When it comes to music...

[_Jeb_]

What is the most important part of music? For me it's the lyrics. It doesn't matter how good/bad it sounds (unless it's REALLY awful). I can always end up getting myself to like a song if it's words are good. I guess that's why I'm so into emo/punk.

Anyway, what about everyone else?

[Arnold K. (Admin)]

Lyrics, while important, do not hold a candle to great instrumentals.

[Mr. SunburnMan]

The instruments. I can do without voice.

[BugenhagenXIII]

A bad voice can ruin instruments, no matter the quality of the lyrics. Conversly, bad instuments can ruin a good voice. Basically, it all depends on how it's put together.

[nice shirt]

i prefer the sound if it, good lyrics is an added bonus.

[nobodyshome]

Instruments. "Like a stone" for instance the lyrics are alright but the guitar solo is what makes the song.

[Cowboy22]

While good instrumental work and lyrics are important, good vocal work is what I tend to look for in music.

[Odin]

There are several different angles on the issue. Being a little more verbally inclined I would tend to argue that the language is the thing that carries the emotion of the song and the music is subordinate to it and helps steer and reinforce that feeling.

Maynard disagrees, though. I watched an interview with him a while ago where he made an awesome point on this very topic--he said if people were really that interested in the lyrics, bands would be doing sold out spoken word tours. I think it's a question that doesn't have a definitive answer, because obviously since we have poetry and instrumental music both can exist independently from each other, but I think the best music makes them work together. They're both important.