This is one of the questions I get asked the most, and my answer is always the same: it depends on the task. That's not a very satisfying answer on its own, so let me break it down.
Lyrics and writing don't mix well
Listening to music with lyrics while writing or reading usually backfires, because the language-processing part of your brain tries to handle two things at once. Even if you're not consciously noticing the lyrics, part of your brain is still processing them. That's why instrumental or wordless sound tends to work better for writing-heavy work.
Music helps with repetitive tasks
For design work, editing, or anything closer to mechanical, the opposite is true. Music adds rhythm instead of pulling focus, and makes the task feel less tedious. Lyrics cause fewer problems here because the language-processing part of your brain isn't occupied with anything else at that moment.
Silence isn't always the best option
Total silence sounds ideal on paper, but a lot of people find it uncomfortable, mostly because you start noticing every tiny sound at an exaggerated volume. That's where a light ambient track helps, it removes the discomfort of dead silence without becoming a distraction itself.
Test it against your own work
The most practical approach is to rotate for a few days. One day music, one day a nature sound, one day total silence. Once you notice which one leaves you less drained, the answer becomes obvious pretty quickly.