"Words make you think a thought. Music makes you feel a feeling. A song makes you feel a thought"

E. Y. Harburg’s statement draws a sharp distinction between the roles of language and music, while also revealing the unique alchemy that emerges when they join in song. Words on their own operate within the realm of intellect; they are constructed symbols, mediated through syntax and semantics, that provoke thought. Written or spoken, they encourage analysis, trigger reasoning, spark reflection, and can paint vivid pictures in the imagination. Yet, there is an inherent limit, words appeal primarily to the mind.

Music, in contrast, bypasses much of this intellectual machinery and penetrates directly into emotion. A melody, a chord progression, the timbre of an instrument, all can evoke sadness, joy, nostalgia, or excitement. Even without lyrics, music is capable of conjuring powerful, often wordless, sentiment. The experience of listening to music is often described as visceral, able to move people to tears or dance, regardless of cultural origin or language barriers.

When words and music unite in song, something transformative occurs. The boundaries between thinking and feeling are blurred; a song can imbue abstract thoughts with emotional weight, while feelings find clarity and articulation through the lyric. A song’s lyrical message is carried on the wings of melody, fired deep into memory by rhythm and harmony. Nuanced emotions that might defy description are suddenly understood, not just known but deeply felt. This synthesis is why a single song can shatter or heal, motivate revolutions or cradle lovers. Each element enriches the other: words ground music’s emotional power with meaning, while music animates words, unlocking the heart of what is being said.

Ultimately, Harburg captures the deepest artistry of songwriting: its ability to make ideas emotionally resonant and feelings intellectually understood, creating a space where heart and mind meet and are forever changed.