Singing about suicidal behaviors: An analysis of Spanish Punk Music (1981-2010)

Abstract

Introduction and Objectives. The exploration of popular attitudes to suicide by investigating their depictions in art has been defended in literature on the grounds that suicide is not simply a 'medical problem'. The complex nature of suicide is deeply embedded and mirrored in social, cultural, and historical narratives. This study describes the frequency of references to suicidal behavior in the song lyrics of Spanish punk bands, between 1981-2010. The results are compared with published studies of other musical genres. Methods. Discographies of the most representative punk bands in Spain, between 1981 and 2010, were reviewed. Instrumental songs and those sung in languages other than Spanish were excluded. Contents of song lyrics were analyzed looking for references to suicidal behaviors, defined as: non-suicidal self-injuries, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts and suicide. Main outcome measures: Frequency of references over the entire period. Results. Of 2,995 songs studied (2.64%, n=79) alluded to suicide-related behavior (only one reference to non-suicidal self-injuries). Discussion. Depictions of suicide in music are scarcely studied. Frequency of references to suicidal behavior in lyrics of Spanish punk songs are far below those described in a previous study addressing depictions of completed suicides, non-fatal suicide and suicidal thought in 337 Western operas written between 1607 and 2006 (2.64% vs 33%). Our understanding of the social meanings of suicide in music would be greatly facilitated by the replication of these studies to other musical genres and languages. This would allow for comparisons to illuminate common themes and nuanced differences between genres and languages.