An analysis on connotahve meanings used in the lyrics of Eminem Rap Songs

ABSTRACT

The existence of connotative meanings and figurative languages in a literary work cannot be denied and avoided. Connotative meaning is an expression related to emotional, moral, feelings, and so on, which needs to be interpreted in order to achieve a particular effect. Meanwhile, figurative language employs various figures of speech. It can make imaginative description of persons or objects in fresh ways. Connotation plays a dominant role in the language of advertisement, politics, and literature. Connotative meanings and figurative languages are also found on lyrics of songs, especially in Eminem’s rap songs. His special characteristic is to sing the truth that happens around us and tries to deliver the messages for his listeners spontaneously, even though rather violent, vulgar, and socially it is hard to be accepted.

Based on the background above, the research problems are formulated: (1) What are the connotative meanings expressed in Eminem’s rap songs? (2) What are the figurative languages expressed in Eminem’s rap songs? Since to discuss every connotative meaning in Eminem’s rap songs would be impossible, this research will be limited on 10 songs, taken from Eminem show album.

This research uses the descriptive qualitative method. The data in this research were taken from Eminem song texts, especially in Eminem Show Album. The instruments of this research were human and interview. The lyrics of songs taken from Eminem show album that contains connotative meaning and figurative languages were searched, collected, and listed selectively, and it was analyzed in detail to find out the connotative meanings and figurative languages.

From the analysis, it can be concluded that, connotative meanings and figurative languages, which include metaphor, simile, hyperbole, metonymy, euphemism, synecdoche, personification, and antithesis do exist in some of Eminem’s songs. Finally, there are some suggestions for further researches. Future researches can analyze the semantic aspects or sociological aspects of Eminem’s songs, which can be found on some songs. In addition, Eminem fans are expected to pay attention to connotative meanings so that there is no misunderstanding in catching the intended message.