Do Lyrics Matter? A Brief Study of Popular Music

Writing lyrics can be difficult, but it might not be necessary

Lyrics and music have always been connected throughout history. From the great operas of yesteryear to juke box hits, humans have told stories through music. Of course, in popular music, lyrics don’t always contain great rhetorical meaning. I would argue that some of the catchiest songs in pop music history have a significant lack of words. These songs rely on the intensity and release patterns found in musical form alone, along with a constant beat to keep consumers listening.

Eiffel 65 - Blue (Da Ba Dee)

This song has almost no memorable words. The most memorable phrase is a series of intensity patterns followed by releases that follow complete nonsense words. Perhaps the lack of words is part of what makes this phrase so memorable. It is much easier to remember la da di than a passage of Bob Dylan poetry.

Lovin' Touchin' Squeezin' - Journey

Along the same lines, songs like “Loving Touching Squeezing” by Journey contain verses, but they are easily forgotten. The most memorable bit of this song is the melody of the ending, which repeats a series of intensity patterns which finally resolve into a long release note. The lyrics are substituted with ‘Nahs’. The lack of words allows anybody listening, regardless of their knowledge or the band, or even the English language, to sing along with the chorus.

Hey Jude - The Beatles

The same argument could be made for Hey Jude by the Beatles. This song has some congruent lyrical storytelling. It is comprised of messages of hope for Julian Lennon after his father’s divorce. Despite the attempt at creating lyrical significance, the most memorable part of the song is the chorus. No words are present other than “Hey Jude”, every other syllable is sung as “nah”.

Lyrical content continues to take a back seat as popular music comes into the internet age

Further evidence can be found in recent chart-topping songs that did very well in the United States that aren’t even in English. Songs like Gangnam Style by Psy, or Despacito by Louis Fons Much of the audience that listens to these songs have no idea what the lyrics are saying, they focus only on the beat.

Gangnam Style by Psy performed well on US charts despite primarily being sung in Korean

I’ll be the first to say that I prefer music with nice, meaningful lyrics, but it is clear that lyrics aren’t necessary to create popular songs.

To prove my point, I created a song with absolutely no words. It all started last night when my friend Reggie and I began talking in a completely fake language.

After combining a beatbox track, a Chick Fil A straw track, a few improvised raps, and a great cover created on Microsoft Paint, we created this song. I think it is catchy though it has absolutely no rhetorical lyrical meaning whatsoever.

What do you think? What are some of your favorite catchy songs with few words?

Share this blog with someone you want to sing Hey Jude with at excessive volumes!