NOSTALGIA IN SONG LYRICS: A SEMIOTIC ANALYSIS OF NIKI’S ‘HIGH SCHOOL IN JAKARTA’

  • Muhamad Saiful Mukminin Universitas Gadjah Mada
Keywords: nostalgia, semiotics, song

Abstract

The present research uses a qualitative descriptive approach to explore the meanings and experiences of nostalgia contained in the lyrics of the song High School in Jakarta. The research data consists of the song lyrics as the primary data source. Data collection techniques include observation of the lyrics by noting relevant sections, literature review to understand the cultural context, and systematic text analysis. The data analysis process is conducted through three stages. First, a denotative analysis that examines the concrete elements in the lyrics, such as names, places, and events that reflect adolescent experiences. Second, a connotative analysis that delves into the emotions and deeper meanings behind the words used. Third, a myth analysis that identifies cultural myths present in the lyrics, such as societal views on adolescence and the role of social relationships in identity formation. The research findings indicate that this song serves as a reflective tool for listeners regarding adolescence, as well as how nostalgia is formed through lyrics rich in meaning and cultural context. In conclusion, semiotic analysis provides a deeper understanding of nostalgia as a strong emotional response rooted in the complexities of adolescence.

References

BaileyShea, M. (2021). Lines and Lyrics: An Introduction to Poetry and Song. Yale University Press.
Barrett, M. S. (2011). Musical narratives: A study of a young child’s identity work in and through music-making. Psychology of Music, 39(4), 403–423.
Barthes, R. (1972). Mythologies. Noonday.
Barthes, R. (1986). Elements of Semiology. Hill and Wang.
Bennett, P., & McDougall, J. (2013). Barthes’ Mythologies today: readings of contemporary culture. Routledge.
Burgos, D. (2024). Literature Review: The Role of Music in Modern European Rituals. Rituals and Music in Europe: An Ethnological Study through Data Analytics, 65–91.
Faudree, P. (2012). Music, language, and texts: Sound and semiotic ethnography. Annual Review of Anthropology, 41(1), 519–536.
Garrido, S., & Davidson, J. W. (2019). Music, nostalgia and memory. Springer.
Haiduk, F., Quigley, C., & Fitch, W. T. (2020). Song is more memorable than speech prosody: Discrete pitches aid auditory working memory. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 586723.
Harnia, N. T. (2021). Analisis Semiotika Makna Cinta pada Lirik Lagu “Tak Sekedar Cinta” Karya Dnanda. Jurnal Metamorfosa, 9(2), 224–238.
Juslin, P. N., & Västfjäll, D. (2008). Emotional responses to music: The need to consider underlying mechanisms. Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 31(5), 559–575.
Ketaren, S. V., Sipahutar, S. R., Marpaung, E. M., & Saragih, E. (2021). Figurative language use in song lyrics in English textbook senior high school. Linguistic, English Education and Art (LEEA) Journal, 4(2), 300–305.
Londa, N. S., & Waleleng, G. J. (2022). Analisis Semiotika Lirik Lagu The Man Sebagai Pesan-Pesan Komunikasi Sosial. Acta Diurna Komunikasi, 4(3), 1–8.
Merrill, N., & Fivush, R. (2016). Intergenerational narratives and identity across development. Developmental Review, 40, 72–92.
Miller, T. E., & Shahriari, A. (2020). World Music: A Global Journey. Routledge.
Moore, A. F. (2016). Song means: Analysing and interpreting recorded popular song. Routledge.
Munley, P. H. (1975). Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development and vocational behavior. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 22(4), 314.
Nanda, R. P. P. (2023). Analisis Semiotika Roland Barthes Pada Lirik Lagu “Aisyah Istri Rasulullah” Syakir Daulay. Communications, 5(1), 280–300.
Rahma, K., Abdullah, H. H., Anugerah, R., & Santoso, A. (2024). Representasi Makna Self Improvement Pada Lirik Lagu Tulus “Diri” (Analisis Semiotika Roland Barthes). Karimah Tauhid, 3(4), 4903–4916.
Rohrmeier, M., Zuidema, W., Wiggins, G. A., & Scharff, C. (2015). Principles of structure building in music, language and animal song. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 370(1664), 20140097.
Sedikides, C., Leunissen, J., & Wildschut, T. (2022). The psychological benefits of music-evoked nostalgia. Psychology of Music, 50(6), 2044–2062.
Published
2024-10-28
How to Cite
Mukminin, M. S. (2024). NOSTALGIA IN SONG LYRICS: A SEMIOTIC ANALYSIS OF NIKI’S ‘HIGH SCHOOL IN JAKARTA’. Research on English Language Education, 6(2), 14-26. https://doi.org/10.57094/relation.v6i2.2156