Surely words and tune should fit together (he said, stating the bloody obvious!).I don't just mean scanning but the tune reflecting where the story is going, through pitch and dynamics.

And, I have to say, it's usually badly-crafted words that put me off. I'm the same when I'm reading prose - it irritates the wotsit out of me if it's badly put together.

On the other hand, coming from a craftsman, a story (a song) can be, for me sublime. I could listen to Steve Tilston (for example) all day.

And as far as traditional music is concerned, I love the Chris Coe quote in JHW's post above: "You should always stand behind the song, never in front".