About the difference in value between total contribution and the lump sum I can say that with a lump sum we are more likely to receive the money all at just on moment. This can lead us to waste all of our money all at once. The total contribution sometimes is not as much as we were waiting for it is still useful so we can track of how much money we are spending.
The term that is used for this difference is annuitization.
It’s important because that’s what makes the song memorable and it gives it emotion, it’s highly common in many songs it’s the central idea it’s what brings the song to life