From Complex to Repetitive: How Song Lyrics have Evolved over the Past Four Decades

A new study published on Thursday has shed light on how song lyrics have evolved over the past four decades. Researchers analyzed over 12,000 songs in English from various genres from 1990 to 2020, including rap, country, pop, R&B, and rock.

The study, published in Scientific Reports, highlights how lyrics can serve as a reflection of society, showing how values, emotions, and concerns evolve over time. Lead author Eva Zangerle emphasized that there has been a dramatic change in the music landscape over the last 40 years, influenced by factors such as the internet and streaming.

The research looked at the emotions expressed in lyrics, the complexity and repetition of words used, and trends within and between genres. Across genres, lyrics were found to be simpler and more repetitive, with a decrease in positive and happy content. Rap music, in particular, has become more angry and repetitive compared to other genres.

In the streaming era, songs need to engage listeners within the first 10-15 seconds to avoid being skipped. This has led to an increase in songs with more repetitive choruses and basic lyrics that are easier to memorize. Overall, there has been a shift towards simpler and more repetitive lyrics in music over the past four decades.

This study offers valuable insights into how music reflects societal changes over time. As technology continues to shape our world, it will be interesting to see how song lyrics continue to evolve in the coming years.