Liao Haoqi
ABSTRACT
This study conducts a systematic literature review to examine the role played by music lyrics in cultural identity, focusing on relevant studies conducted from 2014 to 2024. By integrating the theories of cultural communication and adopting a global perspective, it meticulously analyzes how lyrics in pop music, subcultural music, and ethnic music function as carriers of emotions and historical memories. It also explores how such lyrics facilitate cultural blending and the resurgence of local identity within the globalization context. Findings suggest that lyrics, as a crucial medium of cultural expression, assume multiple roles in aspects such as emotional identification, the struggle of marginalized groups, and cross-cultural dissemination. Nevertheless, a paucity of research persists regarding lyrics in nonmainstream music and within the digital communication milieu. This study aims to provide a theoretical framework and empirical directions for future investigations.
