How important are the lyrics when you're listening to music?

I’ve rejected music that has a good sound, simply because I hate the lyrics. Lyrics are extremely important to me. However, I have met people that will come right out and say that they don’t care about the lyrics at all. Or, that the lyrics aren’t very important to them. I’ve always found it to be very powerful when an artist has put into words something that I’m feeling, and it’s as though I’ve been given a way to express what I’m feeling, while I also appreciate that someone can relate or validate my feelings.

Are the lyrics important to you? Or is the melody or rhythm more significant to you when choosing music you like?