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Different, Same Perspectives: The Power Of Lyricism

The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at CU Boulder chapter.

Music surrounds us, from the background tunes in grocery stores to the grand performances in concert halls. For some, it even becomes a subject of academic study. While most people discuss music in terms of its sound (the beat, the melody, the emotional resonance) one vital aspect often gets overlooked: the lyrics.

Conversations about music among friends often focus on how a song makes us feel, or the rhythm or the beat. Occasionally, someone might mention a line they like, but does anyone truly dive into the depth of lyrics? Literary scholars devote themselves to analyzing the layers of meaning in poetry and prose, but I’ve always thought lyricists deserve similar recognition. They craft words that resonate universally, capturing complex emotions in ways that feel simple yet profound. This, to me, is a form of art accessible to everyone, regardless of background or education. What amazes me most about great lyricists is their ability to express shared experiences in ways that feel deeply personal. They put into words thoughts or feelings I’ve had but never articulated, often in ways that tug at my heartstrings. It’s a beautiful reminder of how connected we all are, even in our unique journeys.

Driving to work recently, I was struck by the lyrics of a Taylor Swift song. Now, her music may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but she is undeniably a gifted lyricist. In her song “How Did It End?” a line reads: “My beloved ghost and me, sitting in a tree, D-Y-I-N-G.” This clever wordplay references the childhood rhyme, “sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G,” but twists it into something haunting and poignant. The lyric transported me back to my childhood when friends and I would sing that rhyme about our crushes. That innocent memory combined with the song’s themes of loss and endings created a powerful sense of nostalgia. It symbolized the passage of time and the bittersweetness of growing up. The line encapsulates so much in so few words: the end of something cherished, a nod to childhood, and a universal experience of change. This is what makes great lyrics so impactful. They’re vague enough for listeners to interpret through their own lens but specific enough to evoke strong imagery and emotion. It’s a reminder that even pop music, often dismissed as shallow, can carry profound meaning if we take the time to listen.

Another song that hit me in a similar way is “Six Below” by Flipturn, a lesser-known artist with an extraordinary talent for lyricism. The chorus of the song is overall incredible, but the one line that sticks out to me the most is, “Live long enough to tell your sons, things you learned when you were young, so maybe I can have some self-control.” This lyric stopped me in my tracks. It encapsulates a complex emotional truth about life and legacy: the hope of passing down wisdom to future generations and the reflection on your own growth. For me, it brought back memories of my dad sharing stories from his youth. As a kid, I’d tease him for always reminiscing, but now those are stories I live by, stories that have helped me grow up and shaped the person I am. It brings up this undeniable hope for the future and being able to share all the things you have done with your children, and so you have to live and go on with strength for people you don’t know or have yet. Even if you don’t plan on having children, the lyric speaks to the universal desire to leave a lasting impact and to find strength in envisioning a brighter future. When combined with the song’s music, the lyric becomes an emotional masterpiece, a simple yet profound expression of the human condition.

The beauty of lyrics lies in their ability to connect people across different experiences. A single song can evoke a wide range of emotions depending on the listener’s personal history. This shared emotional journey creates a sense of unity and understanding, reminding us of our common humanity.

But lyrics do more than connect us. They can also heal. They provide a space to process pain, share trauma, or explore new perspectives. Music, with its widespread reach and deep cultural significance, becomes a vessel for these connections. It’s amazing to think about how a simple lyric can bring people together, helping them feel seen, understood, and less alone.

Despite their power, hard-hitting lyrics don’t often get the recognition they deserve. Conversations about music rarely delve into their depth, but they should. Discussing lyrics can help us open up, gain new insights, and feel things we might not have otherwise. So next time you listen to a song, take a moment to appreciate the lyrics. Let them carry you to another place, evoke emotions you didn’t know were there, or simply make you pause and reflect. Music is everywhere, and its lyrical genius is a gift that connects us all in ways we might not even realize.

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Angelina Christos

CU Boulder '25

Angelina Christos, born and raised in Toms River, New Jersey, is currently pursuing a degree in Strategic Communications at the University of Colorado Boulder. Specializing in the advertising track, she is also earning minors in both music and dance. Her academic path reflects her diverse interests, balancing the technical aspects of advertising with her creative passions for the arts. Angelina’s studies reflect her diverse interests, as she aims to blend her passion for communication, creative expression, and artistic collaboration. Angelina’s writing journey began early when, as a young 13 years old, she wrote and illustrated a children's a book titled "Happily Ever A'fur'ter". The book aimed to promote shelter animal adoption, combining her love for animals with her passion for storytelling. She also published an article in Jacob’s Well, an Orthodox Christian publication, called “Teens and Their Parents,” which appeared in the 2019 edition Tribal. The article explored the complexities of family dynamics and generational communication. Beyond her academic and professional pursuits, Angelina is an avid reader and music enthusiast who loves to explore creative projects in her free time. She enjoys composing music, dancing, and immersing herself in books that spark her imagination. Angelina brings a positive energy to everything she does, embracing opportunities to grow both personally and professionally.