Analysis of Denotation and Connotation Meanings in the Song Lyrics "XXL" by LANY
Abstract
Song lyrics function as linguistic signs that convey both literal and implied meanings through symbolic expressions. Although previous studies have applied Roland Barthes’ semiotic theory to analyze song lyrics, limited attention has been given to how ordinary lexical items and everyday expressions function as emotional symbols in contemporary pop music. This study aims to identify the denotative and connotative meanings in the lyrics of “XXL” by LANY and to examine how ordinary expressions are transformed into symbolic representations of intimacy, nostalgia, and emotional attachment through Barthes’ second-order signification. This study employed a qualitative descriptive design. The data source consisted of the official lyrics of “XXL” by LANY. The entire lyrics were examined, while five representative lyric lines were purposively selected for detailed analysis. The data were analyzed using Barthes’ concepts of first-order and second-order signification. The findings reveal that expressions such as small-town dreams, hoodie, Miss Americana, California, and double-XL possess both denotative and connotative meanings. Through second-order signification, these ordinary lexical items function as symbolic signs representing shared aspirations, intimacy, admiration, nostalgia, and enduring emotional attachment. These findings demonstrate that contemporary pop lyrics communicate emotional experiences not only through literal meanings but also through symbolic associations. The study contributes to semiotic studies by providing a deeper understanding of emotional signification in contemporary pop song lyrics through Barthes’ semiotic framework.
References
Bowen, G. A. (2009). Document analysis as a qualitative research method. Qualitative Research Journal, 9(2), 27–40.
Chandler, D. (2022). Semiotics: The basics (4th ed.). Routledge.
Creswell, J. W., & Plano Clark, V. L. (2018). Designing and conducting mixed methods research (3rd ed.). SAGE Publications.
Crystal, D. (2011). Internet linguistics: A student guide. Routledge.
Fauzan, F. (2020). The denotative and connotative meaning in Sheila on 7 song lyrics "Film Favorit." Sosiohumaniora: Jurnal Ilmiah Ilmu Sosial dan Humaniora, 6(1), 9–18.
Hidayah, A. G. D., & Bustam, M. R. (2023). Analysis of denotation and connotation meanings in the song lyric "La La Lost You" by Nicole Zefanya (NIKI). Mahadaya: Jurnal Bahasa, Sastra, dan Budaya, 3(1), 41–48.
Hidayatullah, M. H. (2009). An analysis on the denotative and connotative meaning of lyrics of Creed's songs (Undergraduate thesis). Universitas Islam Negeri Maulana Malik Ibrahim.
Ishar, R., & Irawan, A. M. (2023). Semiotic analysis of the denotative and connotative meaning on the Beatles' song lyrics. E-Journal of English Language & Literature, 12(1), 152–167.
Jafar, A., Aso, L., & Amstrong, N. (2021). The meaning of denotation, connotation, and myth used in Ariana Grande's "God Is a Woman" song lyrics. ELITE: Journal of English Language and Literature, 6(1), 12–21.
Kaulika, A. K., & Sakinah, R. M. N. (2025). Semiotic analysis of motivational messages in the lyrics of the song "I'm Fine" by BTS. English Journal of Indragiri, 9(1), 167–183.
Kothari, C. R. (2004). Research methodology: Methods and techniques (2nd ed.). New Age International.
Maxwell, J. A. (2013). Qualitative research design: An interactive approach (3rd ed.). SAGE Publications.
Nurjanah, M. S., & Nirwana, R. (2023). The denotative and connotative meaning in Happier song lyrics by Olivia Rodrigo. The GIST, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.53675/gist.v6i1.1041
Plano Clark, V. L., Anderson, N., Wertz, J. A., Zhou, Y., Schumacher, K., & Miaskowski, C. (2015). Conceptualizing longitudinal mixed methods designs: A methodological review of health sciences research. Journal of Mixed Methods Research, 9(4), 297–319.
Rahim, F. A. (2021). Denotation and connotation meaning in "Speechless" song lyrics by Naomi Scott: A semiotic analysis (Undergraduate thesis). STBA LIA Jakarta. https://share.google/DLUPeZU7rZ2pOCfhH.
Rajasekar, S., Philominathan, P., & Chinnathambi, V. (2013). Research methodology. Archers & Elevators Publishing House.
Salam, A., & Sakinah, R. M. N. (2024). The denotative and connotative meaning in song lyrics entitled "Sandals" by Khai Dreams. JETLEE: Journal of English Language Teaching, Linguistics, and Literature, 4(2), 127–138.
Setiadi, C. (2025). A semiotic analysis on emotional aspects of Bruno Mars feat. Lady Gaga's song "Die with a Smile" on YouTube. JELT: Journal of English Language Teaching, 9(1), 55–61.
Tagg, P. (2013). Music's meanings: A modern musicology for non-musos. Mass Media Music Scholars' Press.
Yuliana, R. (2023). The Semiotics of Memory and Loss in Pop Music: A Barthesian Analysis. International Journal of Linguistics and Culture, 5(1), 41–55.