I don't generally care about lyrics too much, becuase the words to a song are just vessels carrying the tune (and because the majority of song lyrics really suck). But there are some songs that convey a distinct message so succinctly and powerfully that it's impossible to ignore. These are the few songs that I listen to for the words as much as the music.
Now I would like to direct your attention to the song "Shed No Tears" by Flipper.
The music on Flipper's debut album "Generic" is totally beside the point (though still good). There's an 8-minute song on here where the only spoken words are "She's a sex bomb my baby/yeah". These are more like tone poems that happen to be set against a backdrop of crashing drums, loud basslines, and guitar feedback.
I find the lyrics to this song incredibly poignant because they attempt to find the positive side to things that are generally considered tragic. I've pasted the lyrics below and highlighted the sections I find especially potent. Listen to the song if you're interested.
Shed no tears for the martyr dying
Only in pain suffering and death
Can the martyr become what he's chosen to be
No tears wasted
No sorrow no pity
No, no crying, no loss
Shed no tears for the cop bleeding
He once held the gun. he once held the key
Now his prisoners will sing and dance and play
No tears wasted
No sorrow no pity
No, no crying, no loss
Shed no tears for the nun beaten
By the children she once called her flock
How they hate their teachers. who force darkness upon us
No tears wasted
No sorrow no pity
No, no crying, no loss
Shed no tears for the suicide
He has made his choice, the pain of life was great
And some will find it sweet to rot beneath the earth
As we rot and live and breathe
No tears wasted
No sorrow no pity
No, no crying, no loss
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