Greatest Songwriter of all time

@backwash  , unfortunately I am not too familiar with Lyle Lovett's work, but

You can't talk about song writes without Steve Earle or Lyle Lovitt

I am in total agreement with you as related to Steve Earle's song writing--so much so that I previously felt compelled to talk about him on this thread.

I have a great deal of respect for Jackson Browne's writing creativity, and I've always thought that Michael Timmins wrote some interesting lyrics. 

Impressive lists. I agree: Leonard Cohen, no one else even close. But I’m shocked no one has mentioned Mary Chaplin Carpenter. 

Ian Kilmister. otherwise known as Lemmy !

If I haven't done so already, I am putting Lucinda Williams on the list.

. . . and Suzanne Vega. . . .