Lyrics as poetry? The poetic quality of song lyrics
November 1, 2023, 20.00
Thalia Theater, Nachtasyl, Alstertor 1-5, 20095 Hamburg
The awarding of the Nobel Prize to Bob Dylan has demonstrated that song lyrics are now also being recognized as literary works by traditional institutions like the Nobel Prize Committee. But how does this influence the relationship between song lyrics and poetry? For example, in what form should song lyrics be received? Can they be considered texts in their own right aside from their music — something that is already implied by the publication of song lyrics in book form? What lyrical traditions do song texts refer to? To what extent can methods of lyrical research be applied to the analysis of song lyrics? At the same time, song lyrics regularly provoke critical discussions, for example, in public discourse, when journalists, politicians, and social activists accuse rap lyrics of homophobia and criticize songs like “Layla” for their sexism. What role can literary studies play in these public debates?
With
Prof. Dr. Fabian Wolbring (Literary scholar; Marburg)
Lydia Daher (Poet and singer-songwriter; Berlin)
Moderation: Antje Schmidt (Literary Scholar, PoetryDA)
Tickets for the event can be bought at the Thalia Theater.