diff --git a/beetsplug/lyrics.py b/beetsplug/lyrics.py
index 8bd96c7cf..d7fca27c2 100644
--- a/beetsplug/lyrics.py
+++ b/beetsplug/lyrics.py
@@ -319,9 +319,19 @@ class MusiXmatch(SymbolsReplaced):
         html = self.fetch_url(url)
         if not html:
             return
+        if "We detected that your IP is blocked" in html:
+            self._log.warning(u'we are blocked at MusixMatch: url %s failed'
+                              % url)
+            return
         html_part = html.split('<p class="mxm-lyrics__content')[-1]
         lyrics = extract_text_between(html_part, '>', '</p>')
-        return lyrics.strip(',"').replace('\\n', '\n')
+        lyrics = lyrics.strip(',"').replace('\\n', '\n')
+        # another odd case: sometimes only that string remains, for
+        # missing songs. this seems to happen after being blocked
+        # above, when filling in the CAPTCHA.
+        if "Instant lyrics for all your music." in lyrics:
+            return
+        return lyrics
 
 
 class Genius(Backend):
diff --git a/docs/changelog.rst b/docs/changelog.rst
index e30080f49..d94260906 100644
--- a/docs/changelog.rst
+++ b/docs/changelog.rst
@@ -14,6 +14,9 @@ Fixes:
 
 * :doc:`/plugins/replaygain`: Fix a regression in the previous release related
   to the new R128 tags. :bug:`2615` :bug:`2623`
+* :doc:`/plugins/lyrics`: The MusixMatch backend now detect and warns
+  the user when blocked on the server. Thanks to
+  :user:`anarcat`. :bug:`2634` :bug:`2632`
 
 For developers: