Spotify, the popular music streaming platform, is loved by millions of users worldwide for its vast library and personalized playlists. While it provides an immersive listening experience, one feature that is often requested by users is the ability to view lyrics directly on the Spotify desktop app. Lyrics can add a whole new layer to the music, allowing listeners to sing along or gain a deeper understanding of the song’s meaning. In this blog post, we will explore different methods to get lyrics on Spotify desktop, enhancing your music listening experience.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Get Lyrics on Spotify Desktop
There are several reasons why getting lyrics on Spotify desktop can significantly enhance your music experience.
1. Sing Along: Having the lyrics in front of you while listening to your favorite songs allows you to sing along effortlessly. It adds a sense of engagement and enjoyment, as you can follow along with the artist and truly feel connected to the music.
2. Deeper Understanding: Lyrics often convey powerful emotions and tell meaningful stories. By having access to the lyrics, you can delve deeper into the song’s meaning and appreciate the artist’s thoughts and intentions.
3. Language Learning: For those learning a new language, having the lyrics displayed alongside the song can be a fantastic learning tool. It helps you understand vocabulary, pronunciation, and sentence structure, all within the context of a song you enjoy listening to.
Now that we understand the benefits of getting lyrics on Spotify desktop, let’s explore some methods to achieve this.
Method 1: Using Spotify Desktop Client With Built-In Lyrics Feature
Some Spotify desktop clients come with a built-in lyrics feature, which allows you to view lyrics while listening to your favorite songs. Follow these steps to enable this feature:
Step 1: Open the Spotify desktop app on your computer.
Step 2: Go to your Spotify settings by clicking on the dropdown arrow next to your profile picture in the top-right corner of the app.
Step 3: Scroll down and click on "Settings."
Step 4: In the settings menu, look for the "Playback" section and toggle on the "Canvas" feature.
Step 5: Close the settings menu and play a song. The lyrics should now appear on the right side of the desktop app window.
Pros:
1. Easy and convenient access to lyrics without the need for external applications.
2. Synchronized lyrics that scroll along with the song, making it easy to follow along.
3. Works seamlessly within the Spotify desktop app.
Cons:
1. Limited to specific Spotify client versions that have this feature.
2. Lyrics may not be available for all songs.
Method 2: Via Third-Party Websites
If your Spotify desktop client doesn’t have a built-in lyrics feature, you can rely on third-party websites that provide lyrics for the songs you’re listening to. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Open your preferred web browser and visit a lyrics website, such as Genius or AZLyrics.
Step 2: In a separate tab, open the Spotify desktop app and play the song for which you want to view the lyrics.
Step 3: Go back to the lyrics website and search for the song by its title and artist name.
Step 4: Once you find the correct song, the lyrics should be displayed on the website.
Step 5: Scroll through the lyrics and follow along while listening to the song on Spotify.
Pros:
1. Can be used with any version of the Spotify desktop app.
2. Provides access to lyrics for almost any song.
3. Some websites offer additional features like song annotations and artist insights.
Cons:
1. Requires manually searching for lyrics each time you want to view them.
2. Lyrics may not always be accurate or up-to-date.
Method 3: Using Third-Party Lyrics Plugins or Extensions
Another way to get lyrics on Spotify desktop is by using third-party plugins or extensions designed specifically for this purpose. These plugins integrate with the Spotify app and display lyrics while you listen to songs. Here’s how to set it up:
Step 1: Open your preferred web browser and search for a Spotify lyrics plugin or extension compatible with your desktop operating system.
Step 2: Download and install the plugin or extension following the provided instructions.
Step 3: Restart the Spotify desktop app to ensure the plugin or extension is properly loaded.
Step 4: Play a song on Spotify, and the lyrics should appear either within the app window or in a separate window.
Pros:
1. Seamless integration with the Spotify desktop app.
2. Automatically fetches lyrics for the current song being played.
3. Some plugins offer additional features like customization options and translations.
Cons:
1. Compatibility may vary depending on your operating system and Spotify version.
2. Some plugins might not be actively maintained, leading to potential compatibility issues or limited functionality.
Method 4: Using Music Recognition Apps
If you’re listening to a song on Spotify and want to find the lyrics without manually searching for them, you can use music recognition apps that identify the song and provide the accompanying lyrics. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Download and install a music recognition app on your mobile device, such as Shazam or SoundHound.
Step 2: Open the app and tap on the music recognition button (usually represented by a microphone icon).
Step 3: Start playing the song on Spotify from your computer, and let the music recognition app listen to the song.
Step 4: Once the app successfully identifies the song, it should display the lyrics alongside other song information.
Pros:
1. Easy and quick way to find lyrics without manually searching or relying on plugin compatibility.
2. Provides additional song information like artist details and album artwork.
3. Can be used on a separate device, allowing for a multi-screen music experience.
Cons:
1. Requires a separate mobile device to run the music recognition app.
2. Not as convenient as having lyrics directly integrated into the Spotify desktop app.
What to Do If You Can’t Get Lyrics on Spotify Desktop
If you encounter difficulties getting lyrics on Spotify desktop using any of the above methods, here are some possible fixes:
1. Check for Spotify updates: Make sure you have the latest version of the Spotify desktop app installed. Sometimes, new features, including built-in lyrics, are introduced in updated versions.
2. Explore alternative music players: If lyrics are essential to your music experience, consider trying out different music players that offer built-in lyrics features or better integration with lyrics plugins.
3. Manually search for lyrics: When all else fails, you can always resort to manual searches for lyrics on third-party websites. It may require a bit more effort, but it ensures you will be able to sing along to your favorite songs.
Bonus Tips
To further enhance your music listening and lyric-viewing experience on Spotify desktop, here are a few bonus tips:
1. Use the Spotify mobile app: The Spotify mobile app often provides lyrics for songs. If you have a second device or want to follow lyrics on a smaller screen, consider using the Spotify mobile app alongside the desktop app.
2. Try karaoke plugins: Some third-party plugins or extensions for Spotify offer karaoke features. These plugins highlight the lyrics as the song plays, allowing you to sing along with precision.
3. Contribute to lyric websites: If you’re passionate about lyrics, consider contributing to lyric websites by submitting accurately transcribed lyrics for less-known songs. This helps other users find lyrics and improves the overall quality of available lyrics.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can I get lyrics on Spotify without using any external applications or plugins?
A: Yes, some versions of the Spotify desktop app have a built-in lyrics feature. However, this may not be available in all versions, so you may need to explore other options.
Q2: Do all songs on Spotify have lyrics available?
A: No, not all songs on Spotify have lyrics available. The availability of lyrics depends on various factors, including licensing agreements and the song’s popularity.
Q3: Are the lyrics provided by third-party websites always accurate?
A: While most third-party lyrics websites strive to provide accurate lyrics, there may be instances of inaccuracies or missing lyrics. It’s always a good idea to cross-reference the lyrics with multiple sources if accuracy is crucial.
Q4: Can I use plugins or extensions to get lyrics on the Spotify web player?
A: The Spotify web player does not officially support plugins or extensions. The methods mentioned in this blog apply to the Spotify desktop app.
Q5: Is it legal to display song lyrics alongside Spotify’s music?
A: The legality of displaying song lyrics alongside Spotify’s music depends on various factors, including licensing agreements and the source of the lyrics. Third-party lyric websites often negotiate licensing agreements to display lyrics legally.
Final Thoughts
Getting lyrics on Spotify desktop can greatly enhance your music listening experience. Whether you choose to rely on the built-in lyrics feature, third-party websites, plugins, or music recognition apps, having access to lyrics can deepen your connection with the music and allow you to fully immerse yourself in the songs. Experiment with different methods and find the one that works best for you. Happy singing and enjoying your favorite tunes with lyrics by your side!