| Sumario: | The use of non-lexical vocables in popular music is a common production strategy. Building on vocal repetition, the integration effect, and hook and song meaning, this study explores the use of the specific lyrical phrase "la la la." Through a content analysis of rock and pop songs from 1960–2023 (n = 138) and a listener survey (n = 153), the study also examines whether "la la la" is perceived to have more meaning than just a nonsensical rhythmic hook and if its usage transcends generational songwriting styles and listeners' musical tastes. The results yielded from the research suggest that there is more meaning, whether lyrically or from a songwriting perspective, to the use of "la" in mainstream music, and could add to the way people communicate in a more untraditional sense. This offers early support for sensical non-lexical integration, but more cognitive, musical theory, and musical education research is needed to further strengthen the concept and apply it to broader communication.
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