Tune or lyrics? - Page 2

Oftencold · #11 (**permalink**) 10-12-2010, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lizzie

Something that has interested me for many years, as a curiosity, is what seems to be my observation that women like lyrics, and men like the tunes/instrumentation when they listen to music (generally- not absolute).

I've wondered why this would be the case, and I'm thinking maybe it has something to do with right brain vs left brain dominance, but I'm not sure. I believe that females have a tendency to place more meaning into things they sense from the outside world via words and associations with past emotional experiences and desires. I'm wondering if men (who tend to be more left-brained in general) like the sound/instrumentation because they perceive music on a more objective basis- for instance they may like the rhythm/beat, which would be a numbers-related interest, and their enjoyment is more "outward".

I love a good deal of classical music, but I've noticed that it's the emotions stirred by good classical music that makes me love it, rather than the actual instrumental sounds, and in modern music, it's invariably the lyrics that I pay attention to. I've noticed repeatedly, that when I first hear a song, and don't necessarily like the sound of it, that if I like what it has to "say" appeals to me, I will invariably grow to love that song. I thought that since there seems to be a good balance of men:women on this site, some of you would give me your thoughts and opinions/ preferences on it.

I love good lyrics, and poetry, as well as both complex and simple music.

MintJulep · #12 (**permalink**) 10-12-2010, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lizzie

I must be weird in some way as well. In the past, when I've posted on forums without explicitly using a female username, most people have assumed that I am a man.

The same thing happens to me. I avoid emotional histrionics, which may be the reason.

alan · #13 (**permalink**) 10-12-2010, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lizzie

I must be weird in some way as well. In the past, when I've posted on forums without explicitly using a female username, most people have assumed that I am a man.

There are lots of assumptions about me.

alan · #14 (**permalink**) 10-12-2010, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lizzie

Something that has interested me for many years, as a curiosity, is what seems to be my observation that women like lyrics, and men like the tunes/instrumentation when they listen to music (generally- not absolute).

I've wondered why this would be the case, and I'm thinking maybe it has something to do with right brain vs left brain dominance, but I'm not sure. I believe that females have a tendency to place more meaning into things they sense from the outside world via words and associations with past emotional experiences and desires. I'm wondering if men (who tend to be more left-brained in general) like the sound/instrumentation because they perceive music on a more objective basis- for instance they may like the rhythm/beat, which would be a numbers-related interest, and their enjoyment is more "outward".

I love a good deal of classical music, but I've noticed that it's the emotions stirred by good classical music that makes me love it, rather than the actual instrumental sounds, and in modern music, it's invariably the lyrics that I pay attention to. I've noticed repeatedly, that when I first hear a song, and don't necessarily like the sound of it, that if I like what it has to "say" appeals to me, I will invariably grow to love that song. I thought that since there seems to be a good balance of men:women on this site, some of you would give me your thoughts and opinions/ preferences on it.

If I want to listen to music it's usually the lyrics that draw me in (Blues and Classical can be an exception).
If I want to dance, it's the rhythm and beat that draw me in.

lizzie · #15 (**permalink**) 10-12-2010, 08:34 PM

Well, damn. Most of you have blown my preconceived notions.

Maybe we're all just special.

saltwn · #16 (**permalink**) 10-12-2010, 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MintJulep

The same thing happens to me. I avoid emotional histrionics, which may be the reason.

That's it. Thanks for putting words to it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pat

There are lots of assumptions about me.

Indubitably.

Quote:

Originally Posted by lizzie

Well, damn. Most of you have blown my preconceived notions.

Maybe we're all just special.

But you knew that already...

Kizzume · #17 (**permalink**) 10-13-2010, 02:47 AM

For me it's music first, lyrics second. I can put up with crappy lyrics if the music is good. I can't put up with crappy music no matter how good the lyrics are.

GottaGo · #18 (**permalink**) 10-13-2010, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MintJulep

The same thing happens to me. I avoid emotional histrionics, which may be the reason.

I have no idea why I am assumed as male on message boards - I don't usually declare a gender, because it should have no impact on the discussion.

If I choose to enter a "gender related" discussion, who I am usually becomes clear.

cnredd · #19 (**permalink**) 10-13-2010, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GottaGo

If I choose to enter a "gender related" discussion, who I am usually becomes clear.

Chastity Bono?...

Gordon Shumway · #20 (**permalink**) 10-16-2010, 07:41 AM

music first --- lyrics are an after thought
although a good lyricist can draw me in, but only if the music is at least tolerable --- Neil Peart of Rush writes great lyrics...& the music is great too (stuff like spirit of the radio, freewill, red barchetta, closer to the heart or temples of syrinx)
for me, even when it comes to the music, I am more interested in the chord changes & what not before the melody
I think a really good song in which the music is written first will direct you to a melody & lyrics simply by the mood set with the music itself
but then again...I'm a guitar player

I can recall playing in a band & when I first started to sing lead...one of the first songs I ever sang in a band was Cold Gin by KISS...I had listened to that song since I was about 10 years old but at 30something years old i had trouble remembering the lyrics because they never mattered to me

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