A best-selling novel written by a former professor of hers (played by Campbell Scott) has been released. The book's plot more than resembles the affair they had, although he turns her literary alter-ego into a manipulative home wrecker and criticizes her writing in the process. Alex would help Sophie out with the writing, but he informs her that he once rhymed "you and me" and "autopsy." The movie's first act follows the pair's writing process and hints at character elements that come into play once a relationship kick starts. Lawrence breezes through it, and once the song is completed, there's a moment of curiosity as to where the film will go.

That's cleared up fairly quickly once Alex and Sophie consummate a romance, and again, the plot takes a predictable route as trouble arises between them. What makes the formula work is Lawrence's emphasis on establishing the foundation of their relationship and making the conflict issue from a difference in musical ideology. Alex and Sophie actually have a relationship of mutual support: He for her writing and past; she for his silly pop songs. When the relationship hits rocky turf, it's because of something stupid said but also because they don't feel the same way about the song. Sophie thinks Cora will ruin it (her description, "It was like an orgasm set to the Gandhi soundtrack," is probably best), but Alex doesn't care. This is his way back in to the business—important as the term he uses to describe what music is to him. The film's attitude toward the music industry is a bit contradictory, wanting to criticize its shallowness then ultimately using it as the reconciling factor for the leads' central conflict—odder still since the conflict arises from cynicism of the industry in the first place. The song itself is also forgettable and simple, but then again, what could one expect from a song that's praised by an artist like Cora?

These are primarily background concerns, though, and the film is more perceptive about finding jabs at the music industry than it might seem. What's important beyond the flaws and humor is the core relationship, which succeeds just fine. Music and Lyrics isn't trying to redefine the genre, but it is a charming reminder that a romantic comedy can be romantic and funny.