Lyriskt

Lyriskt is an adjective used in poetry and music criticism to describe works that express personal emotion and musicality. In literary analysis, a lyriskt work presents the inner feelings or thoughts of a single speaker, rather than narrating external events or depicting a battle or journey. The term derives from Latin lyricus and Greek lyricos, through the influence of early lyric poetry performed with a lyre.

Lyriskt works are characterized by a focus on subjective experience, vivid imagery, metaphor, and a musical or rhythmic quality. They often use the first-person voice, compact form, and momentary impressions rather than extended plot. In multilingual contexts, the equivalent terms are "lyrical" in English and "lyrisk" in Swedish; in criticism, it is sometimes contrasted with episk (epic) and dramatisk (dramatic) modes.

In modern usage, the label can apply to both poetry and song lyrics, where melody and cadence reinforce emotional expression. Lyriskt poetry flourished in classical antiquity in short, stanzas; today it encompasses diverse styles, from intimate free verse to song lyrics that prioritize mood and personal significance over narrative structure.