ABSTRACT
This chapter explores theoretical perspectives and methodological approaches on the representation of romantic relationships across the media spectrum. Using Mary-Lou Galician's, 12 Major Mass Media Myths as the principal framework, the chapter examines that the author conducted a content analysis on the lyrics of the selected set of songs, examining them for messages about sex, love, and romance. Surprisingly little research on the media effects of songs could be found; the studies that were found generally focused on violence and sexuality in music, particularly music videos. The chapter focuses on song lyrics and their messages about love and romance, brief attention must be paid to the musical component of songs. Music videos, of course, do provide accompanying images to musical entertainment, but the focus of this study is on songs as they have traditionally been heard: music and lyrics that give free rein to the listener's imagination.
