Are they poets, musicians, or both? Florentine Troubadours in the 14th Century, oil on canvas by Vincenzo Cabianca, 1861. (more) Are Song Lyrics Poetry? Ask the Chatbot a Question More Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/art/Are-Song-Lyrics-Poetry Feedback Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Feedback Type Select a type (Required) Factual Correction Spelling/Grammar Correction Link Correction Additional Information Other Your Feedback Submit Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

　　External Websites Ask the Chatbot a Question Written by René Ostberg René Ostberg is an associate editor at Encyclopaedia Britannica. René Ostberg Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Sep 11, 2025 • Article History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot Are they poets, musicians, or both?Florentine Troubadours in the 14th Century, oil on canvas by Vincenzo Cabianca, 1861.© Mondadori Portfolio—Hulton Fine Art Collection/Getty Images In 2016 a shock went through the global literary community when folk music icon Bob Dylan was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature. Citing him “for having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition,” the Nobel committee essentially seemed to be calling the singer-songwriter a poet. He’s not the first musician to be called such. Bruce Springsteen, John Lennon, Chuck Berry, Joni Mitchell, Cole Porter, Nick Cave, and Laura Nyro have all been ...(100 of 470 words)

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