Ways Of Woman To Be Independent As Portrayed In Meghan Trainor’s Songs.

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REFERENCES

Cristalis, Irena and Scott, Catherine. 2005. The story of woman’s activism in East

Timor. Catholic Institute for International Relations.

Destiny’s Child (Performen). (2001) Independent Woman. New York: Columbia.

Eagleton, Mary.1991 Feminism Literary Criticsm. New York. Longman.

Eagleton, Terry. 1983. Literature Theory an Introduction Second Edition. United State by The University of Minnesota Pess. South, Suite.

Fiedan, Betty. 1963. Feminine Mystique. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, Inc

Griffin, G. and Hanmer, J. (2002), “The UK” in G. Griffin (ed.), Women’s Employment, Women’s Studies, and Equal Opportunities 1945-2001: Report from Nine European Countries , Hull: University of Hull.

Groden, Michael dan Martin Kreiswirth (ed). 1997. Feminist Theory and

Criticism. London: The Johns Hopkins University Press.

Hess, Gery R. 2013. The Music – Poetry Connection. [Online]. Retreived from

(Accessed on January 5th, 2017).

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Meleong, Lexy, 2005, MetodePenelitianKualitatif. Bandung: PT. Remaja Rosdakarya Offset.

Montgomery, Casey. 2014. Feminism in Sylvia Plath’s the Bell Jar. [Online] Retreived from https://www.humanities360.com. (Accessed on September 2016)

Munshi, Shoma.2001. Images of The Modern Woman in Asia. Britain: British Library.

Palmer, Richard E.1982. Hermeneutica. Evanston: Northwestern University Press.

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Parkins, Geogre. 2002, The American Tradition in Literature, Volume 2. New York: McGraw-Hill

Reinharz, S. 1992. Feminist Methods in Social Research. Oxford: Oxford University Press, Inc.

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dalam Layar Terkembang. Bandung: Katarsis.

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Komprehensif kepada Arus Utama Pemikiran Feminis. Bandung: Jalasutra.

Van Zoonem, L. 1994.Feminist Media Studies. London: Sage Publications.

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CHAPTER III

METHOD OF RESEARCH

There is always a research method needed in the process to make thesis. That research method needed in order to fully understand all the data that are going to be used to finishing this thesis. In this chapter, the writer will explain about the method of the study that going to be used to achieve the best result for this thesis. The writer will go through the necessary steps for achieving the most effective study results and these steps involves research design, data sources, data collection, and data analysis.

3.1 Research Design

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3.2 Data Collection

Data collection is a term which is used to describe a process of preparing and collecting data. In this step, the writer is using library research to collect the primary and the secondary data. Library research is defined as the systematic study and investigation of some aspect of library and information science where conclusions are based on the analysis of data collected in accordance with pre-established research designs and methodologies (retrieved from secondary data will be used. The primary data is the first data which going to be analyzed. In this case the primary data that will be used are the lyric of Meghan Trainor’s songs. The secondary data is the data from other resources such as gathering from books, articles, webs and another supporting material that relevant for this thesis.

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3.3 Data Sources

The data of this study is primarily from selected songs entitled dear future husband, me too, and no. dear future husband was recorded in 2015, while me too and No were recorded in 2016. The data in these songs can be in the form of words, phrases, or sentences. However, the writer only focuses on data that indicates the purpose of woman being independent and how is the independent woman portrayed in Meghan Trainor’s song. Supporting the primary data, the writer also uses some related textbooks, articles, interviews in reference to further guidance.

3.4 Data Analysis

The third step is data analysis. In analyzing the study of this thesis, the writer uses descriptive-qualitative method. This method is a scientific procedure to get the conclusion from a particular thing to general idea based on the theory. Bogdan and Taylor in Anggraini (20014:13) said that qualitative method is a research procedure that descriptive data such as written words or verbal expression from the people and their behavior that have been observe. Descriptive method is used when the source data are in form of written text or spoken text, such as words, phrases, clauses, and the sentences. Qualitative method is a procedure resulting descriptive data in form of written text or spoken in language society.

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1. Identify and interpret the data that suggests the solution for problems of independent women.

2. Classify the data accurately by relating it to the problems and aims of this study within Meghan Trainor’s selected songs.

3. Analyze the phenomenon of the independent women’s that relates to the Meghan Trainor’s selected songs.

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CHAPTER IV ANALYSIS

Feminist theory is associated with women’s inequality and subordination. The period of feminist history is marked with women fighting for the right to vote, simultaneously there were rumblings of freedom for the enslaved. Feminism fundamentally advances the social, economic, and political equality of the sexes. As inclusive as this definition appears, feminism has been a movement of segregation, accusation, and turbulence.

Women and girls are culturally restrained and processed into becoming the Other, lesser, subordinate subject. In the restricted performance of their gender, they are devoid of courage and a power of choice, one that is quelled by a ‘fear of patriarchal discipline’. It was not until feminism became a sustainable concept (a debatable moment in itself) that women developed the potential to oppose the ‘dominant femininities’ they had been forced to appropriate.

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4.1 Independent Woman Portrayed in Meghan Trainor’s Songs

Meghan Trainor is one of the popular singers who offers the movement of female empowerment her music. Meghan Trainor makes her breakthrough with her studio albums Title and Thank You. The songwriter has her songs with addictive melodies, mix-mash of R&B and Pop and promoting the message about modern womanhood, body image and empowerment. These songs below, Dear future husband, No, and me too are three selected songs from her albums that promote and celebrate the idea of woman being independent.

4.1.1 Strong Dignity

According to the famous encyclopedia on the internet, Wikipedia has stated that Dignity denotes “respect” and “status”, and it is often used to suggest that someone is not receiving a proper degree of respect, or even that they are failing to treat themselves with proper self-respect. It is also had descriptive meanings pertaining to human worth. While the Urban Dictionary has stated that dignity is a proper sense of pride and self-respect, the respectfulness, or formality in somebody's behavior and bearing. It is also the condition of being worthy of respect, esteem, or honor.

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Dear future husband Here's a few things

You'll need to know if you wanna be My one and only all my life

The intro of the song above talks about there are some terms and requirements needed if the man want to have the girl as his wife.

(Awwwww) Take me on a date I deserve it, babe

And don't forget the flowers every anniversary 'Cause if you'll treat me right

I'll be the perfect wife Buying groceries

Buy-buying what you need

At this point, Meghan tells how are she wanted to be treated special and if she were treated like she wanted, she will reward her husband. And the reward would be being the perfect wife as the husband wishes.

You got that 9 to 5 But, baby, so do I

So don't be thinking I'll be home and baking apple pies I never learned to cook

But I can write a hook Sing along with me

Sing-sing along with me (hey)

In this phrase, Meghan tells about how she don’t do a ‘normal’ wife duties. She don’t cook like usual wife do, but she do write song—which is something unusual wife do.

You gotta know how to treat me like a lady Even when I'm acting crazy

Tell me everything's alright

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(Awwwww)

Dear future husband,

Here's a few things you'll need to know if you wanna be My one and only all my life

If you wanna get that special lovin'

Tell me I'm beautiful each and every night

The lyric above are partly the repetition of the opening lyrics. And also, Meghan tell that if her husband wanted to get the special treat of loving that she has, he have to tell her beautiful every single night.

After every fight Just apologize

And maybe then I'll let you try and rock my body right (right) Even if I was wrong

You know I'm never wrong Why disagree?

Why, why disagree?

In the phrase above, Meghan tell that whenever she and her husband got into a fight, her husband has to make the first move and apologize because Meghan is never wrong and never she will.

If you gotta know how to treat me like a lady Even when I'm acting crazy

The lyrics above are the repetition of few stanzas earlier. Dear future husband,

Here's a few things

You'll need to know if you wanna be My one and only all my life (hey, baby) Dear future husband,

Make time for me Don't leave me lonely

And know we'll never see your family more than mine

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being reminded that her husband would spend time a lot more with her families than his families.

I'll be sleeping on the left side of the bed (hey) Open doors for me and you might get some kisses Don't have a dirty mind

Just be a classy guy Buy me a ring

Buy-buy me a ring (babe)

At this point, Meghan tells about the terms that she has and her husband has to obey it.

Future husband, better love me right The lyrics above are the repetition of this song.

4.1.2 Self Confidence

Confidence is a feeling of trust in someone or something. To be self-confident is to have confidence in yourself. Self-self-confident people don't doubt themselves. This is usually a positive word: you can be self-confident without being cocky, arrogant, or overconfident. If you know what you’re doing, you have every reason to be self-confident.

Meghan Trainor’s “Me Too” is her taking an opportunity to explain how much she loves herself and how happy she is with her own accomplishments.

Who's that sexy thing I see over there? That's me, standin' in the mirror

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Listeners can detect the body-positive message we’ll hear through the rest of the song. Trainor appears to be countering negative messages some people send themselves when they see themselves after they’ve just gotten out of bed without any makeup or other preparation. And tehn, This half of the verse takes a different tack and suggests that this song will also be self-praise and a little bragging as she reflects on the status she’s achieved as a popular celebrity.

I thank God every day

That I woke up feelin' this way And I can't help lovin' myself

And I don't need nobody else, nuh uh

She’s obviously very happy about what she’s been able to accomplish, and she’s trying to live her life to the fullest. She’s satisfied with who she is and wants everyone to know that she doesn’t need to find her completion in a relationship with someone else. She also seems to be suggesting that her listeners (particularly female ones) need to hold similar standards for themselves.

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be so happy with who they are that they begin to think that others want to be like them. She wants them to stop wanting to be someone else and to embrace themselves.

I walk in like a dime piece I go straight to V.I.P. I never pay for my drinks My entourage behind me My life's a movie, Tom Cruise So bless me, baby, achoo And even if they tried to They can't do it like I do

In the second verse, Trainor sings, “I walk in like a dime piece.” perfect ten.

This portion of the song is a little bit more mysterious in its intention since Trainor’s audience will likely not be able to empathize with her accomplishments. Either she’s fine with simply bragging for a little while, or she’s trying to brag about who she is so that her audience will have an example to follow as they look for the good in their lives.

Here she continues her celebration and takes pride in her life and the status she’s achieved, something that may actually be a significant show of self-love– another attitude that Trainor is well known for.

4.1.3 Capability

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particular job the nature of the tasks to which you are assigned will depend on your capabilities, also it is the physical or mental power to do something the natural capability some people seem to have for teaching. "No" is a by discusses men who approach women and "can’t take the hint" when their advances are rejected.

I think it's so cute and I think it's so sweet

How you let your friends encourage you to try and talk to me But let me stop you there, oh, before you speak

"Nah" to the "Ah" to the "No", "No", "No"

The lyrics above tells about how Meghan thinks that its cute for the guy who want to approach her, even his friends encourage him to. But she refuses.

My name is "No"

The phrase above tells us that Meghan is refusing any type of questions the guy been asking in order to know Meghan’s little detail and Meghan tell him to just let it all go.

First you gonna say You ain't runnin' game,

Thinkin' I'm believing every word Call me beautiful,

So original,

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Meghan in this phrase is telling us about she knows what is the guy’s first move in order to get to know her.

I was in my zone Before you came along,

Now I'm thinking maybe you should go Blah, blah, blah,

I be like "Nah" to the "Ah" to the "No", "No", "No"

The lyrics above is telling us how Meghan try to scout over the guy—the one who want to approach her—she was in her comfort zone before the guy came up.

All my ladies, listen up If that boy ain't giving up

Lick your lips and swing your hips Girl, all you gotta say is...

Meghan through the phrase above is telling her friends to stand up by themselves if the typical bad guy is trying to approach them and scout them over.

My name is "No"

"Nah" to the "Ah" to the "No", "No", "No" The phrase above is the repetition from the before phrase.

Thank you in advance, I don't wanna dance (nope)

I don't need your hands all over me If I want a man,

Then I'mma get a man But it's never my priority.

Meghan here is talking about how she doesn’t want the guy who’s approaching her to get any near her. If she wants a man to be near her, she will be open to he guy.

I was in my zone, Before you came along,

Don't want you to take this personal Blah, blah, blah,

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4.2 Purpose of Being Independent.

Being a strong, independent woman means that you are able to find happiness on your own. You have self-confidence without having to rely on another person or society for validation. It means emotional independence and being able to have healthy relationships with others without falling into co-dependent patterns. It means learning to express who you are at your core, whether you are shy and soft-spoken or loud and assertive. You don’t need to try fitting a certain mold.

Independent woman who think through her situation will suffer from an inferiority complex as a female. The more the independent woman fears failure, the more enthusiastically she will try; but this conscious enthusiasm remains an activity and falls short of its goal. If she has trouble pleasing men, it is because she is not like her little slave sisters, a pure will to please; her desire to seduce may be strong, but it has not penetrated into the marrow of her bones and as soon as she feels awkward, she gets fed up with her servility. She tries to take her revenge by playing the game with masculine weapons, she talks instead of listening, she flaunts clever ideas, unusual feelings she contradicts her interlocutor instead of going along with him, she tries to outdo him.

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CHAPTER V

CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTION

5.1Conclusion

There are three Meghan Trainor’s selected song that the writer analyzes; there are Dear Future Husband, Me Too, and No. After analyzing the three Meghan Trainor’s selected song and linked that to the movement of feminism as the way woman being independent, the writer conclude that in her selected songs, Meghan makes statement that: Woman should be treated better and extends her compositions about self-love and self-empowerment. Since many years ago, woman always considered as weak human being. This mindset is well imbued in everyone’s mind and became such a stereotype. From these songs, Meghan tried to encourage woman all over the world to love their selves no matter what and empower woman to believe that we are strong enough to stand by ourselves.

The term independent woman means way for woman being equal are. they are waiting for a chance to break free and rushes to equip themselves with the knowledge and ability to be able to have activity in the public sphere. The independence they get is not a gift or come for granted, but it is something that has to be fought. Many hindrances and obstacles faced by women to advance and survive

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woman to have strong dignity in facing man. The song basicallytalks about how woman should be treated specially by the husband. “Me too” basically talk about an opportunity to explain how much she loves herself and how happy she is with her own accomplishments. And the last song “No” bring the idea about men who approach women and "can’t take the hint" when their advances are rejected.

The aim of being independent is woman to be able to encourage to seek salvation in everything she wants. Living on the margin of the masculine world, interested in the qualities of things in as much as they are gratuitous and secret, taking on a negative attitude, one of refusal, she doesn’t lose herself in the real. She’s able to being all ambition.

5.2Suggestions

This thesis talks about the independent woman as portrayed in Meghan Trainor’s selected songs. Based on the analysis of this thesis there are some ideas and fact about the society and the world where we live in, both for men and women. The writer finds that women deserve as same as what men deserve. They struggle to find the solutions for their rights and make a better life. Women rebel and escape as they are being oppressed and burdened by patriarchal culture.

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CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

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Poetry is a part of literature. Poetry derives etymologically from the Greek word ‘poiesis’ which means ‘a making, forming, creating (in words), or the art of poetry, or a poem’. Poetry as a literary work is also one of the oldest genres in literary history. William Wordsworth in Understanding Poetry (2009:5) says, “poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings”. This tradition is based on the expressive theory about literature. On the other hand, McRae (1998:1) says that poetry is words with a frame around and also the words inside birthday cards. Therefore, it is quite difficult to make an exact definition of poetry. Poetry is not just the creation of meaningful arrangements of words. Besides, poetry can never be fully explained. It can be felt. There is no use to talk about poetry if the readers do not feel it. There is always mystery about poetry. As a result, it can be finally concluded that poetry is a spontaneous expression of human’s feeling or imagination which has best words in the best order.

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that the poet uses in his/her poem. And the last is intention. Undoubtedly, the poet writes a certain poem for he/she has a special intention, at least for he himself/she herself, to express his/her feeling. But what the readers have to know is that good poems are written because they have to be, not because their authors want them to be.

2.1. Hermeneutics

The term hermeneutics is said to derive from the Greek god “Hermes” who “practiced” the revelation of divine messages. In order to deliver the messages of the gods, Hermes had to be acquainted with their language as well as with that of the mortals for whom the messenger were destined. Hence, Hermes had to understand and interpret for himself what the gods wanted to communicate before he could translate, articulate, and explicate this to their mortal subjects. While Hermes had to ‘explain’ what the gods intention were to mortals, his explanations were clarifications aimed at rendering what was unclear, clear in order to allow mortals to make sense of understanding what was being conveyed. Hermeneutics is defined as theory of the interpretation of meaning (Butler, 1998: 285).

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The word hermeneutic means the science or art of interpretation. The word hermeneutics was originally confined to the interpretation of sacred scripture; but during the nineteenth century it broadened its scope to encompass the problem of textual interpretation as a whole. (Eagleton, 2008:57)

In introduction to Literary Hermeneutics written by Peter Szondi states that hermeneutics is the theory of the exegesis interpretation or interpretation on literary works (1995:1). Later in this book, Chladeneus stated that hermeneutics as theory of interpretation indicating the true understanding of a passage. Notion of understanding is the meaning of a passage, and what idea its possible obscurity lead to definition of interpretation as the teaching of concepts which are necessary for complete understanding of a passage, but which reader might lack. It means that “words, phrases or sentences” have something in themselves through which one could reach a certain or probable understanding by interpretation.

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but as an active, vital expression of life. Schleiermacher distinguished two moments in the act of understanding, grammatical interpretation as the consideration of speech in its relation serves one of them, and psychological interpretation which he also terms technical interpretation, as the consideration of speech in its relation to the thought of its originator. (Szondi, 1995:117).

Hermeneutics concerns with the meaning of an unfamiliar text, whether its strangeness to be historical, like an ancient inscription or simply foreign to us, like the statements of someone from another culture or even from another profession or academic specialty. Szondi states hermeneutics theory determines the possibility of universally valid interpretation on the basis of an analysis of understanding. Interpretation of what is seen depends in part on one’s past experience, prior knowledge, professional background, culture and expectations (1995:1). Since, hermeneutics deals with the issue of meaning, the meaning itself has variants interpretation. In Literary Theory: an introduction, written by Terry Eagleton, Husserl states that meaning was kind of ideal object, in the sense that it could be expressed in a number of different ways but still remain the same meaning. On this view the meaning of literary work is fixed once and for all; it is identical with whatever ‘mental object` the author had in mind, or intended, at the same time of writing, Eagleton (2008:57).

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also will find some symbols in it, that’s why poetry has more specific meaning that the word itself. Lucelles Ubercombie in Pardede’s Understanding Poetry (2008:6) says that poetry is the expression of imaginative experience, valid simply as such and significant as such communicable given by language which employ every available and appropriate device.

2.2 Feminism

In General, in the sense of feminism is an ideology that drives women to reject the culture of the patriarchy, marginalized, sub-ordinized, and devalue the position of women in the fields of politics, economy and social life in general. In a special sense, i.e., in literature, feminism associated with ways to understand the works of literature in relation to the production process as well as the reception. Relating to the emancipation of women and equal rights, in contemporary social science known as gender equality movement (Ratna, 2004:184).

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ideological force in the culture. Feminist criticism focuses on reading as a woman. The women are not biological but in refers to the strategy and ideology. A woman biologically not necessarily have any awareness of the social construction of women. Awareness of gender roles and social-cultural construction this is a strategy that socialized feminist in their struggle. "We read with a gender role with a consciousness of the social construction of feminity".

Kate Millet citing Moi "Millet argued that social and cultural context must be studied if literature was to be properly understood" (Moi, 1986:24). To understand literary works properly, required extensive knowledge about social culture. The same as those expressed by other literary critic that literary analysis can’t be released from the socio-cultural context of the community in which it is produced.

Feminist critics of special task is to analyze the impression (Melody) of women as presented in literary works based on an egalitarian vision of humanity, as claimed by Spencer (1982:154) in Feminist Criticism and Literature. "Feminists Criticism may be said to have one of the specific tasks on the analysis of the image of women as they appear in the existing literature, based upon an egalitarian vision of humanity".

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“I believe post feminism is distinct from anti feminism and sexism, for it aptly describes the consciousness and strategies increasing numbers of women have developed in response to the new difficulties and opportunities of post industrial society in this sense the diffusion of postfeminist consciousness signifies both the achievements of, and challenges for modern feminist politician” (Stacey, 1987:520).

Post feminism firmly explain consciousness and strategy of increasing of the women in responding to the difficulties and opportunities in community post industry, in this case the dissemination of awareness of post-feminist shows the achievement and a challenge for the modern feminist politician. Brooks with great detail reveal the intersection of feminism thoughts with post feminism and post colonialism who presented a dynamic movement that is considered capable of challenging the framework of thought patriarchy and imperialist (Ibrahim in Brooks, 1997: xvi).

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2.2.1 Independent Woman

Independent Woman’s way for being equal are; they are waiting for a chance to break free and rushes to equip themselves with the knowledge and ability to be able to have activity in the public sphere. The independence they get is not a gift or come for granted, but it is something that has to be fought. Many hindrances and obstacles faced by women to advance and survive. The community determines the stereotype of women as weak and passive, emotional because it's not worth getting an important position in the work. Not to mention with the very nature of the term misused to hinder the advancement of women. People say, "never mind the women don't need high school-a total look forward to going to the kitchen as well." That wretched thing like this can be trusted by most women and certainly very detrimental. Most of the other women continue to fight

2.3 Related Studies

A thesis entitled Feminism through Figurative Language in Contemporary

American Songs of Leading Contemporary Feminist Music Icon by Morakot

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Another thesis entitled The Detailment of Feminism: A Qualitative Study of

Girl Empowerment and The Popular Music Artist by Jodie Christine Simon talks

about “Girl Power!” is a message that parent raising young women in today’s media-saturated society should be able to turn with a modicum of relief from the relentlessly harmful messages normally found within popular music. But what happens when we turn a critical eye towards the messages cloaked within this supposedly feminist missive. A close examination of popular music associated with girl empowerment reveal that many of the messages found within these lyrics are frighteningly just as damaging as the misogynistic, violent, and explicitly sexual ones found in the usual fare of top 100 hits. In fact, this cooption of feminist messages introduces a new danger in that it makes the commodification of feminism into a marketed brand of heightened sexual awareness while promoting traditional male behaviors as equalizing acts of power. This helps the writer to look further about the feminism to write the thesis.

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social change and more a portrayal of individual empowerment on the part of exceptional women. This thesis also helps the writer to elaborate about feminism and how it is affecting the world.

By the brief description above, the writer of this research is using Qualitative Descriptive method by Meleong from his book entitled

MetodologiPeilitianKualitatif to analyze Feminism as it is portrayed in the lyrics

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CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION

1.1. Background of the Study

We are still fighting for acceptance and a true understanding of the term ‘feminism,’ it should be noted that we have made tremendous progress since the first wave. It is a term that has been unfairly associated first, with ladies in hoop skirts and ringlet curls, and then followed by butch, man-hating women. Due to the range of feminist issues today, it is much harder to put a label on what a feminist looks like. Feminism is a range of political movements, ideologies, and social movements that share a common goal: to define, establish, and achieve political, economic, personal, and social rights for women that are equal to those of men. This includes seeking to establish equal opportunities for women in education and employment.

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dimension which informed and interrogated every facet of personal, social and political life

Regarding to feminist movement, the term of independent woman can be defined exploredby various sources in pop culture. Rapper Roxanne Shante’s 1989 rendition of Independent Woman highlighted relationships and asked women not to dote on partners who do not reciprocate. Similarly, the definition of an independent woman in the buys her own things, and does not allow a man to affect her stability or self-confidence. She supports herself entirely on her own and is proud to be able to do so.

As the famous encyclopedia in the internet, Wikipedia stated that literature as cultural and historical phenomena investigates the conditions and the movement of feminism in the form of drama, novel, short story, prose, poetry, etc. The feminist movement produced both feminist fiction and non-fiction, and created new interest in women's women's lives and contributions have been underrepresented as areas of scholarly interest. Much of the early period of feminist literary scholarship was given over to the rediscovery and reclamation of texts written by women. Studies like

Novelist were ground-breaking in their insistence that women have always been

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According to Kumar (2010) in her article entitled Poetry Vs Song that Poetry is a separate art form to lyric writing. Poetic devices such as assonance, alliteration, metaphors etc. are used, but whereas poetry is a stand-alone art, in songwriting, lyrics are only one factor in the song- the melody, the harmonic choices, the rhythm and texture are all part of the art. The meaning and message found in most songs, especially those songs that are composed today, are pretty direct and straight to the point. In fact, there is not much thought and analysis needed, on the part of the listener, to determine what the song is all about. In the case of poetry, Meaning is one of the major elements of poetry. In some cases the meaning is explicitly expressed, and in others it is implied or hidden under the symbols. The readers have to understand the symbolic figures to discover the meaning. Besides, poets will often utilize a variety of different figurative forms of spe

There is the manner on how poems and songs are appreciated. In the case of poetry, the appreciation of the poem comes from the careful analysis of the wording of the poem itself. This includes the play of words, the rhyming scheme, use of figurative forms of speech, and the like. On the other hand, songs are mostly appreciated based on the accompanying music.

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and Emotion.Songs themselves have to be rhythmic. As well, poetry flows just the same. Rhythm is what makes music as well as poetry. The flowing of words, the instruments, smooth melody are all a part of the greater meaning, poetry.In fact, there's even a form of poetry which is made into music called are just that, musical lyrics. Sometimes they are used in songs, sometimes left as just words with a specific rhythm. They are what they are, lyrics express the thoughts and feelings of the author. Nonetheless, even music without words is poetry, just not in the most recognized sense of the word. Poetry is about flow, rhythm, meaning and expression. Instrumental music expresses, flows and shows just as much emotion as does music with words.

Zapruder (2012) also said in his article entitled The Difference Between

Poetry and Song Lyrics that many musical artists present their song lyrics as

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Just like another literary artwork, songs, lyrics, and poetry are very valuable medium to express the feeling.

Women's music is the music by women, for women, and about women. The genre emerged as a musical expression of the second-wave feminist movement as well as the labour, civil rights, and peace movements. Women's music also refers to the wider industry of women's music that goes beyond the performing artists to include studio musicians, producers, sound engineers, technicians, cover artists, distributors, promoters, and festival organizers who are also women.

In the early 1990s, punk music played an important role for the formation of ‘Riot Grrrl’, a recent young, feminist (sub) cultural movement that combines feminist consciousness and punk aesthetics, politics, and style. Due to this influence, young women were indeed looking for a way to liberate themselves from the roles and stereotypes that society had set, and music helped create a subculture in which they could enjoy this kind of freedom. More importantly, music made the hope that one day, the values that Riot Grrrl placed on women and their compassion for all oppressed people would become the norms in mainstream society. Thus, it is not surprising that songs with feminist themes can be usually found in almost every period of American history since then.

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criticized by the general public and scholars as feminist music icons. Six of these were Madonna, Pink, Beyonce, Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, and Kesha. As well, their contemporary works, which reflected life during this period, were usually reported on by several institutions. One of them which has been well recognized is the Billboard Hot 100 chart, the American music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine which ranks songs by their popularity. The modern music industry, whilst providing a key social outlet for women to express feminist ideologies, presents a platform on which gender performance, or performativity, has become ‘discursively produced’. Women have a choice in the way they represent their gender to the public, many relishing the opportunity to subvert the conventional femininities placed upon them by the patriarchy. A female artist is an example of said cultural object in her branding and commodificationwithin the music industry. Women assume power and control over the way they are presented, achieving an artistic agency and independence from patriarchal pressure.

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Husband”, “Me Too”, and “NØ” are three songs that will become the object of analysis. Each song represents the expressive about feminism.

“Dear Future Husband”reminisced on her past romantic relationships, where she was mishandled, and with the track, she wanted to make a statement that women should be treated better by their boyfriends. Another song entitled “Me too” lyrically extends her compositions about love and self-empowerment, urging listeners to be more content and confident with themselves.Last song, “NØ” lyrically talks about men who approach women and "can’t take the hint" when their advances are rejected. These three songs contemplate 21st-century womanhood especially in the term of independent woman.

To analyze Feminism in this research, the things that are necessary to be considered more are the lyrics in the song entitled “Dear Future Husband”, Me too” and “NØ”. Also this research is using Qualitative Descriptive method by Meleong from his book entitled MetodologiPenelitianKualitatif to analyze Feminism as it is portrayed in the lyrics of Meghan Tainor’s songs.

1.2. Problems of the Study

Problems of study on this research are:

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1.3. Objectives of the Study

Related with the problems above, this research tries to analysis the answers of those questions, they are;

1. To describe the way of Meghan Trainor of being Independent Woman. 2. To describe the aim of the writer about woman-independent and equality.

1.4. Scope of the Study

Related to the problems and objectives of the study, the writer has to limit the scope of the study. Therefore, the scope of study on this research is analyzing the feminism as it’s portrayed in some selected Meghan Trainor’s songs and how the feminism itself takes a big part of nowadays life. Scope of study is necessary in order to make a research to be specific and well managed. This research is only focused on the lyrics of the songs.

1.5. Significance of the Study

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ABSTRACT

This thesis is entitled Ways of Woman to be Independent as Portrayed in Meghan Trainor's Songs that analizes the feminism movement and the way to be independent woman in the world dominated by man. This analysis is focuses on the feminism. The songs are selected in the search of thematic feminism through the lyrics of the songs. The selected songs are "Dear Future Husband", "Me too", and "No". "Dear Future Husband" tells the story of a woman who can determine her life standard freely. "Me too" is about a successful and confident woman. "No" tells the story of a woman whodares to decide her own life. In order to resolve the problems, the writer uses the theory of Feminism and Hermeneutic to find how an independent woman portrayed in the selected songs. The method applied for this thesis is the qualitative descriptive and library research in doing the analysis. After done the research by using the theories, the writer finally found that woman should be treated better and extends her compositions about self-love and self-empowerment. Also, the term independent woman means way for woman being equal with man.

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ABSTRAK

Skripsi ini berjudulWays of Woman to be Independent as Portrayed in Meghan Trainor’s Songs yang menganalisistentang gerakan feminisme dan cara untuk menjadi wanita independen di dunia yang di dominasi oleh laki-laki. Analisis ini berfokus terhadap feminisme. Lagu-lagu yang dipilih dalam pencarian tematik feminisme melalui lirik lagu ini adalah "Dear Future Husband", "Me Too", dan "No". "Dear Future Husband" bercerita tentang seorang wanita yang dapat menentukan standar hidup bebasnya sendiri. "Me Too" bercerita tentang seorang wanita yang sukses dan percaya diri. "No" bercerita tentang seorang wanita yang berani memutuskan atas hak hidupnya sendiri. Untuk menganalisis masalah, penulis menggunakan teori feminisme dan hermenitika untuk menemukan bagaimana seorang wanita independen digambarkan sebagaimana tersirat di dalam lagu. Metode yang diterapkan dalam skripsi ini adalah metode kualitatif deskriptif dan riset perpustakaan. Setelah dilakukan penelitian dengan menggunakan teori tersebut di atas, penulis akhirnya menemukan bahwa wanita harus diperlakukan lebih baik dan meluas komposisinya tentang mencintai diri sendiri dan pemberdayaan diri. Juga, istilah perempuan independen berarti cara untuk wanita berkedudukan setara dengan pria.

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WAYS OF WOMAN TO BE INDEPENDENT AS PORTRAYED IN

MEGHAN TRAINOR’S SONGS.

A THESIS

BY

REFI NURFADILLA

REG.NO : 120705103

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH

FACULTY OF CULTURAL STUDIES

UNIVERSITY OF SUMATERA UTARA

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WAYS OF WOMAN TO BE INDEPENDENT AS PORTRAYED IN

MEGHAN TRAINOR’S SONGS

A THESIS BY

REFI NURFADILLA REG. NO. 120705103

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH

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WAYS OF WOMAN TO BE INDEPENDENT AS PORTRAYED IN MEGHAN TRAINOR’S SONGS

A THESIS

BY

REFI NURFADILLA REG. NO. 120705103

SUPERVISOR CO-SUPERVISOR

Dr. Siti Norma Nasution, M.Hum

NIP. 19570720 198303 2 NIP. 195612141986012001

Dra. DiahRahayuPratama, M.Pd

Submitted to Faculty of Cultural Studies University of Sumatera Utara Medan in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Sarjana Sastra From Department English.

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH

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Approved by the Department of English, Faculty of Cultural Studies University of Sumatera Utara (USU) Medan as thesis for The SarjanaSastra Examination.

Head, Secretary,

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Accepted by the Board of Examiners in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree of Sarjana Sastra from the Department of English, Faculty of Cultural Studies University of Sumatera Utara, Medan.

The examination is held in Department of English Faculty of Cultural Studies University of Sumatera Utara on February 9th, 2017

Dean of Faculty of Cultural Studies

University of Sumatera Utara

Dr. Budi Agustono, M.S. NIP. 19600805 198703 1 001

Board of Examiners

Dr. H. Muhizar Muchtar, M.S. ___________________

Rahmadsyah Rangkuti, M.A. Ph.D. ___________________

Dr. Siti Norma Nasution, M.Hum. ___________________

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AUTHOR’S DECLARATION

I, REFI NURFADILLA, DECLARE THAT I AM THE SOLE AUTHOR OF THIS THESIS EXCEPT WHERE REFERENCE IS MADE IN THE TEXT OF THIS THESIS. THIS THESIS CONTAINS NO MATERIAL PUBLISHED ELSEWHERE OR EXTRACTED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FROM A THESIS BY WHICH I HAVE QUALIFIED FOR OR AWARDED ANOTHER DEGREE. NO OTHER PERSON’S WORK HAS BEEN USED WITHOUT DUE ACKNOWLEDGMENTS IN THE MAIN TEXT OF THIS THESIS. THIS THESIS HAS NOT BEEN SUBMITTED FOR THE AWARD OF ANOTHER DEGREE IN ANY TERTIARY EDUCATION.

Signed : Refi Nurfadilla

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COPYRIGHT DECLARATION

NAME : REFI NURFADILLA

TITLE OF THESIS : WAYS OF WOMAN TO BE

INDEPENDENT AS PORTRAYED IN MEGHAN

TRAINOR’S SONGS

QUALIFICATION : S-1/SARJANA SASTRA

DEPARTMENT : ENGLISH

I AM WILLING THAT MY THESIS SHOULD BE AVAILABLE FOR REPRODUCTION AT THE DISCRETION OF THE LIBRARIAN OF DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH, FACULTY OF CULTURAL STUDIES, UNIVERSITY OF SUMATERA UTARA ON THE UNDERSTANDING THAT USERS ARE MADE AWARE OF THEIR OBLIGATION UNDER THE LAW OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA.

Signed :Refi Nurfadilla

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

AssalamualaikumWr, Wb.

All praise to Allah SWT for all the gracious, blessing, compassion and good health that were necessary to complete this thesis. Salawat and Salam to the noble Prophet, Muhammad SAW.

First of all, I would like to thank my parents whom always there to raise and teach me until this very day. To my siblings, Bang Alfit, KakRifa, Bang Rian, my brother and sister in law, KakLusi, Bang Azmi, KakIvanaliza. My nephew and nieces, Dziya, Fathia, Khalil and Fakhira. And lastly, to all family members of Amra’s Family.

My gratitude goes to the Head and the Secretary of English Department, Dr. H. Muhizar Muchtar, M.S. and Rahmadsyah Rangkuti, M.A., Ph. D.,for providing me with necessary facilities and opportunities given to me during my study in this faculty.I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Dr. Siti Norma, M.Hum., as my supervisor and Dra. DiahRahayu Pratama, M.Pd as my co- supervisor for their amazing help, knowledge, expert advices and encouragements throughout the process of finishing this thesis, which was so needed and offered with kindness and patience. I also would like to give massive thanks to all lecturers of USU’s English Department.

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To Wahyu Maulana, thank you for the helpwhenever I need, being a special part of my life.Thank you for all the love, humorous moments you gave me and most of all, thank you for the supports you always give.Miss Dini, whom always hungry every 3 hours and have the urge to go to a place where the aircon always working well and whatever you have to eat it always have to be noodle, if only we weren’t this close probably I’m not here yet, I’m not in the edge of graduation yet. Thank you so much for understanding, helping, encourage and remind me to finish this thesis. Thank you for always say yes whenever I ask you to go anywhere.

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Finally. I hope that thesis will be worthwhile contribution for the reader, and also receive any constructive criticism, to develop this thesis.

Refi Nurfadilla

Reg. No. 120705103

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ABSTRACT

This thesis is entitled Ways of Woman to be Independent as Portrayed in Meghan Trainor's Songs that analizes the feminism movement and the way to be independent woman in the world dominated by man. This analysis is focuses on the feminism. The songs are selected in the search of thematic feminism through the lyrics of the songs. The selected songs are "Dear Future Husband", "Me too", and "No". "Dear Future Husband" tells the story of a woman who can determine her life standard freely. "Me too" is about a successful and confident woman. "No" tells the story of a woman whodares to decide her own life. In order to resolve the problems, the writer uses the theory of Feminism and Hermeneutic to find how an independent woman portrayed in the selected songs. The method applied for this thesis is the qualitative descriptive and library research in doing the analysis. After done the research by using the theories, the writer finally found that woman should be treated better and extends her compositions about self-love and self-empowerment. Also, the term independent woman means way for woman being equal with man.

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ABSTRAK

Skripsi ini berjudulWays of Woman to be Independent as Portrayed in Meghan Trainor’s Songs yang menganalisistentang gerakan feminisme dan cara untuk menjadi wanita independen di dunia yang di dominasi oleh laki-laki. Analisis ini berfokus terhadap feminisme. Lagu-lagu yang dipilih dalam pencarian tematik feminisme melalui lirik lagu ini adalah "Dear Future Husband", "Me Too", dan "No". "Dear Future Husband" bercerita tentang seorang wanita yang dapat menentukan standar hidup bebasnya sendiri. "Me Too" bercerita tentang seorang wanita yang sukses dan percaya diri. "No" bercerita tentang seorang wanita yang berani memutuskan atas hak hidupnya sendiri. Untuk menganalisis masalah, penulis menggunakan teori feminisme dan hermenitika untuk menemukan bagaimana seorang wanita independen digambarkan sebagaimana tersirat di dalam lagu. Metode yang diterapkan dalam skripsi ini adalah metode kualitatif deskriptif dan riset perpustakaan. Setelah dilakukan penelitian dengan menggunakan teori tersebut di atas, penulis akhirnya menemukan bahwa wanita harus diperlakukan lebih baik dan meluas komposisinya tentang mencintai diri sendiri dan pemberdayaan diri. Juga, istilah perempuan independen berarti cara untuk wanita berkedudukan setara dengan pria.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

AUTHOR’S DECLARATION ... v

COPYRIGHT DECLARATION ... vi

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ... vii

ABSTRACT ... ... x

ABSTRAK ... ... xi

TABLE OF CONTENTS……...xii

CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the Study ... 01

1.2 Problem of the Study ... 07

1.3 Objective of the Study ... 08

1.4 Scope of the Study ... 08

1.5 Significance of the Study ... 08

CHAPTER II REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE 2.1 Hermeneutics ... 11

2.2 Feminism ... 14

2.2.1 Independent Woman ... 17

2.3 Related Studies ... 17

CHAPTER III RESEARCH METHOD 3.1 Research Design ... 20

3.2 Data Collection ... 21

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3.4 Data Analysis ... 22

CHAPTER IV ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS 4.1 Independent Woman Portrayed in Meghan Trainor’s ...……25

4.1.1 Strong Dignity ... 25

4.1.2 Self Confidence ... 28

4.1.3 Capability ... 30

4.2 Purpose of Being Independent ... 33

CHAPTER V CONCLUSIONS AND SUGGESTION 5.1 Conclusions ... 35

5.2 Suggestion ... 36

REFERENCES ... 38 APPENDICES

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APPENDICES

i. MEGHAN TRAINOR BIOGRAPHY

Meghan Elizabeth Trainor was born on December 22, 1993 in Nantucket, Massachusetts, the daughter of Kelly Anne "Kelli" (Jekanowski) and Gary Trainor, both jewelers. Trainor has two brothers: Ryan (born 1992) and younger brother Justin. Trainor began singing at age six, initially singing with her father at church. She began writing music at age 11, starting with her own arrangement of the song "Heart and Soul" (1938). Trainor attributes her early career progress to being born into a musical family. Trainor's father was a music teacher and musician, and plays organ in a Methodist church. Her great-uncle Bob LaPalm was in a prior band with Al Anderson of the rock band NRBQ, and Trainor's aunt and Trinidadian uncle, Lisa and Burton Toney, are soca music performers and songwriters.

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for four years. By age 13, Trainor had written her first original song, "Give Me a Chance". When she was in the eighth grade, the family left Nantucket. They temporarily relocated to Orleans, Massachusetts before moving to North Eastham, Massachusetts, where the children attended NausetRegional High School. At Nauset Regional High, Trainor studied guitar and was a substitute cheerleader. Additionally, Trainor sang and played trumpet in a jazz band for three years.

While she was still a teenager, Trainor's parents encouraged her to attend songwriting conventions, and they took her to venues where production companies were searching for new artists and songwriters. At age 15, she took guitar lessons from former NRBQ band member Johnny Spampinato. During this time, Trainor used Logic Studio to record and produce her compositions, and later worked independently from a home studio that her parents constructed for her.

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Prize at the 2010 New Orleans Songwriter's Festival, the 2011 Tennessee Concerts Song Contest and John Lennon Love Song Songwriting Contest.

At a music conference in Colorado, Trainor was introduced to former NRBQ member, Al Anderson. Impressed by Trainor's songwriting ability, Anderson referred Trainor to his publisher, Carla Wallace at Big Yellow Dog Music, urging Wallace to sign Trainor. At this time, Trainor was offered a full scholarship to the Berklee College of Music; however, Trainor decided to forego college to pursue a career in songwriting instead. Wallace offered Trainor a publishing deal with Nashville-based Big Yellow Dog Music, which Trainor signed at age 17. She began her career as a songwriter-for-hire in part due to her ability to write in a number of genre styles. She gravitated to song publishing, unsure of herself as a recording artist. "She thought she was one of the chubby girls who would never be an artist," her father recalls. Trainor graduated from Nauset Regional High School in 2012. Her second single, "Who I Wanna Be", was released on April 24, 2012.

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together that month. Trainor later became frustrated with commuting to Los Angeles for songwriting sessions. Her parents did not want her to relocate, describing a move there as expensive. In November 2013, Trainor decided to relocate to Nashville instead. There, she wrote songs for a number of acts, including Hunter Hayes, Rascal Flatts, R5, and Sabrina Carpenter.

Kadish and Trainor co-wrote "All About That Bass" in 2013. After various record labels declined to have their artists record the song, Trainor recorded the song herself, and performed it on the ukulele for Epic Records chairman L.A. Reid. Trainor hired Troy Carter as her manager. "All About That Bass" was released on June 30, 2014, and its music video became a viral hit. "All About That Bass" reached number one in 58 countries and became one of the best-selling singles of all time, with worldwide sales of 11 million units as of December 2014.

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the seventh season of American series The Voice. Trainor was listed as the fourth most Trending Music Artist in Google's Year in Search for 2014. Billboard ranked her as the fourth Top New Artist of the year, and placed her 12th on their own 21 Under 21 2014 list.

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cancellation or long delay of at least the first two dates in the MTrain Tour: a Friday performance of July 3, 2015 at the Borgata in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and the following Saturday night, the Fourth of July (Independence Day), at the Mohegan Sun, in Uncasville, Connecticut. On August 11, 2015, Trainor announced via social media that she was canceling the remainder of her North American tour due to further vocal cord hemorrhaging and would seek surgery "to finally fix this once and for all." On July 28, 2015, it was announced that Trainor was writing a song for the The Peanuts Movie soundtrack, entitled "Better When I'm Dancin'", which would be sung by herself. "Better When I'm Dancin'", released with an accompanying music video, is also featured on Just Dance 2016's new subscription platform, Just Dance Unlimited. In August 2015, Trainor co-wrote Rascal Flatts' single "I Like the Sound of That". On October 30, 2015, Trainor appeared on Undateable as the musical guest. She also made a cameo appearance as a customer named Meghan. In late 2015, American singer Who Is Fancy released the single "Boys Like You", featuring Trainor and Ariana Grande. Title was the ninth best-selling album of 2015 worldwide, with 1.8 million copies sold according to IFPI.

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ii. LYRICS

"Dear Future Husband"

(Awwwww) Take me on a date I deserve it, babe

And don't forget the flowers every anniversary 'Cause if you'll treat me right

I'll be the perfect wife Buying groceries

Buy-buying what you need

You got that 9 to 5 But, baby, so do I

So don't be thinking I'll be home and baking apple pies I never learned to cook

But I can write a hook Sing along with me

Sing-sing along with me (hey)

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(Awwwww)

Here's a few things you'll need to know if you wanna be My one and only all my life

If you wanna get that special lovin'

Tell me I'm beautiful each and every night

After every fight Just apologize

And maybe then I'll let you try and rock my body right (right) Even if I was wrong

[Laugh] You know I'm never wrong

Why disagree? Why, why disagree?

If you gotta know how to treat me like a lady Even when I'm acting crazy

Dear future husband, Here's a few things

You'll need to know if you wanna be My one and only all my life (hey, baby) Dear future husband,

Make time for me Don't leave me lonely

And know we'll never see your family more than mine

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Don't have a dirty mind Just be a classy guy Buy me a ring

Buy-buy me a ring (babe)

(Woah! Hey.)

If you wanna get that special loving Tell me I'm beautiful each and every night

(That's right!)

Oh-woah

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"Me Too"

Who's that sexy thing I see over there? That's me, standin' in the mirror

What's that icy thing hangin' 'round my neck? That's gold, show me some respect

If I was you, I'd wanna be me too My life's a movie, Tom Cruise So bless me, baby, achoo And even if they tried to They can't do it like I do

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"NØ"

I think it's so cute and I think it's so sweet

How you let your friends encourage you to try and talk to me But let me stop you there, oh, before you speak

My name is "No"

First you gonna say You ain'trunnin' game,

Thinkin' I'm believing every word Call me beautiful,

So original,

Telling me I'm not like other girls

I was in my zone Before you came along,

Now I'm thinking maybe you should go Blah, blah, blah,

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Lick your lips and swing your hips

Thank you in advance, I don't wanna dance (nope)

I don't need your hands all over me If I want a man,

Then I'mma get a man But it's never my priority

I was in my zone, Before you came along,

Don't want you to take this personal Blah, blah, blah,

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My sign is "No" My number is "No" You need to let it go You need to let it go Need to let it go

I'm feeling untouchable, untouchable I'm feeling untouchable, untouchable I'm feeling untouchable, untouchable I'm feeling

("Nah" to the "Ah" to the "No", "No", "No")

I'm feeling untouchable, untouchable I'm feeling untouchable, untouchable I'm feeling untouchable, untouchable I'm feeling