So, there is some interesting studies on the effect that sadness and depression have on music taste and ability to listen to the lyrics.

Quite literally it breaks down to people who are happy tend to just want to hear music and don’t comprehend or want lyrically complicated songs. People who are depressed or at high risk for it tend to be more seeking more complex story telling and will be more aware of the lyrics.

Now why that is would probably win you science grant if you could quantify it. I think it comes back around a bit to “ignorance is bliss” a pretty accurate statement of the world that people that just don’t know don’t and don’t care they don’t know are already pretty happy or content with how they know existence to be and don’t seek out more. While people more depressed are searching for kindred souls and the feeling of belonging and so listen for more of that empathetic response.

Now one of the other really interesting things of these studies is that heavy death metal music is in the same level as like alternative indie prog-rock for depression listeners, which I think really goes back to that desire to feel emotion and joined experience even if it’s just rage or anger.

So, all that to say if you went from just hearing the rhythm to really digging the lyrics check in with your mental health cause it might be that you are seeking out more complex emotions and could be at risk for more serious emotional states.

Me personally I’ve always listened to the lyrics since I was a child.