Analysis of Connotative and Denotative Meanings on the Song Lyrics in Jungkook's Album "Golden"

Authors

  • Fadhila Cahya Rahmawati
  • Yuniar Fatmasari

Abstract

This study analyses the connotative and denotative meanings found in the lyrics of Jungkook’s debut solo album GOLDEN (2023). The research applies Geoffrey Leech’s (1981) semantic theory and uses a descriptive qualitative method with data taken from five selected songs: Hate You, Shot Glass of Tears, Yes or No, Please Don’t Change, and Too Sad to Dance. Data are collected through documentation and observation, then analysed by identifying, categorizing, and interpreting the meanings of each lyric line. The findings reveal a total of 101 units of meaning, consisting of 44 connotative meanings and 57 denotative meanings. Denotative meaning appears as the dominant type, showing that the lyrics often use straightforward and literal expressions, while connotative meaning emerges through figurative language, metaphors, and symbols that add emotional, cultural, and symbolic depth. This study concludes that Jungkook’s GOLDEN combines clarity and symbolism, making the lyrics both accessible and rich in layered interpretation.

 

Keywords: Semantics, Connotative Meaning, Denotative Meaning, Song Lyrics, GOLDEN album

Author Biography

Fadhila Cahya Rahmawati

This study analyses the connotative and denotative meanings found in the lyrics of Jungkook’s debut solo album GOLDEN (2023). The research applies Geoffrey Leech’s (1981) semantic theory and uses a descriptive qualitative method with data taken from five selected songs: Hate You, Shot Glass of Tears, Yes or No, Please Don’t Change, and Too Sad to Dance. Data are collected through documentation and observation, then analysed by identifying, categorizing, and interpreting the meanings of each lyric line. The findings reveal a total of 101 units of meaning, consisting of 44 connotative meanings and 57 denotative meanings. Denotative meaning appears as the dominant type, showing that the lyrics often use straightforward and literal expressions, while connotative meaning emerges through figurative language, metaphors, and symbols that add emotional, cultural, and symbolic depth. This study concludes that Jungkook’s GOLDEN combines clarity and symbolism, making the lyrics both accessible and rich in layered interpretation.

 

Keywords: Semantics, Connotative Meaning, Denotative Meaning, Song Lyrics, GOLDEN album

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Published

2026-01-30

Issue

Vol. 13 No. 2 (2025): September 2025 - February 2026

Section

Articles

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