The Evolution of Lyrics: How Music Reflects Society’s Shifting Values and Emotions Over the Last Four Decades

Song lyrics have become more simple and repetitive over the past four decades, a study published on Thursday suggests. The content of songs has also become more angry and self-centered, based on an analysis of over 12,000 English songs from various genres like rap, country, pop, R&B, and rock from 1990 to 2020.

The study highlights the shift in music over the years, noting the changing values, emotions, and concerns reflected in lyrics. Lead author Eva Zangerle, an expert in music recommendation systems at the University of Innsbruck, emphasizes that lyrics act as a mirror of society. With the advent of the internet and streaming services, the music industry has undergone significant changes compared to previous decades when music was primarily consumed through vinyl and cassettes.

Interestingly, rap music was found to have a more prominent role in using repeated lines and expressing anger compared to other genres. The study also indicated a decline in positive and happy content in lyrics over time. The increasing use of first-person pronouns like “I” and “mine” suggests a more self-centric approach in songwriting. Additionally, the study pointed out that songs with more repetitive choruses and basic lyrics tend to be more popular in the current music landscape.

Overall, this study provides valuable insights into how music reflects society’s values and emotions over time. As technology continues to shape our cultural landscape