As Israel enters a season of remembrance ahead of Memorial Day, a new study reveals how people worldwide turn to song lyrics—not just melodies—as a powerful tool for coping with grief, loss, and emotional distress. Researchers found a strong connection between lyrical themes and emotional goals like reducing loneliness or finding comfort. Unlike musical elements such as tempo or harmony, lyrics were consistently linked to listeners’ psychological needs. The study underscores the vital emotional role of words in music and suggests practical applications for mental health support and therapeutic settings.
As Israel prepares to commemorate Memorial Day under the shadow of the October 7th attacks and the ongoing national crisis, a new study from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem sheds light on how people around the world turn to music—specifically its lyrics—as a tool for navigating emotional distress, grief, and isolation during times of crisis.
The study, led by Prof. Renana Peres and Adi Levy from the Business School and Prof. Roni Granot from the Department of Musicology at Hebrew University, reveals that the words in songs—more than melody, rhythm, or tempo—play a central role in helping individuals regulate their emotions. Whether to process sorrow, feel less alone, or maintain emotional balance, listeners turn to lyrics that reflect their internal states.
Analyzing over 2,800 “coping songs” chosen by people from 11 countries during the first COVID-19 lockdown, the researchers identified clear patterns between lyrical themes and the emotional goals of listeners. Songs containing lyrics about loss, life and death, belonging, or soul were consistently selected by those struggling with sadness, loneliness, or a desire for personal reflection.
The study found that people seeking distraction from crisis were more likely to choose songs with themes of loss, while those trying to alleviate loneliness were drawn to lyrics evoking belonging. In contrast, the acoustic features of the songs—such as tempo, harmony, or key—showed no consistent connection to emotional goals.
“This research offers a new perspective on how people use music not just for entertainment, but as a meaningful tool for emotional self-regulation,” said Prof. Granot. “As Memorial Day approaches, we are reminded that lyrics often give voice to emotions that are difficult to express—grief, remembrance, and resilience among them.”
The authors emphasize that while music in general supports emotional coping, lyrics carry particular psychological weight. The findings offer potential applications for therapeutic practices, music streaming algorithms, and public well-being initiatives.
“This is the first large-scale empirical study to link lyrical content to emotional coping strategies,” said Prof. Peres. “At a time when many are dealing with personal and collective trauma, understanding the emotional power of lyrics can help us better support mental health—both individually and as a society.”
The researchers suggest that the findings could influence how music is used in therapeutic settings, memorial services, and even in designing algorithms for personalized playlists that support emotional well-being.
The research paper titled “Lyrics do matter: how “coping songs” relate to well-being goals. The COVID pandemic case” is now available in Frontiers in Psychology and can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1431741.
Researchers:
Adi Levy1, Roni Granot2 and Renana Peres1
Institutions:
- The Hebrew University Business School, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
- Musicology Department, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
For a century, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has been a beacon for visionary minds who challenge norms and shape the future. Founded by luminaries like Albert Einstein, who entrusted his intellectual legacy to the university, it is dedicated to advancing knowledge, fostering leadership, and promoting diversity. Home to over 23,000 students from 90 countries, the Hebrew University drives much of Israel’s civilian scientific research, with over 11,000 patents and groundbreaking contributions recognized by nine Nobel Prizes, two Turing Awards, and a Fields Medal. Ranked 81st globally by the Shanghai Ranking (2024), it celebrates a century of excellence in research, education, and innovation. To learn more about the university’s academic programs, research, and achievements, visit the official website at http://new.huji.ac.il/en.