De-lyricize

To remove or strip a piece of writing, especially a song, of its lyrical content, often focusing on narrative, instrumentation, or musical structure. This process can involve altering the melody, changing the arrangement, or removing the vocal elements entirely. It aims to emphasize a different aspect of the piece, whether it be the underlying composition, the emotional atmosphere, or the technical proficiency of the musicians. It transforms a song by changing the focus from a vocal performance to instrumental form.

De-lyricize meaning with examples

• The composer chose to de-lyricize the aria, transforming it into a standalone orchestral piece. Without the soaring vocals, the beauty of the strings was revealed. It then became a vibrant and evocative experience. The emotional core was still there, just in a different form, the focus moved.
• To emphasize the raw emotion of the ballad, the producer decided to de-lyricize it. The resulting instrumental version highlighted the melody's vulnerability. The musicians captured a new perspective and feeling. The song conveyed a sense of profound loss and longing by instrumental performance.
• The band decided to de-lyricize their hit single for a live performance, improvising extensively. The extended instrumental sections allowed each member to showcase their skills. It gave a great performance. They changed the focus of the music into the instrumental performance in improvisation.
• A remix artist might de-lyricize a dance track, stripping away the vocals and adding new instrumental layers. This approach can make songs for electronic music. It opens it up into the dance floor for a wider range of listeners. The music went from singing to movement and dance.