Pop Song Lyrics Grew More Self-Focused In The US And Germany Over 50 Years, Research Reveals

Shifts in Pop Song Lyrics Highlight Growing Self-Focus in U.S. and Germany

A recent study spanning 50 years reveals a notable shift in the lyrics of popular music from the United States and Germany, with an increasing emphasis on self-referential pronouns like "I," "me," and "mine." This trend stands in stark contrast to the lyrical styles observed in Japan and Hong Kong, where such a self-focused approach has not gained traction. The research, led by Marius Golubickis from United Arab Emirates University, is detailed in the journal PLOS One.