Greatest Songwriter of all time

Jeff,
Good post I might add that 3 of the guys you mention whom I love also(Springsteen,Costello and Knopfler) are so influenced by Dylan it is incredible.:-)
I'm also not sure it's the best way to split the genre but I follow your example.....and yes it's virtually impossible to leave such greats out as Hendrix,The Dooors,Paul Simon,The Smiths,on and on the list would go.....

Best lyrics

Bob Dylan
Bruce Springsteen
Mark Eitzel

Best Music
Led Zeppelin
Pink Floyd
Bob Dylan

Best songwriter EVER of all time, words and music: Dylan
Second best: Townes Van Zandt
Third best: Guy Clark
There is a long drop between these fellas and number 4.

Glad to see Johnny Mercer's name mentioned. His impact on Capitol in the 40's and 50's were huge on so many artists that are seen as the elite of that time period.

Lyrics:
Lennon
Rush
Dylan

Music:
Led Zeppelin
Pink Floyd
Beatles

KP

Dylan
Joni Mitchell
John Prin
For their lyrics.

Lennon/McCatrney
Brian Wilson
Dylan
For their music.