“Words make you think a thought. Source Music makes you feel a feeling. A song makes you feel a thought.”
This profound statement perfectly captures the magic of songwriting. It breaks down a complex art form into three simple, powerful truths. The quote reveals how language, melody, and their combination create something truly special. It explains why a song can move us in ways that a speech or an instrumental piece alone cannot. This idea came from a master of the craft, a lyricist who shaped American music.
The brilliant mind behind this insight was Edgar Yipsel “Yip” Harburg. Many people know his work even if they do not know his name. Harburg wrote the lyrics for timeless classics. These include the iconic “Over the Rainbow” from The Wizard of Oz. He also co-wrote the Great Depression anthem, “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?”. His words gave voice to the hopes and struggles of a generation.
The Origin of a Famous Idea
Harburg shared his famous observation during a lecture in New York City. The event was part of the “Lyrics and Lyricists” series. On December 13, 1970, he explained his philosophy on songwriting. He believed that combining words and music created an alchemy. This magical blend could deliver powerful ideas in a deeply resonant way. His complete statement showed a deep understanding of music’s social and political power.
The historical record of this quote is well-documented. Source This helps confirm Harburg as its true author. The 1984 book Song by Song: The Lives and Work of 14 Great Lyric Writers preserved his words. Their work provides direct evidence. It connects the quote to Harburg and the specific lecture where he shared it.
Deconstructing the Quote: Words and Thoughts
Let’s examine the first part: “Words make you think a thought.” Language is the primary tool of our intellect. Words convey specific information, arguments, and stories. They build logical structures in our minds. When you read an essay or listen to a speech, you engage cognitively. You analyze meanings, follow arguments, and form conclusions. Words are precise instruments for intellectual communication. They are designed to engage the thinking part of our brain directly.
The Power of Music and Feelings
Next, Harburg says, “Music makes you feel a feeling.” This part speaks to the raw, emotional power of melody and rhythm. An instrumental piece can make you feel joy, sorrow, tension, or peace without a single word. Music bypasses the analytical part of the brain. It connects directly with our emotions. A soaring string section can evoke a sense of wonder. In contrast, a driving drum beat can create excitement. This emotional connection is universal and immediate.
The Synthesis: Feeling a Thought
The final clause is the most powerful: “A song makes you feel a thought.” Here, Harburg describes the unique fusion that occurs in songwriting. A song merges the intellectual clarity of words with the emotional force of music. This combination is incredibly effective. It doesn’t just present an idea; it makes you feel the idea’s emotional weight.
Think about a powerful protest song. The lyrics present a clear thought about injustice or change. The music, however, adds a layer of anger, hope, or solidarity. This fusion turns an abstract concept into a visceral experience. You don’t just understand the message; you feel it in your bones. This is why songs can inspire movements and change minds. Harburg believed this power could introduce new ideas to even the most resistant listeners.
Confirmation and Misattribution
Further sources have reinforced Harburg’s authorship over the years. For instance, Sheila Davis’s 1988 book, Successful Lyric Writing, also credits Harburg. She specifically mentions the lecture and discusses the quote’s importance for aspiring lyricists. Moreover, a 1996 profile in The New Yorker titled “The Lemon-Drop Kid” highlighted the quote. The article confirmed it was a central part of Harburg’s artistic philosophy.
However, some confusion has occurred. A 1990 newspaper article in The Evening Sun of Baltimore incorrectly attributed the quote to Jay Gorney. Gorney was Harburg’s collaborator on “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?”. This misattribution likely happened because of their close professional relationship. Despite this isolated error, the overwhelming evidence points directly to Yip Harburg as the originator of this timeless insight.
The Enduring Legacy of a Simple Truth
Yip Harburg’s observation remains one of the most insightful comments ever made about music. It explains why a three-minute song can have a more lasting impact than a three-hour lecture. By wedding thought to feeling, a song creates a powerful and memorable experience. It embeds an idea deep within our emotional memory, making it difficult to forget.
This principle is the foundation of all great songwriting. From folk ballads to chart-topping pop hits, the most effective songs make us feel a thought. They persuade, comfort, and inspire by engaging both our hearts and our minds simultaneously. Harburg didn’t just write legendary songs; he also gave us the language to understand why they matter so much. His simple, elegant quote continues to inspire creators and enlighten listeners about the true power of a song.