Expressing Emotion: The Figurative Language in Olivia Rodrigo's Songs
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.30595/pssh.v24i.1602Keywords:
Figurative language, Olivia Rodrigo, Emotional expression, Lyric analysisAbstract
This study aims to analyze the use of figurative language in Olivia Rodrigo’s song lyrics as a means of expressing emotion. Using a qualitative approach with a document analysis method, the researcher examines the types of figurative language found in three of Rodrigo’s popular songs: Driver License, Enough for You, and Happier. The analysis reveals five main types of figurative language used: metaphor, imagery, simile, hyperbole, and symbolism. Each of these elements enhances the emotional depth and appeal of the lyrics, creating a strong connection between the singer and the audience. These songs reflect universal emotional experiences such as love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, which are especially relevant to the younger generation. The findings of this study demonstrate that figurative language not only enriches the lyrical aesthetic but also plays a crucial role in building emotional resonance and the cultural appeal of popular music.m.
References
Alek, A., Marzuki, A. G., Hidayat, D. N., & Sari, E. N. A. (2020). A critical discourse analysis of the song “Look What You Made Me Do” by Taylor Swift. Eralingua: Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa Asing dan Sastra, 4(2), 154. https://doi.org/10.26858/eralingua.v4i2.11199
Dewi, E. N. F., Hidayat, D. N., & Alek, A. (2020). Investigating figurative language in “Lose You to Love Me” song lyric. Loquen: English Studies Journal, 13(1), 6. https://doi.org/10.32678/loquen.v13i1.2548
Ibrahim, I., Akib, M., & Hasyim, R. (2019). The analysis of figurative language in “Endless Love” song lyric. Lisan: Jurnal Bahasa dan Linguistik, 8(2), 119–130. https://doi.org/10.33506/jbl.v8i2.464
Megazain, S., Syafrudin, S. A., & Effendi, T. (2022). Figurative language in songs for English learning. LADU: Journal of Languages and Education, 2(5), 157–167. https://doi.org/10.56724/ladu.v2i5.125
Thibodeau, P. H., Matlock, T., & Flusberg, S. J. (2019). The role of metaphor in communication and thought. Language and Linguistics Compass, 13(5). https://doi.org/10.1111/lnc3.12327
Vinanda Yusnitasari, W., Wangi, W., & Sugianto, Y. (2022). An analysis of figurative language on the song lyrics “You Are My Sunshine” by Anne Murray. Lunar, 6(1), 309–322.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Proceedings Series on Social Sciences & Humanities
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
