The album Humbug is a lyrical masterpiece, and he deserves a higher place in my opinion.