The word lyric is derived from the ancient Greek instrument, the lyre, which was like a small harp. Originally a lyric poem was especially composed for song and musical accompaniment. For hundreds of years, however, lyrics have been written without the anticipation of music. But still—these poems always express the deep emotions of the poet which have a intrinsic, lilting musical quality. The word lyrical is defined as “having song-like characteristics.” Today, the word lyrics means “the words to a song.”
Example:
We were small
And made a sacred promise to each other
That we would never change
As friends we’d last forever