wordwatching

At the crossroads of language and culture

Dedicated to the study of language variation and change in American English, with special regard to the West, pop lyrics, and social media.

Superday

February 07, 2016 by Lamont Antieau in lyric analysis, music video essay

A post on super compounds in pop music (1951-2015). Includes videos of songs by The Jackson Five, Madonna, and Nicki Minaj. Also includes link to a word search puzzle.

"It is good to be the king": Royal titles in pop music

February 07, 2016 by Lamont Antieau in variation in lyrics, lyric analysis

A post investigating the use of royal titles in pop lyrics (1951-2015). Includes videos of songs by Aerosmith, The Rolling Stones, and Lorde.

Sing a song

February 05, 2016 by Lamont Antieau in lyric analysis, music video essay

The lyrics of The Carpenters; Earth, Wind and Fire; and the 1970s. Includes videos of the songs of both groups.

The sound of "money" in pop lyrics

February 02, 2016 by Lamont Antieau in lyric analysis

By the numbers look at the use of the word money in songs from Billboard's year-end Top Ten charts (1951-2015). Includes videos of songs by Pink Floyd, The Temptations, The Box Tops, and Steve Winwood.