I don't think a song needs lyrics necessarily. I feel it entirely depends on the depth of the song. If the instrumental has a lot of variances and an audible story line to it, lyrics are always going to be needed. I think if you're wanting to paint a really specific visual that lyrics would be handy, though.

Really depends! I don't think this is a year or no answer, really, but one that is very nuanced and will differ form person to person.


Cheers,
Ember