Great poetry may not make for great lyrics, either. Synergy between words and music, when it happens, is a great thing. The music of John Hiatt, Dar Williams, and Marshall Crenshaw (to pick 3 off the top of my head) might be appealling on its own, but it's great enhanced by their word craft. Patti Smith produces a very different kind of synergy, Brian Eno yet another.
Each of these artists produces words that might not qualify as great poetry, but IMHO each does produce wonderful lyrics.
Marty
"Sweet Regina's gone to China, Newsweek on her knee. While far below, the curlews call from strangely stunted trees."
Brian Eno's wonderful lyric ain't notable poetry in my book, but it's a near perfect lyric
Each of these artists produces words that might not qualify as great poetry, but IMHO each does produce wonderful lyrics.
Marty
"Sweet Regina's gone to China, Newsweek on her knee. While far below, the curlews call from strangely stunted trees."
Brian Eno's wonderful lyric ain't notable poetry in my book, but it's a near perfect lyric