Photo by Glen Carrie on Unsplash
Why do many song lyrics make absolutely zero sense?! This has baffled me for years, and today I bring back songwriting expert Mike Errico to finally solve this personal mystery. Are musicians being deep, poetic – or is there something else behind seemingly nonsensical lyrics? Get ready to finally understand the strange genius behind songs that make no literal sense!
Guest
Mike Errico is the author of the book Music, Lyrics, and Life: A Field Guide for the Advancing Songwriter. Mike is a New York City-based recording artist and educator. He’s toured internationally, composed extensively for film and TV, and teaches songwriting at universities including Yale, Wesleyan and NYU’s Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music. His work has been featured in publications including the New York Times, CNN, and the Wall Street Journal.
Notes
We discuss:
- Why so many popular song lyrics seem nonsensical – and whether that’s intentional.
- Examples of puzzling lyrics from artists like The Beatles, Phil Collins, Elton John, Owl City, and more.
- How some lyrics function more as sound or rhythm than literal meaning.
- The concept of “emergent storytelling” in songwriting – when words may start as gibberish but a story or feeling emerges.
- Why ambiguity in lyrics can make songs more memorable and open to interpretation.
- How songwriters use lyrics for personal expression, therapy, or emotional processing.
- The difference between storytelling in genres like opera, country, and pop/rock.
- Discussion of the balance between meaning, vibe, and emotional impact in music.
- Cultural and genre trends: why abstract or nonsensical lyrics are more tolerated or even celebrated in certain music communities.
- Insights from Mike Errico’s book Music, Lyrics, and Life on the mystery and craft behind songwriting.
Connect/Other Resources
- Mike’s website
- Book: Music, Lyrics, and Life: A Field Guide for the Advancing Songwriter, by Mike Errico
- Connect with Mike on: Instagram | Tik Tok | Facebook | Substack
- Hear Mike’s music on: Bandcamp | Apple Music | Spotify
- I mention the New York Times article, Pop Musicians, Please Spare Me the Back Stories (by Jon Pareles, 12/28/24)
Other episodes we mentioned or that you may enjoy:
- My first interview with Mike: Ep. 213: Songwriting Decoded – What the Brain Loves & Why Lyrics Matter; with Mike Errico
- Ep. 51: Conscious music: How do lyrics shape my mental narrative? with Jamie Goldstein, PsyD
- Ep. 43: A combat veteran tells his story and shares how music is serving those who serve our country, with CreatiVets’ Richard Casper
- View all episodes related to Education & Community
In-Episode Promo
SHEET MUSIC DIRECT: One of my favorite ways to enhance my life with music is to play just-for-fun songs on the piano at the end of the day. My current favorites are ABBA songs and songs from the 80s, like We Are The World. With Sheet Music Direct, I can explore new music, track my favorites, play and download scores any time, from any device. This online treasure trove of digital sheet music is powered by music publisher Hal Leonard and has over a million arrangements—ready to view, listen to, and download instantly. Prices start at just $0.99 and include selections for every instrument, genre, and skill level. My family has relied on Sheet Music Direct for years for musical joy and convenience. For an entire musical library at your fingertips, visit SheetMusicDirect.com.
Coda
Mike shares one of his favorite non-sensical-lyric songs: Black Box’s “Everybody Everybody”
Closing Words
Thanks so much to Mike Errico for unraveling the mystery behind song lyrics. I hope this inspires you to listen to new or favorite songs with fresh ears and a new appreciation for the stories (or sounds) behind the words… or for how the words may overlay in their own unique way with your particular story and life.
All Enhance Life with Music episodes are evergreen; so check out the back catalogue for more ways that music can make your life better.
You can always connect with me on email (mindy@mpetersonmusic.com), Facebook, Instagram, X, or LinkedIn; and by signing up for my monthly e-Newsletter.
Thank you so much for joining me today. Until next time, may your life be enhanced with music.
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