Complex sentence: The lyrics also express Western concepts of individualism, and were some of the first popular song lyrics in China to promote self-expression and individual freedom, in contrast with older music, which had emphasized conformity and obedience.
Split into simpler sentences: The lyrics also express Western concepts of individualism, and were some of the first popular song lyrics in China to promote self-expression and individual freedom. This emphasis put the song in stark contrast with older music, which had emphasized conformity and obedience.