Lee Joo-yeop: This one line of lyrics

This book, where lyrics are the protagonists, is the first work by lyricist Lee Ju-yeop and represents one of the first attempts at lyric criticism in Korea. The author’s discerning eye shines through in every sentence; he has worked as a record producer for nearly 20 years and is the lyricist for Jeong Mi-jo, Choi Baek-ho, and Malo, who are famous for their poetic and beautiful lyrics. Selecting 41 masterpieces that have illuminated the history of Korean popular music—such as "March" (Deulgukhwa), "Thorn Tree" (Poet and Village Chief), and "Seonunsa" (Song Chang-sik)—he has delicately analyzed the historical significance of the lyrics, the lineage of their sensibility, and their historical context. Some readers might find the concept of lyric criticism somewhat puzzling. While there is plenty of excellent popular music criticism in Korea that is frequently compiled into books, criticism that focuses specifically on lyrics is surprisingly rare. Critics who devote great attention to genre, the quality of the song, and vocal ability often tend to treat lyrics lightly. *This Single Line of Lyrics* is a book where the lyrics are the main characters. It sheds bright light on lyrics, which were often regarded as supporting roles in music criticism. In fact, many masterpieces can be interestingly read even when the lyrics are taken out of isolation. "Gather 'round, those who don't want to go to work / Those who don't want to do business" (Songolmae, "Gather"). What socio-cultural context is contained within these witty lyrics? "There are too many selves inside me / There is no place for you to rest" (Poet and Village Chief, "Thornbush"). What story lies within these delicate lyrics? The literary quality, originality, and contemporaneity contained in lyrics are intriguing subjects in themselves.

Korean title: 이 한 줄의 가사

Korean author: 이주엽

Korean publisher: 열린책들

ISBN-13: 9788932920153