Lyricists Aren’t Always Poets: Some of the Worst Song Lyrics

Lyrics are often considered as poetry for the masses; in turn, those who write lyrics are considered as poets. This idea may not be true all the time, but it is applicably to a few notably artists. Norah Jones, Tupac, Jewel, and Paul McCartney are noted writers of lyrics (and creators of music too, of course), and their lyrics have been published as books which are often classified as poetry collections. Not all lyrics are poems, of course, but their exemplary work often pass the standard of literature. At its best, lyrics can transcend music and function as great literature. But at its worst, lyrics can be cringe-inducing nightmares. Here are some of the lyrics that do not pass the standards of great music.

“Whenever, Wherever,” by Shakira

Some of Shakira’s songs have spectacular lyrics. For instance, parts of the lyrics of “Underneath Your Clothes” bother the poetic (“Underneath your clothes / There's an endless story”). Sadly, the lyrics of “Whenever, Wherever” do not have that same flair. A music magazine considered this part of the lyrics the worst: "Lucky that my breasts / Are small and humble / So you don't confuse / Them with mountains").

“Ass Like That,” by Eminem

Another artist who has already written a number of earlier hits with great lyrics, the lyrics of Eminemn have been cited all over the world as the poetry of his generation. His lyrics portray the real America, the way people wouldn’t want to hear about because it hears too close to home. Yet, in “Ass Like That,” it seems as if Eminem’s lyrics have devolved. The usual trademarks of Eminem are still in the lyrics (here, he mentions and references a number of female celebrities). But with lyrics like “I ain't never seen an ass like that / The way you move it, you make my pee pee go / Doing, doing, doing,” no amount of smart wordplay and pop culture references could make the song—and the lyrics—any better.

“Elevation,” by U2

U2 is one of the most influential and persevering bands today. Their careers have spawned decades, with a number of iconic and important songs to boot. However, their song “Elevation” (which was used in the soundtrack of the Tomb Raider movie) didn’t exactly elevate with the critics. It ranks fifth in ABC’s worst lyrics list, maybe not because of the song per se, but because of people’s expectations. The lyrics of “Elevation” was said to be lacking. Case in point: “I've got no self-control/ Been living like a mole now/ Going down, excavation”

“Life,” by Des’ree

“I'm afraid of the dark / Especially when I'm in a park / And there's no one else around,

Oh I get the shivers./ I don't want to see a ghost, / It's the sight that I fear most / I'd rather have a piece of toast / And watch the evening news,” go the lyrics of Des’ree’s “Life.” This remains to be her most successful song to date, and the lyrics of “Life” may reveal why she didn’t become a bigger star. The attempt of the lyrics is notable. However, the rhymes in the lyrics aren’t.