Introduction: Song in human culture Songs have words and sometimes the words really matter

Music, one of humanity’s great arts, is a very international activity. Although those who call it a “universal language” underestimate the differences between varieties, they are not totally wrong. Instrumental music certainly crosses national and linguistic borders, frequently and easily. But most of the music that people most love is vocal music, with or without accompanying instruments. Much of today’s huge “music industry” concentrates on songs. And top billing, even when there are gifted instrumentalists, almost always goes to singers.