Vol. 7 – No.
1, year (2023), page 1691-1697
| ISSN 2548-8201 (Print) | 2580-0469) (Online) |
ANALYSIS OF METAPHORICAL EXPRESSIONS USED IN ADELE’S
SONG LYRICS OF “SOMEONE LIKE YOU”
Juliana1, Santi Arafah2, Fadhila Rahma Handayani 3, Fiore Arayu
Hutagalung4
1 (English Education Department, Potensi Utama University, Indonesia).
2
(Sharia Economic Department, Potensi Utama University, Indonesia).
3
(English Education Department, Potensi Utama University, Indonesia).
4
(English Education Department, Potensi Utama University, Indonesia).
Receive: 10/01/2023 Accepted: 10/02/2023 Published: 01/03/2023
Abstract
Metaphorical expressions play a crucial role in music, enabling artists to communicate complex
emotions and experiences through vivid and imaginative language. This research examined the
metaphorical expressions used in the lyrics of Adele's famous song "Someone Like You." By analyzing
the metaphorical utilization in this song, it can gain insight into Adele's poetic techniques for evoking
strong emotions and establishing rapport with her audience. Using a qualitative methodology, this
research begins by identifying and classifying the metaphorical expressions found in the lyrics of
"Someone Like You." Examining metaphors at multiple levels, including conceptual metaphors and
novel metaphors, reveals their underlying meaning and symbolism. In addition, the study explores the
potential cultural, emotional, and psychological implications of these metaphors, casting light on the
universal appeal of the song. The lyrics of "Someone Like You" are full of metaphors that depict
emotional states, such as love as a journey, heartbreak as physical pain, and time as a healing force.
Moreover, Adele's metaphors connect the audience with the songwriter's experiences, resonating
with similar emotional journeys. The analysis highlights the effectiveness of metaphors in enhancing
the song's lyrical impact and eliciting empathetic responses. Adele's use transforms "Someone Like
You" into a universal anthem of sorrow and perseverance. This study contributes to the existing
literature on metaphor analysis in music by analyzing the metaphorical expressions in Adele's
"Someone Like You." It illustrates the ability of metaphors to encapsulate complex emotions and
experiences, thereby enhancing the listener's comprehension and emotional engagement with the
music.
Keywords: Metaphorical Expressions, Adele’ Song Lyrics
Abstrak
Ungkapan metafora memainkan peran penting dalam musik, memungkinkan para seniman untuk
mengkomunikasikan emosi dan pengalaman yang kompleks melalui bahasa yang jelas dan imajinatif.
Penelitian ini meneliti ekspresi metafora yang digunakan dalam lirik lagu terkenal Adele, "Someone
Like You". Dengan menganalisis penggunaan metafora dalam lagu ini, dapat diperoleh wawasan
tentang teknik puitis Adele dalam membangkitkan emosi yang kuat dan membangun hubungan
dengan pendengarnya. Dengan menggunakan metodologi kualitatif, penelitian ini dimulai dengan
mengidentifikasi dan mengklasifikasikan ekspresi metaforis yang ditemukan dalam lirik "Someone Like
You." Meneliti metafora pada berbagai tingkatan, termasuk metafora konseptual dan metafora baru,
mengungkapkan makna dan simbolisme yang mendasarinya. Selain itu, penelitian ini juga
Copyright © 2023 Edumaspul - Jurnal Pendidikan (ISSN 2548-8201 (cetak); (ISSN 2580-0469 (online)
Jurnal Edumaspul, 7 (1), Year 2023 - 1692
(Juliana, Santi Arafah, Fadhila Rahma Handayani , Fiore Arayu Hutagalung)
mengeksplorasi implikasi budaya, emosional, dan psikologis yang potensial dari metafora ini, yang
menyoroti daya tarik universal dari lagu tersebut. Lirik "Someone Like You" penuh dengan metafora
yang menggambarkan kondisi emosional, seperti cinta sebagai sebuah perjalanan, patah hati sebagai
rasa sakit fisik, dan waktu sebagai kekuatan penyembuhan. Selain itu, metafora Adele
menghubungkan pendengar dengan pengalaman penulis lagu, yang beresonansi dengan perjalanan
emosional yang serupa. Analisis ini menyoroti keefektifan metafora dalam meningkatkan dampak lirik
lagu dan memunculkan respons empati. Penggunaan metafora oleh Adele mengubah "Someone Like
You" menjadi lagu universal tentang kesedihan dan ketekunan. Penelitian ini berkontribusi pada
literatur yang ada tentang analisis metafora.
Kata Kunci: Ungkapan Metafora, Lirik Lagu Adele
Introduction expressed through the lyrics of the song in
Lyrics are a series or arrangement of the same way that it is done in the song
speech that has a rhythmic strain; the "Someone Like You." The language that is
sentences contained in a song are forms included in the song lyrics has one lyrical
that can be felt utilizing both the sense of topic or author, and very few or none of the
sight and the feeling of the listener; they can references to individuals are considered to
also be experienced concerning the be monologues or out of context. The song's
expression of another person. In general, a lyrics are written in a style that is
poet or songwriter plays with language and reminiscent of a poem. Because of
words while conveying his or her experience differences in personality and demeanor,
to create something distinctive and the contrast is not as apparent as one might
appealing in the form of poetry or song expect. The lyrics of the song are given with
lyrics. Lyrics are the words that are sung to the accompaniment of musical instruments
a song, and they often contain an (Yang, 2014).
expression of the singer's innermost This study was conducted to review
thoughts and feelings (Adventina Putranti, the meaning or purpose in the form of
2015). metaphors that are indirectly found in one
The author of the song lyrics made an of Adel's works, specifically the song
effort to express something that is felt, entitled "Someone Like You," along with
experienced, and observed within the various variations of metaphor found in the
context of the community setting through song. Based on the reasons or context
the song's lyrical content. Lyrics to songs stated and conveyed through the previous
can be considered a form of literature, presentations, this study was conducted to
namely poetry. When writing song lyrics, it review the meaning or purpose in the form
is important to employ either figurative of metaphors that are indirectly found in
language or figurative language to produce one of Adel's works. The lyrics of the song
lyrics that have artistic worth. This is have metaphorical connotations that are
because literal language cannot produce more representative of the reality that
lyrics that have artistic value. In the process exists in human existence (Juliana, 2020).
of making a song, a musician makes use of This is consistent with what has been
various language styles to develop qualities discovered in songs that were composed
and appeals in the song's lyrics that appeal directly by Adele. For example, this song
to members of the public or those who expresses a variety of emotions, such as
enjoy listening to music (Klitgård, 2009). attraction between people of different
The experience of the songwriter, sexes, the inability to find love,
who writes about his own love story, is disappointment, hopelessness, and so on.
Copyright © 2023 Edumaspul - Jurnal Pendidikan (ISSN 2548-8201 (cetak); (ISSN 2580-0469 (online)
Jurnal Edumaspul, 7 (1), Year 2023 - 1693
(Juliana, Santi Arafah, Fadhila Rahma Handayani , Fiore Arayu Hutagalung)
In conjunction with this, the lyrics to the
song "Someone Like You" are well-known Method
and well-liked by a large number of
individuals, particularly young people, since The method used descriptive
the lines presented can symbolize the qualitative method. This research focuses
emotions or feelings of those who hear on the identification, description, and
them (Verity & Larson, 1986). interpretation of metaphors and strives to
Nominative metaphors, often known provide a deep exploration of the
as object or noun metaphors, attribute a metaphorical richness within the lyrics. The
property or quality of one object or noun to researcher chose Adele's song "Someone
another. They work by equating the source Like You" lyrics as the main corpus for
domain with the target domain. Nominative analysis (corpus selection)(Juliana Juliana,
metaphors use concrete imagery to 2019). This song's ability to evoke strong
conceptualize and express abstract ideas. emotions provides a wealth of metaphorical
Literature, poetry, and language employ use metaphors for analysis. To collect the data,
these metaphors (Gibbs, 1990). the researcher appropriately transcribed
Complementary Metaphors: Two or "Someone Like You" in its entirety. And then
more metaphors are used to convey a obtain further information about the song,
deeper meaning. Different metaphors such as its history, Adele's motivations, and
illuminate the desired topic. any pertinent contextual information
Complementary metaphors provide a (Juliana; Fahira, 2021).
multidimensional view of the material, To get the data, the researcher
improving comprehension. They are useful classified the types of metaphors based on
in abstract or complex fields like philosophy, the theory of Lakoff, G., & Johnson, M.
psychology, and social sciences (J. Lakoff & (1980). Ricoeur, 1977 and then analyzed the
Johnson, n.d.). metaphors used in the song's lyrics to fully
Sentence metaphors, sometimes comprehend the ideas, sentiments, and
called structural metaphors or metaphoric feelings expressed. Repeatedly play the
sentences, metaphorically map an entire song while paying great attention to the
sentence or phrase from the source domain delivery, tone, and words.
to the destination domain. Sentence There were some procedures to
metaphors provide complex meanings and Locating Metaphorical Expressions. Firstly,
relationships without focusing on words or the researcher pay close attention to where
objects. They determine story frameworks, metaphorical expressions are used in the
rhetorical techniques, and communication lyrics. Secondly, the researcher conveyed
coherence and impact (G. Lakoff & Johnson, deeper ideas or symbols, language that
1980). deviates from exact descriptions should be
This study examines nominative, sought out. Thirdly, the researcher sorted
complimentary, and sentence metaphors to the metaphors into categories according to
better understand how metaphors affect their type, such as nominative,
language, cognition, and communication. It complementary and sentence metaphors.
emphasizes the power of metaphors to And then analyze the metaphors in the
explain complicated ideas and shape our context of the song's lyrics using contextual
perceptions and experiences. These analysis (Huberman, 1998).
metaphor types could be studied in specific To comprehend how the metaphors
circumstances or concerning cultural, relate to the story, emotional tone, and
societal, and individual characteristics. overall meaning of the song, the researcher
Copyright © 2023 Edumaspul - Jurnal Pendidikan (ISSN 2548-8201 (cetak); (ISSN 2580-0469 (online)
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considered the adjacent lines, verses, and discussion to clarify the classification of
stanzas to think about the metaphors' metaphors once again.
underlying ideas, life experiences, and The lyrics of the song “Someone Like
cultural allusions. And then, Interpretation You” and the identification of the type of
and Implications: Interpret the metaphors metaphors are in the following
and consider any implications they might In the first lyric, I heard that you're
have. Consider the resonance and settled down, that you found a girl and
emotional impact that these metaphors you're married now... I heard, that your
elicit while keeping in mind their dreams came true Guess she gave you
applicability to the experiences of the things, I didn't give to you Old friend, why
listeners and the overarching issues the are you so shy? Ain't like you to hold back or
song raises. And the last, Reporting and hide from the light In the lyrics of the song
Findings: Outline the analysis's conclusions “Someone Like You”. For the first part, there
while giving a detailed overview of the are 2 types of metaphors, namely in the
metaphors employed in Adele's song form of objective nominative metaphors
"Someone Like You." Give examples to help which can be seen in the following
with your analysis and illustrate the depth sentences: I heard that your dreams came
and importance of the metaphors you true Guess she gave you things. Whereas in
used(Juliana, 2019). the other sentences in the song lyrics for
verse 1 it is still stated in the form of a direct
meaning.
Findings and Discussion
In the second lyric, I hate to turn up
The results of the analysis in the out of the blue uninvited, but I couldn't stay
research that had been conducted are the away, I couldn't fight it I had hoped you'd
review stage by employing the lyrics of a see my face and that you'd be reminded that
popular song in the world that includes the for me, it isn't t over …. In the fragment of
pop genre entitled "Someone Like You" the lyrics of the song "Someone Like You".
which was written and sung directly by For the second part there are 2 types of
Adele Laurie. Adele's song is largely about metaphors, namely in the form of
love tales, life processes, and subjective complementary nominative
disappointments, with the phrases in the metaphors in the second line while in the
lyrics focusing on these topics. After seventh line is a type of sentence metaphor
analyzing the feelings and responses, it was which can be seen in the following lyrics: of
discovered that the author utilized a figure the blue uninvited, but I it isn't over, As for
of speech or language to make the lyrics of the other sentences in the lyrics of the
the song more lovely to hear. After second stanza, they are still stated in the
evaluating the examined songs, it was form of direct meaning. Bait Tiga Never
discovered that there was an application of mind I'll find someone like you ….. I wish
metaphorical figures of speech, although nothing but the best for you… too Don't
the words of the song "Someone Like You" forget me, I beg, I remember you said
do not contain any or only a few metaphors. Sometimes it lasts in love, but sometimes it
Determine and identify the metaphors hurts instead Sometimes it lasts in love, but
contained in the lyrics of the song "Someone sometimes it hurts instead(J. Lakoff &
Like You" are the steps of analysis carried Johnson, n.d.).
out. The analysis and meaning of existing In the fragment of the lyrics of the song
metaphors then be provided in the "Someone Like You" for the third part, there
is 1 type of metaphor, namely in the form of
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Jurnal Edumaspul, 7 (1), Year 2023 - 1695
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an objective nominative metaphor which and functions as a noun as a complement or
can be seen in the following lyric: someone complement.
like you, While in other sentences in the Whereas line 7 is a type of sentence
song lyrics of verse 3, it is still stated in metaphor, as the figurative symbol is found
direct meaning. throughout the sentence. The metaphor of
The fourth lyric “You know how the a sentence is endless or measurable for the
time flies, only yesterday was the time of our noun, for those who play the role of being
lives, We were born and raised in a summer the subject, or for those who play the role
haze, bound by the surprise of our glory days of being its complement. In the third stanza
In the fourth stanza in the lyrics of the song of the song "Someone Like You" one form of
"Someone Like You" found 4 forms metaphor is found, namely the objective
metaphor. The type of objective nominative nominative metaphor found in line 2. This is
metaphor found in lines 2 and 3 while in because the figurative symbol of the song
lines 5 and 6 are types of sentence lyrics is found in the object of the sentence,
metaphors, which can be seen in the namely "you". Meanwhile, the other
following lyrics: the time flies, only sentences in the verses of the song are still
yesterday was the time of our lives, summer stated in a direct meaning. In the fourth
haze, bound by the surprise of our glory days stanza, there are four forms of metaphor
As for the other sentences in the song lyrics which in line 2 and line 3 are objective
of verse 4, they are still stated in the form of nominative metaphors because the
direct meaning. figurative symbol is found in the object.
The fifth verse in the lyrics of the song Sentences namely the words "the time flies"
"Someone Like You" has the same lyrics or and also "the time of our lives". Whereas
sentences as the song lyrics contained in the line 5 and line 6 are types of sentence
second verse or repetition. As for the sixth metaphors because the figurative symbols
stanza in the song lyrics, it has the same in the song lyrics are found in the whole
content or sentence as the song lyrics sentence. In the seventh stanza in the lyrics
contained in the third stanza or repetition. of this song, two forms of metaphor are
After analyzing and recognizing the found, namely the type of complementary
types of metaphors found in the lyrics of the metaphor found in line 1 and line 2. This is
song "Someone Like You" discussed in the because the figurative symbol is found in
results section, several types of metaphors the entire phrase and the metaphorical
can be found in them. In the first stanza in expression is a form of a phrase.
the lyrics of the song, there are two forms After analyzing the identification of the
of the same metaphor, namely in line 5 and metaphors contained in the lyrics of the
line 6. The lyrics are a type of objective song "Someone Like You", it was found that
nominative metaphor, this is because, in the there are 11 forms of metaphors contained
figurative symbol for song lyrics, there is an in the verses of the song. For other song
object sentence, namely “your dreams” and lyrics where there is no form of metaphor,
“things”. For the second lyrics itself, two all components of the sentence are stated
different forms of metaphor are found, in a direct or precise meaning.
namely the type of subjective The lyrics of the song entitled
complementary metaphor found in line 2 "Someone Like You" is a work of art in the
which in the figurative symbol in the lyrics form of a song that describes the story of a
of the song can be found only in the woman and her former soul mate from the
complement of the sentence in question subject or topic of the song, in which the
man has found another lover or separated
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Jurnal Edumaspul, 7 (1), Year 2023 - 1696
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from the woman. The boy ends up marrying remember those times(G. Lakoff & Johnson,
the new girl he has met and not with the 1980).
subject of the lyrics or self-expression in the
form of the word "I". Conclusion
The lover of the subject of the lyrics
feels that after meeting this woman and Song is an expression of emotions that
marrying her, the lover's life becomes more can be sensed by the listener or senses of
peaceful and colorful than before because sight or hearing. Authors and songwriters
the woman who has just become his wife use their creativity and language skills to
can give happiness that previously could not create poetry or songs that astonish and
be felt when being with the woman or the enthrall. Lyrics may include anomalies,
subject of this song. Under these conditions, word substitutions, or language shifts, such
the lyrical subject was unable to stop or as metaphors or comparative figures of
walk away from the disappointment that speech.
was beyond her expectations, but the The results of the investigation,
woman also realized that she could not which was undertaken in the form of an
permanently stay in that disappointment analysis, allowed it to be concluded that the
and only lamented. lyrics to Adele's song "Someone Like You"
The lyrical subject also conveys his wish have a metaphorical significance. This is
for his former soul mate to always demonstrated by the song's lyrics, which
remember every period or event they have contain 11 metaphors—5 nominative, 3
lived together because the lyrical subject complimentary, and 3 phrase metaphors.
thinks that everything is not finished yet. The outcomes of this metaphor analysis can
This can be seen in the lyrics of the song aid readers of literature or music in better
which are written and describe that many visualizing and comprehending a song's
memories have been passed by the two of intention or meaning.
them. He must be able to let go of
everything that has passed even though it is References
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Copyright © 2023 Edumaspul - Jurnal Pendidikan (ISSN 2548-8201 (cetak); (ISSN 2580-0469 (online)
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