In the most common use of the term, a lyric is any
fairly short poem, consisting of the utterance by a single speaker, who
expresses a state of mind or a process of perception, thought, and feeling.
The chief qualities or essentials
of a good lyric are:
1. It’s
a short poem, characterised by simplicity in language and treatment.
2. It
deals with a single emotion which is generally stated in the first few
lines. Then the poet gives us the
thoughts suggested by that particular emotion.
The last and concluding part is in the nature of a summary. In other words it is the conclusions reached
by the poet. Such is the development of
a lyric in general, but often these parts are not distinctly marked. In moments of intense emotional excitement
the poet may be carried away by his emotions and the lyric may develop along
entirely different lines. A lyric is
more often than not, mood-dictated.
3. It
is musical. Verbal music is an important
element in its appeal and charm. Various
devices are used by poets to enhance the music of their lyrics.
4. It
is an expression of the moods and emotions of a poet. However, a poet may not express merely his
emotions, he may also analyse them intellectually. Such intellectual analysis of emotion is an
important characteristics of the metaphysical lyrics of the early 17th
century. Such lyrics are also more
elaborate than the ordinary lyric.
5. It
is characterised by intensity and poignancy.
The best lyrics are the expressions of intensely felt emotions. Like fire, the intensity of the poet’s
emotion burns out the non-essentials, all attention is concentrated on the
basic emotion, and the gain in poignancy is enormous. It comes directly out of the heart of the
poet, and therefore goes directly to the heart of the readers. The lyric at best is poignant, pathetic and
intense.
6. Spontaneity
is another important quality of a lyric.
The lyric poet sings in strains of unpremeditated art. He sings effortlessly due to the inner urge
for self-expression. Any conscious
effort on his part, makes the lyric look unnatural and artificial.