The study of popular music can be an effective method of examining social and cultural life. Popular music emphasizes the variety of human existence, goals, outlooks, and biases. A pervading theme in popular American music between 1959 and 1984 has been the theme of "America." Over 200 songs reflect personal, social, and political concerns about the United States. A list of many of these songs is divided into categories of American lifestyles, American music, famous Americans, patriotism, and social statements and problems. The latter category is subdivided into music on adolescence, politics, urban life, women's awareness, Black awareness, automation/technology, religious awareness, voting, Indian awareness, ecology, anti-war issues, and society in general. The list includes publication date, record company, and recording artist for all songs. An activity designed for secondary school students involves small groups in analyzing a number of songs to determine theme, audience, major issues, fact vs. opinion, present-day relevance, and making a class presentation of findings. Guide questions and a chart are provided for the students. (LP)