Ep. 29 Do Lyrics Matter More Than Melody? The Psychology of Lyrics cover art

Ep. 29 Do Lyrics Matter More Than Melody? The Psychology of Lyrics

Ep. 29 Do Lyrics Matter More Than Melody? The Psychology of Lyrics

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In this episode, we uncover why lyrics matter so deeply in music and what makes certain lines unforgettable. From self-expression and storytelling to emotional regulation, we dive into the psychology of why some words resonate whilst others pass us by, and how personal relevance shapes what sticks in memory. We also explore the science of misheard lyrics, the power of vocal delivery, and the neuroscience of why lyrics stay with us — even resurfacing in dementia — showing how songs connect us to our identity, our memories, and each other.


CHAPTERS:

0:00 Intro

01:41 Lyrics as Mirrors of the Self

04:24 Lyrics as Storytelling

11:26 When Lyrics Hit Home

16:28 Do Words or Melodies Move Us More?

23:23 What Makes Lyrics Memorable

27:10 Mondegreens: Why We Mishear Songs

32:35 Lyrics as Social Glue

37:03 Summary and Outro


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