Presenters
David C. Wright Jr.
Abstract
This paper will present a study of rock and other song lyrics about intimacy loss, from the 1960s to the present, using a close-reading approach to interpret the meaning conveyed to the listeners. The focus will be on themes of growing detachment from a romantic partner and the stages involved in the loss of love. Among the songs examined will be those depicting first doubts, time apart, relationship difficulties, resignation over a relationship’s failure, the break-up process, trouble letting go, assessment of an ended relationship, and, finally, memories of the lost love. This presentation should show that song lyrics of the last fifty years communicate well the complexities of uncoupling.