When it comes to the enjoyment of a song, I tend not to put too much emphasis on the meaning or message of the song, in comparison to how it sounds. I can enjoy a song with a very shallow meaning, but sounds good. The beats, rhythm, and general sound are more important factors if you ask me.
Rusty Messages: 1190 Registered: May 2018 Location: Kansas City Missouri
Illuminati (3rd Degree)
Isn't that called the "hook"? Or, grabbing your attention and pulling you in with a melody, beat or rhythm you like. I tend to go that way also. If the lyric's have some depth also then it's gravy. Having been a reggae fan for decades, that rhythm thing has my attention immediately. Might explain why I've tuned into rhythm guitar with other genres as well.
I would consider both. I like a story being told through music. I agree with both of you that the music of today is very catchy even though we don't really understand the lyrics. Despacito and Oppa Gangnam Style are good examples of what I'm talking about.
I have misinterpreted so many songs over the years. As long as the song has a good beat or a catchy melody I'm playing it regardless of the meaning behind the lyrics.
It depends what mood I'm in. When I'm feeling good and carefree I prefer to listen to lighthearted, melody-driven music. Turn up the music, get lost in the beat sort of thing. When I'm feeling more introspective or down I prefer to listen to lyrically driven music that makes me pay attention to its story and think about the meaning.
It's the sound that draws me in. I usually don't learn the song's meaning until I've listened to it a few times and sometimes what I think it's about is totally off base.
To me, the quality of sound matters a lot, but then, I wouldn't pay attention to a song with a very shallow meaning, just because it sounds good. The two definitely go hand-in hand.
Most of the time, I pay attention to the arrangement of the lyrics and notes. The meaning of the song is something that I consider much later after I have listened to the beat. It is possible to listen to and sing along to a song that is meaningless but that has a good beat.