Yes, opera singers sing text that functions as lyrics, although this text has a specific name.
In the world of opera, the text that is sung by the performers is known as the libretto. Derived from the Italian word for 'little book', the libretto serves as the script for the opera.
The libretto contains all the spoken and sung words that the singers perform throughout the production. However, as stated in the reference, the libretto is unlike the typical lyrics of a song because it also includes essential stage directions. These directions guide the singers and actors on their movements, expressions, and actions on stage, providing context for the story beyond just the vocal lines.
Think of the libretto as the comprehensive script of an opera. It includes the narrative, dialogue (set to music), and cues for the dramatic action. While the singing parts are the operatic equivalent of lyrics, the complete libretto encompasses more than just the words sung in sequence; it is the entire textual foundation for the opera's performance.
Therefore, while they sing the text of the libretto rather than calling it "lyrics" in the typical sense, the sung words in an opera perform the same fundamental function as lyrics in other forms of music – telling the story and conveying emotion through song.
