LRCs

LRC stands for "Lyric Realization Company" or sometimes "Lyric-Reader-Controller." It is a term primarily associated with early digital music players and software. LRC files are simple text files that contain song lyrics synchronized with timestamps. These timestamps indicate when each line of lyrics should be displayed on the screen as the music plays.

The LRC format allows for a more interactive listening experience by presenting the words being sung in real-time. This feature was particularly popular with portable music players like Winamp and various early MP3 players, as well as in some karaoke software. The synchronization is achieved by embedding time codes at the beginning of each line within the LRC file. For example, a line might start with [00:15.50] followed by the lyric.

Creating LRC files typically involves manually listening to a song and noting the exact start time for each lyric line. Some software applications have been developed to assist in this process, either through manual input or by attempting automatic synchronization. While not as prevalent with modern streaming services, which often integrate lyrics directly into their platforms, the LRC format remains a simple and effective method for offline lyric display. It represents an early step in enhancing the digital music listening experience beyond just audio playback.