Name : Nita Ayuni Mukhtar Reg. Number : 40300119065
Department : Department of English and Literature Faculty : Adab and Humanities
Title : Lexical Meaning in Billie Eilish’s Selected Song Supervisor I : Syahruni Junaid, S.S., M.Pd.
Supervisor II : Helmi Syukur, S.Pd.I., M.Pd.
I. INTRODUCTION A. Background
Everyone uses language to express their mind and emotions, understand complex and abstract thinking, to learn how to communicate with others, and also to fulfill their wishes and needs. According to Wardhaugh (1984), language is a verbal communication tool and is a sound symbol system that is arbitrary. Humans use language to express their ideas, thoughts, and feelings. The primary purpose of language is as a tool for interaction and communication. Each person maintains in connection with the environment to maintain social relationships. This can be done by calling others by name or by simply asking them how they are.
In linguistics, the study of meaning is known as semantics. Semantics investigates the meaning of words, phrases, sentences, and texts and the relationships between different meanings. It explores questions such as how words acquire meaning, how meaning is related to reference and truth, and how meaning can be represented and analyzed. According to Akmajian (2001:5), Language can be acquired through linguistics' branches and how it relates to other fields of study.
In Islamic perspective, meaning can related to the Al-Ankabut (29);
43 namely:
َنوُمِل َٰعْلٱ للِإ اَهُلِقْعَي اَمَو ۖ ِسالنلِل اَهُبِرْضَن ُلَٰثْمَ ْلٱ َكْلِتَو
Translation:
“These are the parables We set forth for humanity, but none will understand them except the people of knowledge.”
Based on the verse above, that interpreted by as-Sa’di (14th hijriah century) Surah Al-Ankabut verse 43 explains that this verse is addressed to human so that it can bring benefit and teach them, because the parable is one of the methods that can explain knowledge, and also it can facilitate logical things with real things so that the meaning can be understood.
Therefore, it can make meaning becomes clearer. Thus, Allah parables a parable for mankind. Only intelligent people can think of such parables.
Apart from that, it is also intended to explain all their doubts. People who always use their hearts and minds can certainly understand the parable and will know more of God's secrets contained in His verses.
According to Pateda (2001), he suggests that the meaning of words and terms are confusing. Meaning is always related to the word or phrase of speech. There are two ways to discern between these two ideas. First is the message the speaker intends to convey through his or her speech acts.
When a narrative is used to convey the contents of a belief, the propositional content of the belief is meant to be understood by the speaker
within the speaker based on the speaker's word choice and the context in which the speaker is speaking. The second is the meaning of words and phrases, a common understanding that enables listeners to determine the first type's meaning based on the words used and the speaker's context while also allowing the speaker to select his words. (Gauker, 2003).
Verhaar (2010) argues that meaning is divided into 2 types, namely grammatical and lexical meaning. Grammatical meaning is the interpretation that results from how a word or phrase functions in a sentence. According to (Pateda, 2001: 119), lexical meaning can also be interpreted as semantic meaning. Semantic meaning is the meaning of a word that stands alone, whether in the form of a lexeme or a compounded form whose meaning is more or less fixed. Lexeme form or a compound form whose meaning is more or less fixed, as can be read in a dictionary of a particular language.
The smallest meaning unit that may be identified from other comparable units in a language's meaning system is called a lexical.
Contextual meanings are the meanings of a lexeme or group of words that are relevant to the sentence in question, whereas lexical meanings are the real meanings that are in line with the results of our subjective observations, or meaning as they are (Chaer, 2012: 289-290). In other words, a word's lexical meaning represents its referent by symbolizing it with a meaning that is consistent with its referent, coherent with the outcomes of perceptual observation, or actually real in our daily lives
(Chaer, 1990: 63). Lexical meaning is also the meaning found in dictionaries (Chaer, 1990: 63). Lexical meaning can be discovered in language dictionaries, which provide a definition or explanation of the meaning of the word. These definitions explain the notion or idea linked with the word and frequently employ other words to describe the intended lexical meaning.
Research on lexical meaning in song lyrics has an important value in understanding popular culture, language, and communication in the context of music. This research can provide a deeper understanding of how lexical meaning is used in song lyrics, whether it is to convey social messages, express emotions, or create artistic imagination.
This research will discuss semantics which is focused on lexical meaning. Where in this study the researcher choose Billie Eilish’s songs.
Billie Eilish besides being known for her unique and expressive musical style, also often uses the lyrics of her songs to convey messages about social issue that are relevant in today’s society. In her song lyrics, Billie Eilish honestly and openly describes her concerns and feelings about various issues related to the environment, mental health, and gender equality.
As per the article written by Anderson Arielle in popsongprofessor.com, one of Billie Eilish song that highlights social issue is All the Good Girls Go to Hell. In this song, Eilish uses images of hell and destruction to illustrate the effects of climate change and
worsening environmental damage. The song Xanny is another example that illustrates mental health issues, especially in the context of substance use and addition, written by Amrita Das in wsws.org. Jeniffer Bell in storyofsong.com also published an article about Billie Eilish’s songs that depict gender equality in some her song lyrics. As in the song Not My Responsibility, which was also delivered in one of her stage acts, Eilish highlights the misconceptions about women’s bodies and body shaming.
Lexical meanings in songs can be very personal and depend on the perception of the listener. Billie Eilish's songs frequently have multiple meanings that might be understood differently by various listeners.
Through her powerful and authentic lyrics, Billie Eilish manages to bring important social issues to life and give a voice to the younger generation who are often overlooked. She is not afraid to express her concerns and opinions on issues that matter, encouraging her listeners to get more involved and think critically about the world around them.
According to the above description, the researcher is interested in studying the lyrics of Billie Eilish's songs using lexical meaning that incorporates semantics theories. Additionally, the researcher is presumptively aware of any intentional messages contained in these songs.
As a result, the researcher will apply Lyons' theory.
B. Problem of The Research
Based on the background above, there is problem that will be raised by the researcher to be studied in this study, namely, “What are lexical meaning found in Billie Eilish’s selected songs?”.
C. Objective of the Research
The objective of this research as following the research question can be stated as “To identifying the lexical meaning in Billie Eilish’s selected songs”.
D. Significance of the Research
By the result of the study, the researcher expects that
1. Theoretically, the researcher of this study hopes that it will bring benefit to future linguists and literary scholars as well as readers who are interested in these fields, particularly Adab and humanities faculty students.
2. Practically, the researcher expects that this study will help her gain more understanding and knowledge about lexical meaning in song lyrics. The researcher also hopes that other students who want to assess and learn about this study will find it helpful.
E. Scope of the Research
Based on the research significance above, the researcher only limits the study of semantics theories about lexical meaning, especially denotation and connotation that belongs to Lyons contribution of lexical semantics as
the way to research the meaning on the lyrics of some literary works namely Billie Eilish’s selected song.
II. REVIEW OF LITERATURE A. Previous Studies
The researcher found some previous studies relevant to this topic that have been analyzed.
Rifaldi (2017) in his Thesis Study of lexical meaning on Bob Marley songs. The focus of this research is to describe the context found in lexical and contextual meaning sets. The researcher took five songs from various albums from 1973-1980. According to the researcher's lexical study of Bob's songs, the lyrics contain lexical meanings including synonyms, antonyms, polysemy, hyponymy, denotation, and connotation.
Windy Sastri (2020) in her thesis Semantic Analysis in the Lyrics of Lenka’s Songs. In her research, the researcher discovered four different types of metaphor in Lenka's songs. Anthropomorphic metaphor, Synesthetic metaphor, abstract to concrete metaphor, and Animal metaphor were among them. The overall number of metaphors was 11, with the anthropomorphic metaphor accounting for 8 lyrics, the abstract to concrete metaphor were 7 lyrics, and the final synesthetic metaphor was 1 lyric.
Suprihatin (2021) in his thesis An Analysis of Lexical and Contextual meaning of Ed Sheeran’s Song Lyrics and Its Relevancy in Upgrading Listening Experience. In this study, the researcher discovered numerous terms in the lyrics of each song that had both lexical and contextual
significance. Most of the words in the stanzas have both lexical and contextual significance. It demonstrates that it is not always necessary to interpret song meaning lexically; rather, it is necessary to interpret song meaning contextually so that listeners can understand the song's intended message.
Based on the previous studies above, there are similarities and differences. This research and the three previous studies all took song lyrics as the object, but with different singers and songs. The first study focuses to described the context found in lexical and contextual meaning sets using a theory by Parera. The second study discusses semantics which focused on metaphor used a theory by Stephen Ullman. The most recent study employed a theory by Miles and Huberman to characterize and analyze the lexical and contextual meaning in song lyrics and to explain the relevance of lexical and contextual meaning in improving listening experiences. While in this research will discuss the types of lexical meaning in Billie Eilish's song using Lyons theory.
B. Related Ideas 1. Semantics
Kreidler (1998:03) stated that semantics is the systematic study of meaning and the study of how languages organize and express meaning is known as linguistic semantics. It means that in order for us to restrict ourselves to the expression of meanings in a single
language, meaning in linguistic semantic is highly necessary. The systematic study of meaning is a focus of three academic fields:
psychology, philosophy, and linguistics. It indicates that a psychologist is concerned in how particular people learn, remember, or forget knowledge. Language philosophy is concerned with a specific fact that we are aware of or accept as true in relation to other possible facts. The final comprehensive study of meaning concerns linguistics in order to comprehend how language functions.
Grammatical semantics and lexical semantics are the two divisions in semantics (Verharr, 2001: 384). This semantic term in linguistics designates a branch of language that functions at the level of meaning or a language that analyzes meaning. According to Chaer (2009: 6–
11) depending on the level or region of the language being researched, there are four different forms of semantics. Which are: (1) Grammatical semantics, a branch of semantics concerned with the grammatical meaning of the morphological level, (2) Lexical semantics is a branch of semantics concerned with the lexicon of a language. (3) The semantic region of pragmatic semantics, (4) semantic intent, which is a type of semantics related to semantics relating to the use of forms of language of language style, such as irony, litotes, methapors, and so on.
The study of meaning is referred to by the technical term
"semantics," according to Pateda (2010: 2). Semantics, which is a
component of language structure, deals with meaning as linguistic objects of study. Thus, semantic understanding might be defined as the area of linguistics that investigates the connection between linguistic signs and their meanings, or the area of linguistics that investigates meaning.
As a result, in semantics, the meaning of a word must be clearly understood, for instance, if we are unsure of what a word or phrase in a sentence means. As an illustration, consider what the concerned language's equivalents are. Ridwan Nurlaela cited Huford and Halsey in 1983: 3. Therefore, learning semantics was very vital and required.
2. Meaning
According to Kreidler (1998:3) The systematic study of language meaning is known as semantics. The organization and expression of meanings in language are examined by linguistic semantics. Semantics is a significant area of linguistics and is fascinating to study, particularly when it is used to analyze literary works like songs, poems, and prose. The lexical and grammatical meaning, morphemes, sentence and meaning, homonymy, polysemy, lexical ambiguity, connotation, sense relations, and reference and denotation are all included in the meaning dimension.
Furthermore, according to Parera (1990), there are two types of linguistic meaning: lexical meanings and contextual meanings. The substance of meaning, which comprises the meaning of denotation and
connotation, is included in lexical meaning. Synonymy, antonymy, hyponymy, and homonymy all have context-specific meaning.
Metaphors' changing meanings, the use of idioms, and other linguistic developments all contribute to the formation of meaning. Depending on the meaning of the sentences in which they appear, lexemes' lexical meanings are interpreted. The link between words and meanings is the focus of lexical meaning.
a. Lexical meaning
A lexeme is a linguistic unit. This can take the form of actual spoken or written statements in a variety of ways. Even when infected, it is still considered the same lexeme. According to Harimurti (1982:103, as cited Rifardi, 2017) in Pateda's book, it is said that lexical meaning is the meaning of a word when the word is seen separately, both in the form of lexemes and in the form of affixes whose meaning is more or less fixed, as can be read in certain circumstances dictionary.
Lexical meaning relates to the true meaning, the meaning based on what we have seen, or the meaning presented. It is wel known that a language contains multiple lexical systems through which semantics with structure can derive their meanings on paradigmatic and systematic grounds. According to the researchers, lexical meaning is defined as meaning that has the qualities of lexicon, lexeme, and word. It also has meaning as a reference, meaning that it
is the outcome of our observation through our senses or the reality of our lives. Most of them will be phrasal lexemes, which have phrases as their forms. Lexemes are conceptual units. Even when infected, it is still regarded as the same lexeme and can be found in many spoken and written sentence structures.
The dictionary definition or the meaning of the lexeme, even in the absence of context, constitutes the lexical meaning. For instance,
"horses" and "normal quadruped ridden" have comparable lexical meanings. In this instance, the lexical meaning corresponds exactly to the meaning or meanings that are observed by our senses. Only lexical interpretations for the word mentioned are found in dictionaries.
From the explanation above, lexical meaning is a meaning that is more or less fixed, meaning that this meaning can be determined in certain circumstances. This lexical meaning is the supposed or actual meaning. Lexical meaning is also the meaning of a type of word that has not undergone a process of changing its form which is impossible or ambiguous. Example: Fire (Heat and light come from something burning), (Wildfire).
Another example of lexical meaning in song is in Firework by Katy Perry. Lyrics: "Do you ever feel like a plastic bag, drifting through the wind, wanting to start again?". Lexical meaning: In these lyrics, the lexical meanings of the words are as follows: (1) Plastic
bag: A flexible, non-biodegradable bag made of plastic material used for carrying or storing items. (2) Drifting: Moving aimlessly or without purpose, often carried by the wind or water. (3) Wind:
Moving air, especially a natural movement of air in any direction. (4) Wanting: Desiring or wishing for something. (5) Start: Begin or commence an action or process.
The song Firework uses metaphorical and poetic language to convey a deeper message about self-empowerment and finding one's inner strength, but the lexical meaning of the individual words remains literal and straightforward. The song's meaning is amplified when considering the figurative and emotional interpretations of the words used in the context of the song's overall theme.
Any language has a word, a group of words, or words from other languages that have a semantic link to the linguistic unit. According to Abdul Chaer (2002:82 as reported by Rifardi, 2017), synonyms, antonyms, polysemy, hyponyms, homonyms, and ambiguity are some categories for meaning interactions. These are the topics of lexical meaning, and each of these meanings is covered below.
b. Contextual meaning
Contextual meaning refers to the meaning of a word or phrase in its context. A contextual definition is one that incorporates the term inside a bigger utterance that also includes its explanation.
Contextual meaning may be seen as situational meaning. According
to Parera (2004), it emerges as a result of the interaction between speech and situation. Contextual meaning, according to Chaer (2012:
290), is the meaning of a lexeme or term that is utilized in a certain scenario. Contextual meaning (situational meaning) is disclosed as a result of the interplay between statements and context (Pateda, 2001:
116). As a result, context influences meaning. The meaning of words is intricately tied to the speaker's ecology and cultural environment (Parera, 2004: 47). This argument is further supported by Malinowski, who claims that when a word is taken from its context, it loses meaning (Parera, 2004).
Example sentence: "She is a cool teacher." Contextual meaning:
In this sentence, the word "cool" is used to describe a teacher.
Depending on the context, it can have different interpretations: (1) Temperature sense: If the sentence is discussing the teacher's physical environment, "cool" might mean that the classroom or the temperature is comfortable or pleasantly cool. (2) Social sense: If the context is about the teacher's personality or behavior, "cool" could mean that the teacher is friendly, relaxed, and understanding, making them well-liked by students. (3) Fashion sense: If the context is about the teacher's appearance or style, "cool" may refer to the teacher having a trendy, stylish, or hip fashion sense.
The exact meaning of the word "cool" in this sentence depends on the surrounding words and the topic of the conversation. Analyzing
the context is essential to understand the intended meaning accurately.
3. Billie Eilish’s Selected Song
A song is a piece of written music that has been modified for singing or is intended to be sung. Poem, according to Hornby (2015).
Any poem can be referred to as a song. A song writer translates a poem's emotion, atmosphere, and imagery into music. Important words are highlighted by emphasized tones or musical climaxes.
This interpretive duty is split between the vocal and the guitar or piano.
As for the song that will be used as the object of this research are the Billie Eilish’s selected song.
The first title is All the Good Girl Go to Hell in the album When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?. The second title is Xanny also in the album When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?. And the last title is Not My Responsibility in the album Happier Than Ever.
4. Biography Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish was born on December 18, 2001, in Los Angeles, California. Her music is noted for its dark and philosophical themes, dealing with issues like as mental health, love, and the struggles of growing up. Her distinctive style, often characterized by baggy clothes and unique hair colors, has also made her a fashion icon and
a role model for many young fans.
Apart from her musical achievements, Billie Eilish is also known for being an advocate for various social and environmental causes.
She uses her platform to raise awareness about issues such as climate change, body image, and mental health.
Billie Eilish continued to release successful music after her debut album, collaborating with other artists and contributing to soundtracks for movies and television shows. Her success and impact on the music industry have solidified her as one of the most influential and celebrated artists of her generation.
III. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY A. Research Method
The study material in this research is the text of lyrics, and the objective is to determine the meaning. As the acquired analyzed data are provided words and other verbal expressions, this study can be characterized as qualitative research.
The object of qualitative research was something that developed exactly as it was as a result of a finished, dynamic thought construction and was thus impenetrable to researcher manipulation (Sugiono, 2013:15-16).
B. Source of Data
The primary data is the transcripts of Billie Eilish’s song lyrics, and the second primary data are the previous studies that were conducted by some researchers.
The data source in this study is lingual units which contain lexical meanings in some of Billie Eilish's songs. Researchers took three songs as a source of research. Where the researchers took three song title namely All the Good Girl Go to Hell, this song is from Billie Eilish debut studio album, When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?,released in March 2019.
Xanny is a song by Billie Eilish from her debut studio album, When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? released in March 2019. The song
was written by Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas O'Connell, who also produced the track.
Not My Responsibility is a powerful spoken word piece by Billie Eilish. Originally released as a video interlude during her Where Do We Go? world tour in March 2020, the piece addresses societal expectations, body image, and the pressures placed on young women in the public eye.
C. Instrument of Research
The main instrument of this research is to collect the data by note- taking. Miles (2014) defined note-taking as the process of writing detailed, concise notes or thoughts of researchers relating to the data collected. These written data are used as a reference for further data analysis and a deeper understanding of patterns and findings in qualitative research. Using this type of instrument, the researcher will note important information relevant in the song to find lexical meaning.
D. Procedure of Data Collection
The procedures used in collecting data that the researcher will apply are as follows:
1. Listening to the selected songs of Billie Eilish frequently.
2. Identify the words in every lyric.
3. Noting down the words that contain lexical meaning.
4. Classifying words into lexical meaning forms according to Lyons Theory.
E. Technique of Analyzing Data
After the data was collected, the researcher will analyze the data using a theory by Lyons. John Lyons' theory of lexical meaning focuses on the way the meanings of words (lexicon) are constructed in language. This technique focuses on the lexical meanings contained in the selected songs from Billie Eilish.
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