"One difference between poetry and lyrics is that lyrics sort of fade into the background. They fade on the page and live on the stage when set to music.“


-Stephen Sondheim

posted in poetry


One difference between poetry and lyrics is that lyrics sort of fade into the background. They fade on the page and live on the stage when set to music.

Other Quotes You Might Like

Discover more inspiring quotes from our collection

"In the Rodgers and Hammerstein generation, popular hits came out of shows and movies."

-Stephen Sondheim

moviesView Quote
"Musicals are, by nature, theatrical, meaning poetic, meaning having to move the audience's imagination and create a suspension of disbelief, by which I mean there's no fourth wall."

-Stephen Sondheim

imaginationView Quote
"I'm interested in the theater because I'm interested in communication with audiences. Otherwise I would be in concert music."

-Stephen Sondheim

communicationView Quote
"All the best performers bring to their role something more, something different than what the author put on paper. That's what makes theatre live. That's why it persists."

-Stephen Sondheim

bestView Quote
"Art, in itself, is an attempt to bring order out of chaos."

-Stephen Sondheim

artView Quote
"How sweet it is!"

-Jackie Gleason

migrate3View Quote

More Quotes About poetry

Explore other inspiring quotes in this category

"I write poetry in order to live more fully."

-Judith Rodriguez

poetryView Quote
"He fertilizes a phrase or a line of poetry for weeks and then gives birth to it in a speech."

-John Colville

poetryView Quote
"Poetry uses the hub of a torque converter for a jello mold."

-Diane Glancy

poetryView Quote
"Poetry asks people to have values, form opinions, care about some other part of experience besides making money and being successful on the job."

-Toi Derricotte

poetryView Quote
"For there is a sound reasoning upon all flowers. For flowers are peculiarly the poetry of Christ."

-Christopher Smart

poetryView Quote
"I don't know a better preparation for life than a love of poetry and a good digestion."

-Zona Gale

poetryView Quote