MusicXML 4.1 Draft
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MusicXML 4.1 Draft>Elements>The <lyric> element

The <lyric> element

Parent element: <note>

lyric

The <lyric> element represents text underlays for lyrics. Two <text> elements that are not separated by an <elision> element are part of the same syllable, but may have different text formatting. A second <syllabic> element is not allowed unless preceded by an <elision> element.

If not otherwise specified:

The print-object attribute can override a <note>’s print-lyric attribute in cases where only some lyrics on a note are printed, as when lyrics for later verses are printed in a block of text rather than with each note.

Content

In this order

Attributes

NameTypeRequired?(Default)Description
colorcolorNoIndicates the color of an element.
Indicates the color of an element.
default-xtenthsNoChanges the computation of the default horizontal position. The origin is changed relative to the left-hand side of the note or the musical position within the bar. Positive x is right and negative x is left.

This attribute provides higher-resolution positioning data than the <offset> element. Applications reading a MusicXML file that can understand both features should generally rely on this attribute for its greater accuracy.

Changes the computation of the default horizontal position. The origin is changed relative to the left-hand side of the note or the musical position within the bar. Positive x is right and negative x is left.

This attribute provides higher-resolution positioning data than the <offset> element. Applications reading a MusicXML file that can understand both features should generally rely on this attribute for its greater accuracy.

default-ytenthsNoChanges the computation of the default vertical position. The origin is changed relative to the top line of the staff. Positive y is up and negative y is down.

This attribute provides higher-resolution positioning data than the placement attribute. Applications reading a MusicXML file that can understand both attributes should generally rely on this attribute for its greater accuracy.

Changes the computation of the default vertical position. The origin is changed relative to the top line of the staff. Positive y is up and negative y is down.

This attribute provides higher-resolution positioning data than the placement attribute. Applications reading a MusicXML file that can understand both attributes should generally rely on this attribute for its greater accuracy.

idxs:IDNoSpecifies an ID that is unique to the entire document.
Specifies an ID that is unique to the entire document.
justifyleft-center-rightNoIndicates left, center, or right justification. The default value varies for different elements. For elements where the justify attribute is present but the halign attribute is not, the justify attribute indicates horizontal alignment as well as justification.
Indicates left, center, or right justification. The default value varies for different elements. For elements where the justify attribute is present but the halign attribute is not, the justify attribute indicates horizontal alignment as well as justification.
namexs:tokenNoIndicates the name of the lyric type. Common examples are verse and chorus.
Indicates the name of the lyric type. Common examples are verse and chorus.
numberxs:NMTOKENNoSpecifies the lyric line when multiple lines are present.
Specifies the lyric line when multiple lines are present.
placementabove-belowNoIndicates whether something is above or below another element, such as a note or a notation.
Indicates whether something is above or below another element, such as a note or a notation.
print-objectyes-noNoSpecifies whether or not to print an object. It is yes if not specified.
Specifies whether or not to print an object. It is yes if not specified.
relative-xtenthsNoChanges the horizontal position relative to the default position, either as computed by the individual program, or as overridden by the default-x attribute. Positive x is right and negative x is left. It should be interpreted in the context of the <offset> element or directive attribute if those are present.
Changes the horizontal position relative to the default position, either as computed by the individual program, or as overridden by the default-x attribute. Positive x is right and negative x is left. It should be interpreted in the context of the <offset> element or directive attribute if those are present.
relative-ytenthsNoChanges the vertical position relative to the default position, either as computed by the individual program, or as overridden by the default-y attribute. Positive y is up and negative y is down. It should be interpreted in the context of the placement attribute if that is present.
Changes the vertical position relative to the default position, either as computed by the individual program, or as overridden by the default-y attribute. Positive y is up and negative y is down. It should be interpreted in the context of the placement attribute if that is present.
time-onlytime-onlyNoSpecifies which lyrics are to be sung which times through a repeated section.
Specifies which lyrics are to be sung which times through a repeated section.

Examples

This element is used in the following examples:

<assess> and <player><elision><end-line><end-paragraph><extend> (Lyric)<humming><ipa><laughing><lyric><syllabic>Tutorial: Après un rêve