lyricism

Lyricism is the quality of expressing personal emotions or thoughts in a highly musical, imaginative, and concise way. The term derives from the ancient Greek lyre and originally described lyric poetry, a form sung to musical accompaniment. Today, lyricism can refer to the mood or voice of poetry, as well as to the expressive character of song lyrics and other verbal arts. It emphasizes interior experience, subjectivity, and immediacy over plot or external description.

Key features include vivid imagery, metaphor and simile, concise and musical diction, and a strong sense of voice. Techniques such as rhythm, cadence, alliteration, assonance, and phonetic texture contribute to the musicality of the language. Lyricism often employs first-person perspective or intimate address, creating a sense of immediacy and personal connection. It may be contemplative, passionate, or idealized, but typically aims to evoke mood and sensation as much as narrative detail.

In literature, lyricism characterizes much of lyric poetry from classical odes to Romantic and modern verse, though prose and drama can be described as lyrical when their style is richly musical or emotionally expressive. In music, lyricism refers to the melodic and expressive quality of song lyrics and vocal lines, sometimes prioritizing tunefulness and sentiment over technical display. Critics may praise or critique lyricism for its authenticity, originality, or tendency toward sentimentality, reflecting diverse standards across genres and eras.