The Ultimate UK Guide to Song Lyric Prints
Quick answer: A song lyric print is a piece of wall art that turns the words of a favourite song into a typographic design. In the UK, song lyric prints are among the most popular personalised music gifts, especially for first dance songs, wedding anniversaries, Valentine's Day, birthdays and Christmas. At 98types, song lyric prints start from £3, are printed in England at our studio in Camden, London, and come with free UK delivery.
Some songs are more than music. They are the song from your first dance, the track that played on your first date, the anthem you shouted with your friends at a gig, or the tune that reminds you of someone you love. A song lyric print turns that feeling into something you can see every day.
In this guide we explain why song lyric prints have become one of the UK's favourite gifts, how to choose the perfect song for every occasion, and which lyric prints our customers love most, from British punk and 80s alternative classics to pop hits and West End musicals. You will also find tips on sizes, framing and creating a music gallery wall.
Contents
- Why song lyric prints are so popular in the UK
- The best occasions for a song lyric gift
- British punk and new wave lyric prints
- 80s alternative and synth-pop lyric prints
- Pop and rock lyric prints
- Musical theatre lyric prints
- How to choose the perfect song lyric print
- Sizes, framing and gallery walls
- Custom song lyric prints
- Frequently asked questions
Why song lyric prints are so popular in the UK
Britain has always been a nation of music lovers. From the Beatles and the Clash to the Cure, Oasis and Adele, British music has shaped the world, and almost everyone has a song that means something special to them. Song lyric prints let people celebrate that connection in a way that is personal, stylish and affordable.
They are also one of the easiest gifts to get right. Instead of guessing someone's taste in art, you choose a song you know they love, or a song you share. The result feels thoughtful and personal, even when it costs only a few pounds. That is why lyric prints have become a favourite gift for weddings, anniversaries, birthdays and Christmas across the UK.
Finally, lyric prints look great in modern homes. Clean typographic designs suit everything from minimalist flats in London to cosy family homes, and they work beautifully alongside photos, film posters and other music wall art.
The best occasions for a song lyric gift
First dance songs and weddings
The most popular use for a song lyric print is the couple's first dance song. A print of the song you danced to on your wedding day is a beautiful keepsake, and it makes a meaningful wedding gift from friends and family. Many couples hang their first dance print above the bed or in the living room as a daily reminder of their big day.
Wedding anniversaries
Song lyric prints are a perfect anniversary gift, especially for the first wedding anniversary, which is traditionally the paper anniversary in the UK. A print on quality paper of "your song" fits the tradition perfectly. They are also popular for later milestones, from fifth to 25th anniversaries, when couples look back on the soundtrack of their life together.
Valentine's Day
A love song lyric print is one of the most romantic Valentine's Day gifts you can give. Songs such as The Cure's Lovesong or Just Like Heaven are perfect for couples who share a love of alternative music.
Birthdays
For 18th, 21st, 30th and 40th birthdays, a lyric print of a song from the birthday person's teenage years makes a fun, nostalgic gift. A print from 13 Going On 30 is a popular, playful choice for a 30th birthday.
Christmas
Lyric prints are a brilliant Christmas gift for music-mad teenagers, partners, parents and friends. They are easy to post, easy to wrap and affordable enough to buy for several people at once, especially with our Buy 3, Get 1 FREE offer.
Father's Day and Mother's Day
A print of a parent's favourite song, or a song they used to play when you were young, is a lovely way to say thank you. Classic rock and new wave songs, such as those by The Clash, Depeche Mode or Billy Joel, are especially popular for dads and grandads.
Graduations, new homes and milestones
Songs about time, change and new beginnings make meaningful gifts for graduations, moving into a first home or celebrating a new job. RENT's Seasons of Love, a song about measuring a year of life, is a favourite for these moments.
British punk and new wave lyric prints
Few eras of British music are as iconic as the punk and new wave years of the late 1970s. These songs still sound urgent today, and they look fantastic as bold typographic wall art.
The Clash – London Calling
London Calling is one of the most famous songs in British music history. Released in 1979 as the title track of The Clash's legendary double album, it captured the anxiety and energy of its time and has become an unofficial anthem for the capital. For Londoners, punk fans and anyone who loves British rock, our The Clash London Calling lyric print is the ultimate London music print. It looks perfect alongside our London posters and London street maps.
The Clash – Train in Vain
Train in Vain was famously left off the original track listing of London Calling, appearing as a hidden track at the end of the album. Despite that, it became the band's first hit in the United States and one of their most loved songs. Its more personal, romantic feel makes our The Clash Train in Vain lyric print a great choice for fans who want something a little less obvious.
80s alternative and synth-pop lyric prints
The 1980s produced some of the most stylish and emotional music ever made in Britain. Bands such as The Cure and Depeche Mode created songs that are still loved by fans of every age, and their dark, poetic lyrics are ideal for typographic art.
The Cure – Lovesong
Lovesong is one of the most romantic songs in British alternative music. Robert Smith wrote it as a wedding present for his wife, Mary, and released it in 1989 on the album Disintegration. It became one of The Cure's biggest hits in the United States. Because of its story, our The Cure Lovesong lyric print is a favourite for weddings, first dance memories and anniversaries.
The Cure – Just Like Heaven
Just Like Heaven, from the 1987 album Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me, is one of The Cure's best-loved songs, with a dreamy, joyful sound that has been covered by many artists. Our The Cure Just Like Heaven lyric print is a romantic gift for Valentine's Day and a must-have for 80s music fans.
Depeche Mode – Enjoy the Silence
Enjoy the Silence is one of Depeche Mode's biggest hits. Released in 1990 from the classic album Violator, it reached the top 10 in the UK and became a global hit. Its minimal, atmospheric feel translates beautifully into a clean typographic design. Discover our Depeche Mode Enjoy the Silence lyric print.
Depeche Mode – Personal Jesus
Personal Jesus, released in 1989, is one of Depeche Mode's most iconic songs, built on a famous bluesy guitar riff. It was later covered by Johnny Cash and Marilyn Manson, introducing it to new generations. Our Depeche Mode Personal Jesus lyric print is perfect for fans of alternative music and dark, stylish wall art.
Pop and rock lyric prints
Pop and rock songs are the soundtrack to so many lives, from teenage bedrooms to wedding dance floors. These prints celebrate some of the biggest hits of recent decades.
Justin Bieber – Love Yourself
Love Yourself was a UK number one for Justin Bieber in 2016. Taken from his album Purpose and co-written by Ed Sheeran, its stripped-back acoustic sound made it one of his most loved songs. Our Justin Bieber Love Yourself lyric print is a popular gift for teenagers and pop fans.
Justin Bieber – Sorry
Sorry was another UK number one from Purpose and one of the biggest global hits of the 2010s, famous for its dance-pop beat and colourful video. Our Justin Bieber Sorry lyric print is a fun gift for Beliebers, or a playful way to apologise to someone special.
Linkin Park – What I've Done
What I've Done is one of Linkin Park's biggest anthems. Released in 2007 from the album Minutes to Midnight, it featured in the first Transformers film and became a hit around the world. For fans who grew up with the band and Chester Bennington's voice, our Linkin Park What I've Done lyric print is a powerful piece of music wall art.
More customer favourites
Our song lyric print collection includes hundreds of songs across every genre. Some of our most popular prints include Dolly Parton's Jolene, Bon Jovi's Livin' on a Prayer, Billy Joel's Piano Man, The Doors' The End, Evanescence's Bring Me to Life, Silk Sonic's Leave the Door Open and Ariana Grande's Thank U, Next. Browse by genre in our pop music prints and rock song prints.
Musical theatre lyric prints
The UK is home to the West End, one of the greatest theatre districts in the world, and musical theatre fans are some of the most passionate music lovers of all. Musical lyric prints are perfect for theatre fans, drama students, performers and anyone who has fallen in love with a show. Explore our full musical theatre lyric prints collection.
RENT – Seasons of Love
Seasons of Love opens the second act of RENT, Jonathan Larson's rock musical about young artists in New York. The show won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Musical in 1996, and Seasons of Love became one of the best-known songs in musical theatre, famous for asking how you measure a year in someone's life. Our RENT Seasons of Love lyric print is a meaningful gift for anniversaries, birthdays and graduations.
The Jonathan Larson Project – White Male World
The Jonathan Larson Project brings together rediscovered songs by the creator of RENT and tick, tick... BOOM!, giving fans a new look at the work of one of musical theatre's most loved writers. Our Jonathan Larson Project lyric print is a rare and special gift for true Larson fans.
Avenue Q – Everyone's a Little Bit Racist
Avenue Q is the cheeky puppet musical that won the Tony Award for Best Musical in 2004 and became a long-running West End hit. Everyone's a Little Bit Racist is one of its most famous comedy numbers, poking fun at everyday prejudice with honesty and humour. Our Avenue Q lyric print is perfect for theatre fans with a sense of humour.
Ride The Cyclone – What the World Needs
Ride The Cyclone is a cult musical about a group of teenagers from a chamber choir who meet a mysterious fortune-telling machine. It found a huge new audience online, and its songs became favourites with young theatre fans. Our Ride The Cyclone What the World Needs lyric print is a unique gift for drama students and cult musical lovers.
13 Going On 30 – Wanna Be
13 Going On 30 is the much-loved story of a teenager who wakes up as her 30-year-old self, now adapted as a stage musical. Our 13 Going On 30 lyric print is a fun, nostalgic gift for rom-com fans and a perfect choice for a 30th birthday. Don't miss Cats' Memory for fans of Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Film, anime and video game song prints
Some of the most loved songs come from films, TV, anime and video games. Our movie song lyric prints celebrate famous soundtracks, while our anime song prints are popular with anime fans of all ages. Pair a soundtrack print with one of our movie posters or video game posters for a wall that tells the story of your favourite films and games.
Popular first dance songs for lyric prints
First dance songs are the most requested custom lyric prints in the UK. If you are looking for inspiration, these are some of the songs British couples choose again and again for their first dance:
- Ed Sheeran – Perfect and Thinking Out Loud, two of the most popular modern wedding songs in Britain.
- John Legend – All of Me, a romantic piano ballad loved by couples everywhere.
- Elvis Presley – Can't Help Falling in Love, a timeless classic for traditional weddings.
- Etta James – At Last, the ultimate vintage love song.
- Christina Perri – A Thousand Years, a favourite for fairytale weddings.
- Coldplay – Yellow and Oasis – Wonderwall, for couples who love British indie and Britpop.
- The Cure – Lovesong, the alternative choice, written as a real wedding present.
If your first dance song is not yet in our collection, you can request it through our personalised posters service.
Song lyric prints by decade
Choosing a song from the decade someone grew up in is one of the easiest ways to make a lyric print feel personal.
The 1970s
The 70s gave us punk, glam rock, disco and singer-songwriters. Lyric prints from this decade, such as The Clash's London Calling or Billy Joel's Piano Man, are perfect for parents and grandparents who remember the songs from the first time around, and for younger fans who love classic rock.
The 1980s
The 80s were the golden age of British new wave, synth-pop and alternative music. The Cure, Depeche Mode and Bon Jovi's stadium anthems remain hugely popular, and 80s lyric prints make great 40th, 50th and 60th birthday gifts.
The 1990s
From Britpop to grunge, the 90s produced some of the most quotable songs ever written. Alice in Chains, Depeche Mode's Violator era and the great power ballads of the decade are favourites with fans who grew up with them.
The 2000s
The 2000s brought nu-metal, emo and pop-punk to teenage bedrooms across the UK. Linkin Park and Evanescence lyric prints are hugely popular with millennials who still know every word.
The 2010s and 2020s
Modern pop from Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, Ed Sheeran and Silk Sonic dominates gifts for teenagers and young adults, while TikTok has turned musicals like Ride The Cyclone into new cult favourites.
Song lyric gift guide: who are you buying for?
Gifts for her
Romantic songs, pop anthems and musical theatre favourites are popular choices. Try The Cure's Just Like Heaven, Dolly Parton's Jolene, Ariana Grande or RENT's Seasons of Love.
Gifts for him
Classic rock, punk and alternative prints are popular with men of every age. The Clash, Depeche Mode, Linkin Park, The Doors and Bon Jovi are all strong choices. See more ideas in our gifts for him under £20 guide.
Gifts for couples
A first dance song or "our song" print is the perfect gift for engagements, weddings, anniversaries and housewarmings.
Gifts for teenagers
Teenagers love prints of the pop and rock songs they have on repeat, from Justin Bieber to Linkin Park. Lyric prints are an affordable way to update a bedroom wall.
Gifts for theatre lovers
Fans of the West End and Broadway will love a print from their favourite show, whether it is a classic like Cats or a cult hit like Ride The Cyclone.
Gifts for parents and grandparents
Choose the song they played at their own wedding, the song they sang to you as a child, or a classic from their youth. These gifts often mean the most of all.
Lyric prints in memory of a loved one
Music is closely tied to memory, and many people choose a lyric print to remember someone they have lost: the song played at a funeral, a parent's favourite record or a song that always reminds them of a grandparent. A memorial lyric print can be a gentle, comforting way to keep that person close, and it makes a thoughtful sympathy gift for a friend or family member who is grieving. Our personalised posters service can help you create a print of a song with special meaning.
Lyric prints and other music wall art
Lyric prints are just one way to bring music into your home. Many music lovers combine them with album-style artwork, band posters and gig memorabilia to create a wall that reflects their taste. Because lyric prints are mainly typographic, they balance well with colourful posters and photographs. For a complete music room, mix our song lyric prints with our pop and rock music posters and our TV series posters for a wall that is full of personality.
How to choose the perfect song lyric print
1. Start with the memory, not the chart
The best lyric prints are about meaning, not popularity. Ask yourself which song makes the person think of a special moment: a first dance, a road trip, a concert, a family tradition or a hard time they got through. That song will mean more than any number one hit.
2. Think about the words
Because a lyric print puts the words front and centre, choose a song whose lyrics suit the occasion. Romantic songs work well for weddings and anniversaries, uplifting songs for birthdays and graduations, and nostalgic songs for parents and grandparents.
3. Match the style to the room
Bold, high-contrast designs suit living rooms and hallways, while softer designs work well in bedrooms. If the print is going into an existing gallery wall, choose colours that complement the other frames and pictures.
4. Consider the person's taste in music
If you are buying for someone else, look at what they actually listen to. A Clash fan might not appreciate a pop print, and a Justin Bieber fan might not want punk. If you are unsure, browse their favourite genre in our song lyric collection.
Sizes, framing and gallery walls
Choosing the right size
| Room | Best size | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Bedroom | A3 or A2 | Perfect above a bed or dressing table |
| Living room | A2 or A1 | A statement piece above a sofa or fireplace |
| Hallway or stairs | A4 or A3 | Great for groups of several prints |
| Home office or record room | A3 | Music inspiration without taking over the space |
| Gift for a desk or shelf | A4 | Easy to frame and lean against a wall |
Framing your lyric print
A simple black, white or natural wood frame suits most lyric prints. Black frames give a bold, modern look, white frames feel light and fresh, and oak or natural wood frames add warmth. A white mount around the print makes it look like a professional gallery piece and works especially well for wedding and anniversary gifts.
Creating a music gallery wall
A music gallery wall is one of the most popular ways to display lyric prints. Try combining three or four songs that tell a story: the song from your first date, your first dance and a family favourite. Or build a wall around a genre, such as 80s alternative with The Cure and Depeche Mode, or punk with The Clash. Mixing one large print with several smaller ones creates a stylish, curated look. Find inspiration in our living room gallery walls and bedroom décor collection.
Caring for your print
To keep your lyric print looking its best, hang it away from direct sunlight and damp areas such as bathrooms without ventilation. A frame with glass or acrylic protects the print from dust and fingerprints.
Lyric prints for every room
Living room
The living room is the heart of the home and the perfect place for a statement lyric print. A large print of a couple's first dance song or a family favourite above the sofa or fireplace becomes a talking point for guests and a daily reminder of a happy memory.
Bedroom
Romantic songs are especially popular in bedrooms. A print above the bed of the song from your wedding day or first date adds a personal, intimate touch. For teenagers, a bedroom wall of favourite pop and rock lyric prints is an affordable way to make a room their own.
Hallway and stairs
Hallways and staircases are perfect for gallery walls. Line up several smaller lyric prints, perhaps one song from each decade of your life, to create a musical timeline that greets you every time you come home.
Home office or study
An uplifting or motivating song can keep you going through long working days. Choose a song that gives you energy and hang it where you can see it from your desk.
Kitchen
Kitchens are often where music plays loudest. A fun, feel-good lyric print, perhaps the song that always gets everyone dancing while cooking, brings personality to a space usually filled with practical things. Combine it with our kitchen wall art.
Student room
Lyric prints are a favourite for university halls and student houses because they are affordable, easy to hang with removable strips and easy to take home at the end of term. Musical theatre prints are especially popular with drama and music students.
The art of typography: why words make great wall art
Typographic art uses letters and words as the main design element. Instead of a photograph or illustration, the shape, size and arrangement of the words create the visual impact. It is a style that has become hugely popular in modern interiors because it is clean, graphic and personal.
Song lyrics are ideal for typographic art because they already have rhythm and structure. Short lines, repeated choruses and memorable phrases create natural patterns on the page. A well-designed lyric print lets you read the song at a glance, while still looking like a piece of art from across the room.
Typographic prints also suit almost any decorating style, from Scandinavian minimalism to industrial lofts and traditional British homes. That flexibility is one reason lyric prints have become one of the most popular forms of wall art in the UK.
How to make a lyric print gift extra special
A song lyric print is already a personal gift, but a few small touches can make it unforgettable.
- Add a playlist: create a playlist of songs that mean something to the two of you, with the print's song first, and share it alongside the gift.
- Write the story in the card: explain why you chose the song, where you first heard it together or what it reminds you of. The story often means as much as the print.
- Frame it before you give it: a ready-to-hang framed print feels more complete and saves the recipient a trip to the shops.
- Give a set: with our Buy 3, Get 1 FREE offer, you can give four songs that tell the story of a relationship, a friendship or a family.
- Time it right: give an anniversary print on the anniversary of the day you first heard the song together, or a first dance print on the first anniversary of the wedding.
- Play the song when they open it: it is a simple idea that turns opening a present into a moment they will remember.
Custom song lyric prints
Can't find your song? Our personalised posters let you request the song you want, so you can turn your first dance, your favourite band or a family classic into wall art. Custom lyric prints are especially popular for weddings, anniversaries and memorial gifts, when the song has a very personal meaning. You can also request your own design and our studio in Camden will create it for you.
Why buy your song lyric print from 98types
- Printed in England: every print is designed and printed at our studio in Camden, London.
- Quality paper: premium 260gsm paper for a crisp, long-lasting finish.
- Great value: prints from just £3.
- Fast delivery: free UK delivery and same-day dispatch.
- Buy 3, Get 1 FREE: perfect for gallery walls or buying gifts for several people.
- Win £100: don't miss our £100 shopping voucher draw every Sunday.
Frequently asked questions about song lyric prints
What is a song lyric print?
A song lyric print is a piece of wall art that presents the words of a song in a typographic design. It is a popular way to celebrate a favourite song or a song with special meaning, such as a first dance.
Are song lyric prints a good gift?
Yes. Song lyric prints are one of the most popular personalised music gifts in the UK. They are thoughtful, affordable and easy to personalise by choosing a song that means something to the person.
What is the best song lyric print for a wedding?
The best song lyric print for a wedding is the couple's first dance song. Romantic songs such as The Cure's Lovesong, which Robert Smith wrote as a wedding present, are also popular choices.
What is the traditional first wedding anniversary gift in the UK?
The traditional first wedding anniversary gift in the UK is paper, which makes a song lyric print of the couple's song a perfect choice.
What is a good gift for a music lover?
A lyric print of their favourite song is a thoughtful and affordable gift for a music lover. It works for birthdays, Christmas, Valentine's Day and anniversaries.
What is a good gift for a musical theatre fan?
A lyric print of a song from their favourite musical, such as RENT's Seasons of Love or a song from Avenue Q or Ride The Cyclone, is a perfect gift for musical theatre fans and drama students.
Can I get a lyric print of any song?
At 98types you can browse hundreds of songs in our song lyric collection, and you can request a song that is not listed through our personalised posters service.
What size lyric print should I buy?
A3 is the most popular size for bedrooms, desks and gallery walls. A2 or A1 works best as a statement piece in a living room.
What is the most popular first dance song in the UK?
Ed Sheeran's Perfect and Thinking Out Loud are among the most popular first dance songs in the UK, along with John Legend's All of Me and Elvis Presley's Can't Help Falling in Love.
Is a lyric print a good Christmas gift?
Yes. Lyric prints are affordable, easy to post and wrap, and personal, which makes them a great Christmas gift for partners, parents, friends and music-mad teenagers.
Can I give a lyric print in memory of someone?
Yes. Many people choose a lyric print of a loved one's favourite song or a song played at their funeral as a gentle way to remember them, or as a thoughtful sympathy gift.
How much does a song lyric print cost?
At 98types, song lyric prints start from £3, with free UK delivery and same-day dispatch, and a Buy 3, Get 1 FREE offer.
Turn your favourite song into art
Music is the soundtrack to our lives. A song lyric print captures the moments that matter: the first dance, the gig you will never forget, the song that got you through, or the tune that always makes you smile. Whether you love The Clash, The Cure, Depeche Mode, Justin Bieber, Linkin Park or the West End, there is a lyric print waiting to tell your story.
Find your song: Shop all song lyric prints – from £3, printed in England, free UK delivery, same-day dispatch, and Buy 3, Get 1 FREE.