Research has shown that repetitive lyrics in songs can increase processing fluency, making them more accessible and appealing to a broader audience. This phenomenon, known as the “mere exposure effect,” suggests that simpler, more repetitive lyrics may be more easily processed and thus more likely to be adopted quickly in the marketplace. This could explain why song lyrics have become simpler and more repetitive over time, as artists and songwriters seek to create music that resonates with listeners and stands out in a crowded market.
A study using artificial intelligence to analyze the songs of zebra finches found that female birds detect intricate cues in males’ songs beyond human comprehension. This suggests that female songbirds evaluate male fitness in a more complex manner than previously believed, highlighting the importance of considering non-human perspectives when examining the evolution of song lyrics.
