lyricist

This term describes a specialized writer who focuses on the poetic and rhythmic qualities of language to complement musical composition. It carries a connotation of artistic collaboration, as the writer must balance narrative meaning with the constraints of a melody's structure. While a songwriter may handle both music and words, a lyricist is specifically the architect of the text. The role is most prominent in musical theater, opera, and professional pop songwriting teams where the division of labor between composer and writer is distinct.