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.

"Parade" in Top 30 music

November 24, 2016 by Lamont Antieau in music video essay

A music video essay of songs from the Billboard year-end Top 30 charts (1951-2015) that feature the word parade. Includes songs from The Byrds, Jay-Z and Alicia Keys, and The Beatles.

"Vacation" and "holiday" in Top 30 music

November 21, 2016 by Lamont Antieau in music video essay

A music video essay of songs from the Billboard year-end Top 30 charts (1951-2015) featuring the words vacation and holiday. Features songs by The Happenings, The Verve Pipe, Justin Timberlake, and Scorpions.

Soldiering on

November 13, 2016 by Lamont Antieau in music video essay

A post on songs from the Billboard year-end Top 10 charts (1951-2015) that mention members of the military. Includes video clips ofJohnny Horton, Paula Cole, and The Animals.

Songs about "doing time" in Top 30 music

October 17, 2016 by Lamont Antieau in music video essay

Songs from Billboard's year-end Top 30 (1951-2015) associated with prison. Featuring videos by Tex Ritter, Elvis Presley, Prince, Sam Cooke, Eminem, and OutKast; bonus clips by Johnny Cash and Thin Lizzy.

"Blue skies" in Top 30 music (1955-2015)

October 11, 2016 by Lamont Antieau in music video essay

Music video essay featuring songs about "blue skies" from the Billboard year-end Top 30 charts (1955-2015) and beyond. Artists include The Temptations, Peter Gabriel, Lyle Lovett, and The Allman Brothers.

"Stormy" weather in Top 10 music

October 06, 2016 by Lamont Antieau in music video essay

Songs from the Billboard year-end Top 10 charts (1951-2015) that mention stormy weather, including videos by The Association, Katy Perry, and Taylor Swift, with bonuses by Neil Young and Ella Fitzgerald.

Variants of "beer" in Top 30 music (1951-2015)

October 01, 2016 by Lamont Antieau in lexical variation, lyric analysis, music video essay

A lexical analysis of "beer" variants in songs from Billboard's year-end Top 30 charts (1951-2015) and a music video essay, featuring songs from Wings, Climax Blues Band, Montell Jordan, Nelly, Pink, and Hank Williams.

"Birthday" in Top 30 music (1951-2015)

September 29, 2016 by Lamont Antieau in music video essay

A music video essay of Billboard year-end Top 30 songs (1951-2015) that include the word "birthday," featuring songs by The Crests, Outkast, and Bruno Mars, among others.

"Downtown" in Top 30 music

August 19, 2016 by Lamont Antieau in music video essay

A music video essay comprising songs from Billboard's year-end Top 30 charts (1951-2015) featuring the compound word downtown. Includes video clips from Junior Walker and the All-Stars, The Hollies, Sweet, Eddie Kendricks, Bob Seger, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Marcy Playground, and Rihanna.

"Wall(s)" in American Pop Music

August 14, 2016 by Lamont Antieau in music video essay

A music video essay on the use of wall(s) in Billboard's year-end Top 10 charts (1951-2015), with videos of songs by David Bowie, Pink Floyd, and The Style Council.

Superheroes in pop music

August 11, 2016 by Lamont Antieau in music video essay

This music video essay takes a look at superheroes in Top 30 music and includes clips by Donovan, 3 Doors Down, Timbaland, Eminem, and Jim Croce.

"Weekend" in pop music

May 06, 2016 by Lamont Antieau in music video essay

A music video essay of songs from the Billboard year-end Top 30 charts (1951-2015) that include the word weekend. Includes videos of songs by Janet Jackson, Jamie Foxx, and George Benson.

Planetary pop music

April 29, 2016 by Lamont Antieau in music video essay, lyric analysis

A post on planets referred to in songs from Billboard's year-end Top 30 music charts (1951-2015), featuring videos by Blondie, Prince, David Bowie, Lenny Kravitz, Stevie Wonder, and others.

Shakespeare in pop music

April 24, 2016 by Lamont Antieau in music video essay

A music video essay comprising American pop songs that include references to the works of William Shakespeare. Includes videos by The Pointer Sisters, Dire Straits, and Bruce Springsteen.

Pop music for Earth Day 2016

April 22, 2016 by Lamont Antieau in music video essay

A music video essay featuring songs with the word earth in their lyrics for Earth Day 2016. Includes videos by Elvis Presley, Roberta Flack, David Bowie, and John Lennon.

The rise and fall of "shorty" in popular music

March 24, 2016 by Lamont Antieau in lyric analysis, music video essay

Use of the word shorty in pop music. Includes videos by TLC and Katy Perry.

The four seasons in pop music

March 20, 2016 by Lamont Antieau in lyric analysis, music video essay

The names of the four seasons in Top 10 songs (1951-2015). Includes videos of songs by, of course, Terry Jacks and, of course, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.

"Clock" in Top Ten songs (1951-2015)

March 13, 2016 by Lamont Antieau in music video essay

The word clock in Top Ten music (1951-2015). Includes videos of songs by Bill Haley and the Comets, Bobbie Lewis, Elton John, Heart, and Cheap Trick.

Guitar heroes

March 13, 2016 by Lamont Antieau in music video essay

Guitar in songs from the Billboard year-end Top 10 charts (1951-2015). Includes videos of songs by Archie Bell and the Drells, Dire Straits, Jewel, Santana, and Eric Clapton and an all-star cast of musicians.

Knighthood in pop music

March 11, 2016 by Lamont Antieau in music video essay, lyric analysis

A post looking at knighthood in songs from Billboard's year-end Top 30 charts (1951-2015). Includes videos of songs by The Beatles, Lulu, Stevie Wonder, and America.