Lyric facts for kids

Lyric is a word with many cool meanings! It often has to do with music, poetry, or how we describe voices. Let's explore what "lyric" can mean.

What Does "Lyric" Mean?

The word "lyric" comes from ancient Greece. It was first used to describe a song that was sung while playing a lyre. A lyre is an old stringed instrument, a bit like a small harp. So, "lyric" has always been connected to music and singing!

Lyric Poetry: Expressing Feelings

One important meaning of "lyric" is related to Lyric poetry. This type of poetry is all about expressing personal feelings and thoughts. It's like the poet is sharing their own emotions, ideas, or experiences directly with you.

• What it is: Lyric poetry focuses on a single moment or feeling.
• How it feels: It often sounds like a song and can be very emotional.
• Examples: Many famous poems about love, nature, or sadness are lyric poems.

Lyrics: The Words of a Song

When you listen to your favorite song, the words you hear are called the Lyrics. These are the verses and choruses that tell a story or share a message along with the music.

• Purpose: Lyrics work with the melody to create a complete song.
• Creation: Songwriters carefully choose words to fit the rhythm and mood.
• Impact: Good lyrics can make a song memorable and meaningful.

Lyric Voices in Music

In European classical music, "lyric" can describe a type of singing voice. It's not just about how high or low a voice can go. It also describes the voice's quality, like how light or full it sounds.

• Lyric Soprano: This is a high female voice that is usually bright and warm. It's strong enough to be heard over an orchestra but also very smooth.
• Lyric Tenor: This is a high male voice that is often clear and ringing. It can sing beautiful, flowing melodies.
• Why it matters: Composers write music specifically for these voice types.

Places and Groups Called Lyric

The word "Lyric" is also used in the names of different places and groups, especially those connected to arts and entertainment.

• Lyric Opera House: In Baltimore, Maryland, there's a famous theater often called "the Lyric." It hosts many different shows, including operas, concerts, and plays.
• Lyric FM: This is a radio station in Ireland. It plays a lot of classical music, jazz, and world music.
• Lyric (R&B): This was a girl group that sang R&B music in the early 2000s. They were signed to a record label called J Records.
• "Lyric" (Zwan song): The band Zwan released a single song called "Lyric" in 2003. A single is usually one main song released from an album.

ESRB Content Rating Advisor

The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) gives ratings to video games. These ratings help parents decide if a game is right for their kids. One of the things the ESRB looks at is if a game has "Lyrics."

• What it means: If a game has a "Lyrics" warning, it means the songs in the game might have words that some players or parents could find strong or inappropriate.
• Helping parents: This warning helps families understand the content of a game before they play it.