Repetitive songs contain a large proportion of repeated words or phrases. Simple repetitive songs are common in many cultures as widely spread as the Caribbean, p. 88. Southern India esp. p. 20-21. and Finland. The best-known examples are probably children's songs. Other repetitive songs are found, for instance, in African-American culture from the days of slavery.
Children's songs In children's songs, repetition serves various educational purposes: repetition aids memory, can aid in learning punctuation and reading skills,John A. Smith, "Singing and Songwriting Support Early Literacy Instruction", in p. 189 and is very valuable in learning (foreign) languages."The use of song is an excellent way to practice Spanish phonetics, and songs can be found using the most troublesome sounds. Repetitive songs using all vowels are good for beginners."
Work songs See also: Slave Songs of the United States.
Repetitive songs are also found in traditional work songs. Examples abound in African-American culture, in political groups, and among traveler, marchers, and walkers.
See also Donald Knuth, "The Complexity of Songs" Cumulative song Repetitive music
References