I shamefacedly have to resonate with what mg said: "i don't listen well to the words. just the way my brain works, even when i tell myself i have to listen to the words my brain just goes away from them"

And this is despite the fact that my radio programs are on themes....mostly related to the lyrics.

On the other hand I do often read the lyrics......and when they are printed out it really helps me, and I gain a greater appreciation of the whole song (except when banal lyrics ride on top of a great melody/chord pattern---like some of those American Song Book standards).