Best song writer/lyricist?

[Woodlouse2002]

So, who in your opinion is the best on the planet in writing music and lyrics etc? Please be biased or anything you like. Its your opinion and no one can take that from you. So who?

My vote goes to either Neil Innes or Roger Waters.

[Meinas]

No idea, I like too many to make such a decision

[Politically Incorrect]

Although I have many but by the topic limited to the BEST
Lennon
Morrison

Sorry I rank them both as BEST!

[Paz]

 Far too many great songwriters to try and pick just one as being the greatest, every genre of music has it's talents and my tastes in music stretch across so many different areas that I could never choose one as being the "Best songwriter on the planet".

[Tequila Sunrise]

Jim Steinman, the guy that writes for Meatloaf or Freddie Mercury  8)

[Hagar]

Paul Simon.

There are/were of course many other talented songwriters. Too many to list here.

[Sock]

Dave Mustaine.  By far...I my opinion.

Sock

[ChuckMajik]

Till Lindemann or Alexx Wesselsky.

[Travis]

Dylan, as far as classic rock goes.

Bradley Nowel goes in for recent favorites.

Willie Nelson, Hank Williams Jr (or Sr) and Roy Clark are very inventive.

As for non-lyrical music:

Beethoven
Tchaicovsky (sp?)
Mozart

These comprise IMHO the most emotional music I have ever heard.

[Polynomial]

Mark Knopfler

[ATI_7500]

Jimmy Hendrix...