Meaning
Beyond the words of a song, in Jamaican slang 'lyrics' means smooth talk or a chat-up line — the charming, persuasive words a man uses to court and win a woman. To 'have good lyrics' is to be verbally skilled, quick, and convincing in romance, able to talk one's way into a woman's favour, and a 'lyrics man' is a smooth operator with the gift of the gab. The word turns the poetry of the song into the everyday art of sweet, seductive talk, prized in a culture that loves wordplay and wit.
Examples
-
Him a chat pure lyrics to di girl.
He's giving the girl all his smooth talk.
-
Yuh lyrics weak, she nah listen.
Your chat-up game is weak, she's not interested.
-
Di deejay lyrics sharp.
The deejay's bars are sharp.
The musical sense, of a performer's verses.
Origin
From English 'lyrics' (song words), extended in Jamaican speech to any smooth or persuasive talk, especially in courtship.
How it’s used
Context tells you whether it means song verses or flirtatious talk. 'Him have nuff lyrics' means he is a smooth talker.