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Lyrics (in singular form Lyric) are a set of words that accompany music, either by speaking or singing. The word 'lyric' derives from the Greek word "lyrikos", meaning "singing to the lyre".¹

The word lyric came to be used for the "words of a popular song"; this meaning was recorded in 1829. The common plural predominates contemporary usage. Use of the singular form 'lyric' remains acceptable, yet is considered erroneous in referring to a singular song word as a 'lyric'.²

Copyright and royalties

See Royalties#Music_royalties

See also

Look up lyrics, lyric in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

• Lyricist, a lyrics writer
• Instrumental, music without voice
• Libretto, the name used for the text of traditional music forms like opera

Notes

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