Words Matter

The success of some songs puzzles me. Maybe it is just a case of musical tastes (everyone has their own preferences). Whatever the case, I am fascinated at how some songs climb to the top of the charts while others never quite make it.

Of course, some songs are so poorly written, composed, recorded and performed that they have no business receiving any airplay. But then there are what I would term "incredibly written songs" that are also spurned by critics and the public alike.

Lately, I have been puzzled over the success of Chris Daughtry's song, "It's Not Over." The music is not very creative and the song mimics the sound of some other groups. Yet, "It's Not Over" is all over the radio. The song is not only receiving significant airplay, but it is also in the VH-1 rotation and even MTV 2 (since MTV rarely shows videos anymore).

All of this has led me to take a second look at the song, and I think I've figured out why it appeals to so many people. Granted, Chris Daughtry was on American Idol, and that has helped his popularity. However, I think the success of the song has to do with its lyrics. While the words do not ponder the deep mysteries of life or make me say "wow," they do appeal to a common predicament in the human condition: failure and the desire for another chance.

Read through the lyrics and see if you can relate (if so, then my theory about the success of the song might be right. Scary.):

I was blown away
What could I say
It all seemed to make sense
You're takin' away everything
And I can't do without

I try to see the good in life
The good things in life are hard to find
We're blowin' away, blowin' away
Can we make this something good?

Well I'll try to do to it right this time around
It's not over,
Try to do it right this time around
It's not over
But a part of me is dead and in the ground

This love is killin' me
But you're the only one
It's not over

I've taken all I can take
And I cannot wait
We're wastin' too much time
Being strong, holdin' on
Can't let it bring us down

My life with you means everything
So I won't give up that easily

Blowin' away blowin' away
Can make this something good?
Cause it's all misunderstood

It's not the depth of the lyrics that connects with people; rather, it is the universality of the lyrics that resonates with listeners.