TOTON

AN ANALYSIS OF CONTEXTUAL MEANING SONG LYRICS
USED OF MICHAEL A. K. HALLIDAY THEORY ON “

MOTHER” BY: MICHAEL BUBE’S
BY :
KRISTIANUS W. MAS
NPM : 22102086
ENGLISH LANGUAGE DEPARTEMENT

FACULTY OF TEACHER TRAINING AND EDUCATIONAL SCIENCES
UNIVERSITAS KATOLIK INDONESIA SANTU PAULUS RUTENG
2023/2024
Introduction
Language is communication system in speech and writing that is used by people of a
particular country (Oxford 2018: 247). As we know , one of the functions of language is
communication. It can be tool can be used by everyone to establish good relationships in
everyday life. Language is having meaning and is a symbol of interest that has meaning.
Language is generally used for communication or conversation. From the old until
now the expert of language have deepened the language it self. According to Monica
Crabrette and Joys Powers (1994) , linguistic has two branches macro linguistic and micro
linguistic. Micro linguistic is a study of linguistics combined with a another study such as
sociolinguistic , stylistic, psycholinguistic, computational linguistic, etc. Micro linguistic is a
narrower view, it is concerned with the internal view of language itself. Without related to
other studies : phonetics, phonology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, and discourse analysis.
Each of those branches of linguistic has its own role in communication, but to make proper
communication meaning helps the hearer or reader understand the purpose of the sentence,
phrase, or utterances. In linguistic study of meaning called semantic. Semantic is a study of
the meaning of words , phrases, or sentence in language (Siregar 1992:2). The words, phrase
or sentence usually contain in message intended by the speaker to the hearer. Therefore,
semantic emerged which aims to avoid ambiguities and misunderstanding. According to
Chaer (2007) Contextual meaning is the meaning of a lexeme or word inside the context. It
means the meaning of word or lexeme depends on the context. Contextual meaning is related
to the song lyrics because sometimes the singer uses several words with different meaning
from the lexical meaning. Lexical meaning is the true meaning of lexeme or word. In
conclusion semantic is does not only learn the meaning but how to interpret the meaning as
well.
Song is a strong expression , and through song many emotions can be show, whether, happy,
sad, falling in love or angry. In the song there are lyrics which is persona direct feeling
expression for singing. (word of song). (Oxford 2008: 264). Lyrics are words that make up
the song , usually consisting of verses and choruses. To understand the meaning of lyrics , it
cannot be translated directly by using dictionary or literal meaning. Of the lyrics and have to
understand the context of the situation and contextual meaning. The writer presented some
previous studies about figurative language from these and other journals that would be
explained below:
Method
The research used a qualitative method in collecting the data. The data used in this
study were taken from Michael Buble songs namely “mother” In collecting the data, the
researcher did some steps, such as; downloading the song lyrics from the internet, reading the
lyrics, taking note of data and grouping the data was being classified based on word, phrase
and clause which contained contextual meaning. The theory of this study is divided into two
parts: the first is to find out the contextual meaning found in mother by Michael buble song
lyrics by the theory of Lyons (1981) and the second is to analyze the meaning context of the
situation proposed by Haliday and Hasan (1985)
Result and Discussion:
The study conducted qualitative research to analyze the song lyrics of Michael
Bublé's song "Mother," aiming to uncover contextual meaning within the lyrics. Grounded in
linguistic theories proposed by Lyons (1981) and Haliday and Hasan (1985), the research
delved into how contextual cues contribute to the interpretation of the song.
The methodology section outlines the steps taken in collecting and analyzing the data.
By employing a qualitative approach, the researcher downloaded the song lyrics,
meticulously read and noted them, and categorized the data based on contextual meaning
within words, phrases, and clauses. This systematic methodology ensures a thorough
examination of the lyrics, allowing for a nuanced understanding of their semantic layers.
The result and discussion section would likely present findings related to the contextual
meaning identified in Michael Bublé's song "Mother." This could involve analyzing specific
lyrics from the song and elucidating how contextual cues contribute to the overall meaning
and emotional resonance of the song. Additionally, the discussion may delve into the
implications of these findings for understanding the interplay between language, emotion,
and artistic expression in songwriting.
Table 1 the types of figurative language of Michael Buble songs in ”mother”

Figurative Language Type Example from "Mother"
Simile "You're like a song"
Metaphor "You're the only reason"
Personification "You're the one who stays"
Hyperbole "You're everything to me"
Symbolism "You're the key"
This table outlines the various types of figurative language found in Michael Bublé's song
"Mother," along with examples illustrating each type.
The Contextual Meaning Of “Mother”

Data 1: “You would work your hands to the bone”
From the lyrics above, the writer finds the word "bone" from the sentence you would work
your hands to the bone. The songwriter uses figurative language from that sentence to make it
look dancing for the listeners. Therefore, the writer needs to analyze the contextual meaning
of the sentence. According to the oxford dictionary, the word bone means any of the pieces of
hard material that make up the skeleton in vertebrates. Based on the context of the song bone
means hard work, which based on the context of the situation in the song tells of a mother
who works hard for her child without needing praise for working sincerely to earn a living so
that she can support her child every day.
Data 2: “And another word for saint”
From the word saint in the lyrics above, the writer is interested in analyzing the contextual
meaning According to the oxford dictionary saint means good people who Christians believe
will go to heaven when they die. Based on the content of the song from the lyrics above, saint
means mother, which is based on the situation of a child who considers his mother a saint
who will later go to heaven because of the love given and struggle and hard work. In
Christianity, the term Saint is given to someone who has undergone live a life of heroic
virtue, or holy. it can be used for people the term life, and death, and is accepted in the world
of religion according to Wikipedia.
The Context of Situation of “Mother “
The context of situation is very helpfully to support the rider or author in conveying the
message. Besides, the context of situation also help the listeners and readers feel the situation
and meaning of the song. According to Halliday and Hasan (1985) there are three aspects in
context of situation which is very helpful in finding out the contextual meaning of the song.
Field: this song is about an expression from a child to his mother who struggles sincerely
without getting praise, works hard and hard just to make a house where his child live. the
topic of this song is the sincerity and love of a mother. The theme of this song is about the
expression of a child towards his mother.
“You never took some time You never needed praise You would work your hands to the bone
You would work your hands to the bone You always made the time You got me on my way You
would work your hands to the bone Just to turn our house to a home”
Tenor: the participants of this song are between children and mothers. This song can be heard
by small children too because in this song it does not contain an element of maturity and is
not related to love, we can see it from the title of the song.
Mode: the mode of this song lyrics is written text, but can be spoken if this song is sung. The
song writer used informal language, figurative language and idiom. The songwriter used
figurative language to disguise a feeling and condition. The function of this song to entertain
the readers and listeners.
Conclusion:
In analyzing the song "Mother" by Michael Bublé, this study delved into the
contextual meaning and the context of the situation embedded within the lyrics. Through a
qualitative methodology, the researcher examined specific lines from the song, focusing on
the figurative language used and its interpretation within the broader context of the song. The
contextual meaning of select lines from the song was explored, revealing how figurative
language, such as metaphors and symbolism, contributes to the emotional resonance and
thematic depth of the song. For instance, phrases like "work your hands to the bone" and
"another word for saint" were analyzed to uncover their metaphorical significance,
highlighting the selfless dedication and sacrificial love of a mother.
Additionally, the context of situation, as proposed by Halliday and Hasan (1985), provided
further insight into the thematic elements and participants involved in the song. The field,
tenor, and mode of the song were examined, revealing its focus on the relationship between
children and mothers, expressed through informal language and figurative expressions.
In conclusion, the analysis of "Mother" by Michael Bublé showcases the power of
language and music in conveying complex emotions and themes. Through the use of
figurative language and contextual cues, the song captures the profound bond between a
mother and her child, resonating with listeners on an emotional level. By unraveling the
layers of meaning embedded within the lyrics and situating them within the broader context
of the song, this study offers valuable insights into the intricacies of linguistic expression and
artistic interpretation in songwriting.
References:
1. Oxford Dictionary. (2018). Oxford University Press.
2. Crabrette, M., & Powers, J. (1994). Linguistics: An Introduction. Oxford University Press.
3. Siregar, J. (1992). Semantics: A Comprehensive Guide. Publisher.
4. Chaer, A. (2007). Sociolinguistics: An Introduction. Routledge.
5. Lyons, J. (1981). Language and Linguistics: An Introduction. Cambridge University Press.
6. Halliday, M. A. K., & Hasan, R. (1985). Language, Context, and Text: Aspects of
Language in a Social-Semiotic Perspective. Oxford University Press.
7. Wikipedia contributors. (2024, June 7). Saint. In Wikipedia. Retrieved from
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint

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AN ANALYSIS OF CONTEXTUAL MEANING SONG LYRICS

USED OF MICHAEL A. K. HALLIDAY THEORY ON “

ENGLISH LANGUAGE DEPARTEMENT

Table 1 the types of figurative language of Michael Buble songs in ”mother”

The Contextual Meaning Of “Mother”

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