A Symphony of Self: Exploring Asexual Voices in Modern Lyrics
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31305/rrijm.2025.v10.n3.029Keywords:
asexuality, demisexuality, music, identity, intimacy, sexualityAbstract
This paper examines how asexuality and demisexuality are portrayed in modern music, focusing on the nuanced experiences of individuals with these orientations within mainstream social norms. Using qualitative lyric analysis of songs by ten artists—including Deerhunter, Marika Hackman, Mitski, Car Seat Headrest, Elastica, Kate Bush, PJ Harvey, Weyes Blood, Au Pairs, and Steve Lacy—it uncovers the emotional and psychological landscapes navigated by people on the asexual spectrum. Content analysis and lyric interpretation reveal that contemporary music provides a powerful outlet to express the intricate facets of asexuality and demisexuality, challenging conventional views of sexuality and intimacy. For example, Deerhunter’s “Agoraphobia” expresses a longing for emotional connection without sexual need, while Mitski’s “A Pearl” conveys a struggle against societal pressure. Overall, this study highlights the importance of recognising and validating asexual identities in cultural discourse, calling for a more inclusive understanding of human connection that goes beyond traditional sexual norms.
References
Songs:
Deerhunter. (2008). Agoraphobia. On Microcastle. 4AD.
Hackman, M. (2013). Wolf. On Sugar Blind (EP).
Mitski. (2018). A Pearl. On Be the Cowboy.
Car Seat Headrest. (2012). It’s Only Sex. On Living While Starving (EP).
Elastica. (1994). Connection. On Elastica. Deceptive/Geffen.
Bush, K. (1985). Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God). On Hounds of Love. EMI Records.
Harvey, P. J. (1993). Dry. On Rid of Me. Island Records.
Weyes Blood. (2019). Andromeda. On Titanic Rising. Sub Pop.
Au Pairs. (1982). Sex Without Stress. On Sense and Sensuality.
Lacy, S. (2017). Dark Red. On Steve Lacy’s Demo. 3Qtr.
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This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0).
