Bob Dylan (USA)
- Nobel Prize for Literature (2016) and multiple Grammy Awards.
- Known for poetic and meaningful lyrics such as "Like a Rolling Stone," "Blowin' in the Wind," and "The Times They Are a-Changin'."
Leonard Cohen (Canada)
- Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008.
- Praised for his literary approach to songwriting with songs like "Hallelujah," "So Long, Marianne," and "Suzanne."
Joni Mitchell (Canada)
- Multiple Grammy Awards.
- Her lyrics in songs like "Both Sides, Now," "A Case of You," and "Woodstock" showcase her poetic abilities.
Paul Simon (USA)
- Grammy Award-winning member of Simon & Garfunkel and a successful solo artist.
- His lyrics in songs like "The Sound of Silence," "Mrs. Robinson," and "Bridge Over Troubled Water" are poetic and thought-provoking.
Shakespeare (England)
- Although primarily known for plays, Shakespeare's writings include sonnets and other lyrical poetry widely regarded as some of the finest in the English language.
In addition to these artists, there are many other great lyricists worldwide in various languages, making it impossible to definitively name just one who holds the title of the greatest. Preferences for lyrics come down to individual taste and the cultural context in which they are written and received.