A Study of the Most Popular Lyrics in Billboard Hot 100 Songs

Introduction

Every year since 1958, Billboard has released their Billboard Hot 100 list. This list looks at what songs are the most popular in a year based on streams, sales, and radio airplay (Trust). According to Ola Haampland at Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Billboard does not release an exact formula as to how the Hot 100 list is determined. In my research, I will be analyzing which lyrics may add up to a spot in the Billboard Hot 100. Knowing which lyrics are most popular in songs that make it on the list can help songwriters determine if their songs will be a hit or a miss. Looking at the most popular lyrics may give valuable information to those who are seeking to have a hit song. The purpose of this research is to educate the audience on what lyrics indicate the potential success of a song. These lyrics or keywords may influence songwriters in creating a hit song. It may also help narrow subjects when attempting to write a successful song. This research could also serve to entertain an audience who is simply interested in how some songs have gained success.