LITERA: Jurnal Bahasa dan Sastra Vol.
No.
July 2025, pp.
E-ISSN: 2548-7639
ye Exploring Lexical and Contextual Meaning in Olivia RodrigoAos Song Lyrics in Sour Album Tri Ramadani1.
Syahlafiya Anwar 2.
Cipto Wardoyo 3 Faculty Adab and Humanities.
UIN Sunan Gunung Djati.
Indonesia.
triramadanii1103@gmail.
Faculty Adab and Humanities.
UIN Sunan Gunung Djati.
Indonesia, syahlafiyaanwar@gmail.
Faculty Adab and Humanities.
UIN Sunan Gunung Djati.
Indonesia, ciptowardoyo@uinsgd.
Article Info Keywords:
Lexical_Contextual_Meaning.
Olivia_Rodrigo.
Song_Lyrics_Analysis.
Emotional_Expression.
Corresponding Author:
Tri Ramadani UIN Sunan Gunung Djati.
Bandung triramadanii1103@gmail.
ABSTRACT
This research aimed to explore the lexical and contextual meanings in Olivia RodrigoAos song lyrics from her album Sour.
Using a qualitative descriptive approach, this study analyzed how Olivia RodrigoAos word choice and context convey deep emotions and messages through literal and contextual meanings.
The results of this study revealed how simple yet emotionally charged language is used to describe complex feelings and Songs such as Brutal.
Jealousy.
Jealousy.
Traitor, and Hope Ur Ok feature themes of love, self-doubt, jealousy, social criticism, and personal growth.
Song lyrics are seen as a language-based art form that not only relies on the beauty of words but is also loaded with emotional and social meaning.
analyzing word choice and context, this research also highlighted the way Olivia Rodrigo makes music a valuable tool for language learning and cultural analysis, enriching the understanding of emotional and linguistic expression in music.
The research concluded that the lyrics in Sour analyzed through Literal and Contextual depict the narrative of modern life by using simple but powerful language, creating a deep emotional resonance with the listener.
This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-SA license.
INTRODUCTION
Language is one of the most important aspects of human life.
As a communication tool, language allows individuals to convey thoughts, emotions and, information in a variety of ways.
In linguistic studies, analyzing meaning is important to understand how words are chosen and assembled to create a particular message.
One of the most interesting areas of linguistic study is the study of meaning, particularly lexical meaning and contextual meaning (Apriyanto, 2.
Lexical meaning refers to the basic meaning of a word as listed in a dictionary, without considering the context in which it is used.
For example, the word love in English lexically means love or affection.
However, in certain contexts, the word can have a more complex meaning, depending on the situation, the relationship between speakers, or the emotions involved.
This is where the study of contextual meaning comes in, which looks at how the meaning of a word or phrase is influenced by the situation and environment in which it is used (Hendra et al.
, 2.
Song lyrics, as a form of language-based artwork, are a rich medium for meaning analysis.
Lyrics not only rely on the beauty of words, but also convey deep emotions, stories and, messages.
By using certain words, a songwriter can create a strong image and influence the emotions of the Therefore, analyzing the meaning of song lyrics is one way to understand more deeply what the songwriter wants to convey (Yulia Syahfitri, 2.
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E-ISSN: 2548-7639
Olivia RodrigoAos album Sour has become a phenomenon in the world of modern music.
Released in 2021, the album was not only a commercial success, but also gained critical acclaim for its emotional and authentic lyrics.
Each song in the album reflects Olivia RodrigoAos personal experiences, such as stories of heartbreak, disappointment, and the struggle to find oneself.
These themes are packaged in powerful and meaningful lyrics, making it interesting to analyze from a linguistic point of view.
This research aims to explore the lexical and contextual meanings in Olivia RodrigoAos song lyrics on the album Sour.
By analyzing the word choice and context in the lyrics, this research seeks to reveal how messages and emotions are conveyed through language.
This approach not only looks at the literal meaning of words but also how to form a broader meaning in the context of the experiences and emotions expressed by the singer.
The song driversAo license in this album has lyrics that reflect a sense of loss and disappointment.
Lexically, the lyrics use simple words such as car, street, and home.
However, in the context of the story being told, these words have a deeper meaning, describing an emotional journey and memories of the past (Apriyanto, 2.
Analyzing the lexical and contextual meanings allows us to understand how these lyrics convey the singerAos personal experiences to the listener.
Besides driversAo license, other songs in SourAos album such as Brutal.
Jealousy Jealousy, traitor, and Hope Ur Ok also have lyrics that are rich in meaning.
Each song reflects different feelings, ranging from anger, and, confusion to nostalgia (Alfiani & Hakim, 2.
The lexical meanings in these lyrics provide the basic foundation, while contextual meanings expand the interpretation by considering emotional and situational connections.
This research is also relevant in an educational context, particularly in English language Song lyrics are often used as a medium to teach vocabulary, grammar and, text By exploring lexical and contextual meanings in song lyrics, not only the meaning of words, but also how to use them in various situations to create complex meanings ( Fitria & Dewi.
In addition, this research was expected to contribute to the study of linguistics in general, particularly in understanding how meaning is created in musical texts.
Music, as a universal art form, has the potential to convey messages that transcend cultural and linguistic boundaries.
understanding the meaning of song lyrics, we can better appreciate how music becomes an effective and emotional means of communication.
Thus, this research focused on exploring the lexical and contextual meanings in the lyrics of Olivia RodrigoAos songs in the album Sour.
Through linguistic analysis, this research aims to explore how word choice and context create deep meaning while providing new insights into how song lyrics can be a rich and meaningful medium of communication.
The study of meaning in linguistics is one of the broad and growing areas of research.
Meaning, as one of the main aspects of language, is often discussed through two main perspectives, namely lexical meaning and contextual meaning.
Lexical meaning refers to the literal meanings of words, as listed in the dictionary, while contextual meaning looks at the meanings formed from the specific situations or conditions in which the words are used.
In the context of song lyrics, these two types of meaning often interact to create more complex and emotional messages.
According to Leech ac cited in Alexander .
, meaning in linguistics can be divided into several categories, including conceptual, contextual, and emotive meanings.
Conceptual meaning refers to the basic meaning of the word, while contextual meaning relies on the word's relationship to the environment or situation in which it is used.
LeechAos study is an important foundation for understanding how words in song lyrics can have different meanings depending on the context (Enesi & Strati, 2.
The study of Olivia RodrigoAos song lyrics, especially in the album Sour, has attracted the attention of researchers because of the uniqueness and emotional honesty displayed in the lyrics.
An analysis of a song like Brutal shows that Olivia Rodrigo uses simple but meaningful language, creating a strong emotional connection with the listener (Putri et al.
, 2.
In addition, studies on the relationship between pop music and linguistics show that this genre of music often uses colloquial language to connect with listeners.
a previous study conducted by (Limbong, n.
) revealed that the use of simple vocabulary in pop song lyrics allows listeners to more LITERA: Jurnal Bahasa dan Sastra.
Vol.
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LITERA: Jurnal Bahasa dan Sastra
E-ISSN: 2548-7639
ye easily understand and identify with the message conveyed.
In the album Sour.
Olivia Rodrigo uses a similar approach, but with additional emotional elements that make her lyrics more authentic and Song lyric analysis can also be a tool for understanding social and cultural dynamics.
For example, a previous study conducted by Frith .
shows that song lyrics often reflect the cultural values and collective experiences of a society.
In the case of the album Sour, the lyrics reflect the feelings and experiences of the younger generation growing up in the digital age, where interpersonal relationships are often complicated and influenced by social media.
From the various studies that have been conducted, it appears that the analysis of lexical and contextual meanings in song lyrics is an important area to study.
Song lyrics offer unique insights into the use of language in artistic and emotional communication.
As such, this research will continue the tradition of linguistic studies by exploring how lexical and contextual meanings are reflected in Olivia RodrigoAos song lyrics on the album Sour, as well as how these lyrics create powerful and relevant messages for listeners.
METHODS
This study employs a qualitative descriptive approach to explore the lexical and contextual meanings in Olivia RodrigoAos song lyrics from her Sour album.
The qualitative method is chosen to allow an in-depth analysis of the language and meanings within the song lyrics, focusing on how individual words and phrase function both in isolation and within the context of the songsAo The research involves two key phases: lexical analysis and contextual analysis.
These phases are carried out systematically to ensure that both the literal and interpretive dimensions of meaning are thoroughly examined.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The analysis of several songs in Olivia RodrigoAos Sour album:
Brutal This song is a satire of our dissatisfaction with the life we have and the problems that follow along with the frustration of teenagers because their sweet dreams must become nightmares.
In addition.
Olivia Rodrigo also expresses the pressure on teenagers who have to fulfil society's expectations of having the perfect teenage experience and being productive at a young age (Darla, 2.
This song also depicts the feelings of anxiety, self-doubt, and lack of social support toward the dreams that the younger generation wants.
Olivia Rodrigo also reveals how difficult it is to go through adolescence.
Lyrics AuMessyAy AuInsecureAy AuExploitedAy AuTeenage DreamAy AuEgo crushAy AuBroken HeartAy Table 1.
Brutal Lexical Meaning Lexical meaning Disorganized or chaotic Feeling uncertain or unconfident Being unfairly used or taken advantage of for someone elseAos gain.
An idealized or hopeful vision of teenage life.
A significant blow to one's self-esteem or confidence.
Emotional devastation caused by a deep loss or Exploring Lexical and Contextual Meaning in Olivia RodrigoAos Song Lyrics in Sour Album (Tri Ramadan.
E-ISSN: 2548-7639
Table 2.
Brutal Contextual Meaning Lyrics Contextual Meaning AuIAom so insecure.
I think that Reflects extreme emotional pressure and a lack of IAoll die before I drinkAy confidence, making life feel overwhelming even before reaching common social milestones like the drinking AuAnd theyAod all be so Critiques societal expectations that make individuals disappointed.
Aocause, who am I, feel their worth are defined by how they can be used or if not exploited?Ay exploited by others.
AuWhereAos my fucking teenage Expresses frustration at the reality of teenage life not dream?Ay living up to the societal or cultural idealization of it as a carefree and exciting time.
AuAll I did was try my best, this Conveys disillusionment over the lack of appreciation the kind of thanks I get?Ay or recognition for one's efforts, highlighting feelings of inadequacy despite hard work.
AuEgo crush is so severe.
God.
Reflects the harshness of social realities that can itAos brutal out hereAy severely damage one's self-esteem, particularly during the vulnerable teenage years.
AuI feel like no one wants me.
Highlights feelings of social alienation and and I hate the way IAom dissatisfaction with how others view them, amplifying perceivedAy anxiety and a sense of worthlessness.
Reflects the struggles of perfectionism and AuAnd I hate every song I dissatisfaction with oneAos creative work, even after writeAy putting in significant effort.
Jealousy.
Jealousy This song is a satire on our dissatisfaction with ourselves that arises from envy of other people's success.
There is a criticism of social media for creating unrealistic standards of beauty and success, making teenagers feel trapped in a cycle of self-comparison (Jeon.
The song focuses on the struggle against envy and self-comparison, there is also an implicit acknowledgment that these problems arise from a lack of self-acceptance.
Table.
3 Jealousy.
Jealousy Lexical Meaning Lyrics Lexical Meaning AuThrow my phone across the Throw: To propel something through the air.
roomAy Phone: A device used for communication and internet AuPaper-white teethAy Paper-white: Extremely white, resembling the colour of paper.
Teeth: Hard, bony structures in the mouth.
AuComparison is killing me Comparison: The act of examining similarities and slowlyAy Killing slowly: Gradual emotional or mental harm.
AuJealousyAy A feeling of envy or resentment toward someone elseAos achievements, possessions, or qualities.
AuVintage clothesAy Vintage: Clothing that is from a previous era, often considered classic or high-quality.
AuPretty boyfriendAy Pretty: Attractive or pleasing in appearance.
Boyfriend: A male partner in a romantic relationship.
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LITERA: Jurnal Bahasa dan Sastra
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ye Table.
4 Jealousy.
Jealousy Contextual Meaning.
Lyrics Contextual Meaning AuI kinda wanna throw my Reflects frustration with the pressure and insecurities phone across the roomAy caused by social media, where unrealistic beauty standards dominate.
AuAll I see are girls too good to Suggests the idealized and unattainable standards be trueAy portrayed on social media, making the narrator feel AuI know their beautyAos not my Acknowledges that othersAo beauty doesnAot diminish lack, but it feels like that weight their worth, yet the societal pressure creates an is on my backAy emotional burden.
AuComparison is killing me Highlights the detrimental effects of constantly slowlyAy comparing oneself to others, leading to anxiety and selfesteem issues.
AuAnd I'm happy for them, but Reflects conflicted feelings of envy and guilt, common then again.
IAom notAy in a culture of competitive achievement and social AuAll I see is what I should be.
This shows how social media influences a skewed happier, prettierAy perception of self-worth, making the narrator feel they are not enough.
AuI wanna be you so bad, and I Emphasizes the irrationality of envy in the social media donAot even know youAy age, where people admire and desire the lives of strangers based on superficial impressions.
Hope Ur Ok This song is a deeply emotional song in which the singer reflects on the lives of two individuals she knew during her youth.
The song expresses empathy and concern for their well-being, even though they have since drifted apart.
It touches on themes of friendship, personal struggles, family dynamics, and the hope for healing and happiness for those who went through difficult experiences (O, 2.
Table.
5 Hope Ur Ok Lexical Meaning Lyrics Lexical Meaning AuTow-head blondeAy Refers to a person with very light blonde hair, often described as white or very pale blonde, like tow .
fiber from flax or hem.
AuEyes of saltAy Likely a metaphor describing the personAos eyes as being emotional, possibly hinting at tears .
alty wate.
, conveying sadness or emotional depth.
AuMarching bandAy A group of musicians who perform while moving, often in parades or school events.
It signifies the boy's involvement in school activities.
AuBibleAy Refers to the Christian holy text, symbolizing the religious focus of the boyAos parents.
AuLong sleevesAy This could symbolize hiding something, possibly emotional scars or abuse, especially considering the line about his dad.
It may represent a form of protection or AuBad dealAy and Auroyal flushAy AuBad dealAy: refers to an unfortunate or unfair situation Exploring Lexical and Contextual Meaning in Olivia RodrigoAos Song Lyrics in Sour Album (Tri Ramadan.
ye AuMiddle school friendAy AuRaised her brothers on her ownAy AuUnlearn all of their hatredAy AuAddress the letters, to the holes in my butterfly wingsAy AuNothingAos foreverAy AuIroned outAy AuMonsters creep into your houseAy AuEvery door is hard to closeAy AuCreated with the courage to unlearn all of their hatredAy E-ISSN: 2548-7639 AuRoyal flushAy: is a winning hand in cards, representing the hope that despite a bad start, the boy might have overcome his struggles and found success.
Refers to someone the singer knew during their middle school years, a time in childhood when people experience significant personal and social changes.
This phrase indicates that the middle school friend took on significant responsibility at a young age, likely due to family difficulties.
Refers to the process of rejecting or overcoming the negative beliefs or prejudices taught by others .
ikely her parent.
This metaphor likely expresses the idea of sending messages to parts of the self or experiences that feel broken or incomplete.
AuButterfly wingsAy could represent fragility or vulnerability.
A simple phrase conveying the idea that all things change or end eventually.
Refers to smoothing or resolving something, in this case, the "clouds" or difficulties.
Likely a metaphor for internal fears, struggles, or external problems that invade oneAos life.
This could symbolize difficulties in moving on or letting go of the past.
A powerful line expressing admiration for the strength and bravery of the individuals who managed to overcome prejudice or toxic teachings.
Table.
6 Hope Ur Ok Contextual Meaning Lyrics Contextual Meaning AuA tow-head blonde, with eyes She remembers a boy they knew when they were of saltAy younger, someone who faced challenges at home.
The boyAos Aueyes of saltAy could symbolize sadness, pain, or emotional depth.
AuHe wore long sleeves Aocause Suggests that he might have been physically or of his dadAy emotionally abused by his father.
AuMy middle school friend Thinking about a female friend they had in middle grew up alone.
school, who grew up in a similarly difficult She raised her brothers on her environment.
This friend took on a parental role, raising ownAy her younger brothers while dealing with disapproval from her parents about her romantic choices.
She was eager to escape this environment, symbolized by her desire to go to college.
AuAddress the letters, to the This is metaphorical.
Butterflies are often symbols of holes in my butterfly wingsAy transformation and beauty, and the AuholesAy in the wings likely represent the scars or emotional pain she has experienced in their life.
She sends these AulettersAy to the LITERA: Jurnal Bahasa dan Sastra.
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LITERA: Jurnal Bahasa dan Sastra
E-ISSN: 2548-7639
ye past, to the people they care about, with unresolved emotions or wounds.
AuGod.
I hope that youAore Reflects a heartfelt wish for their well-being, showing happier todayAy the narratorAos care for them even from a distance.
Traitor This song is portraying the raw feelings of betrayal, sadness, and confusion when someone you loved moves on to someone else, all while still grappling with the past.
The song resonates with anyone who has experienced heartbreak due to dishonesty or emotional disloyalty, while also capturing the complexity of love and loss.
It also touches on themes of self-reflection and personal growth as the narrator comes to terms with the betrayal (Cindy et al.
, 2.
Tabel.
7 Traitor Lexical Meaning Lyrics Lexical Meaning AuBrown guilty eyes and little AuBrownAy: Refers to the colour of the eyes white liesAy AuGuiltyAy: Describes someone who feels responsible for something wrong AuLittle white liesAy: Refer to small, harmless or insignificant lies often used to protect someone or avoid AuI played dumb, but I always Means pretending not to understand or know something.
knewAy AuYou talked to her, maybe did AuTalked to herAy: Refers to communication with even worseAy another person AuDid even worseAy: Suggests actions that went beyond simple conversation implying a deeper emotional or physical betrayal.
AuAinAot it funny how you ran to AuRan to herAy: Means immediately going to her for her, the second that we called it comfort or companionship quits?Ay AuCalled it quitsAy: Means ending a relationship.
AuYou betrayed meAy Refers to the act of being deceived or hurt by someone who was supposed to be loyal.
AuLoved you at your worst, but Refers to the personAos flaws or most difficult moments.
that didn't matterAy AuIt took you two weeks to go off AuTwo weeksAy: Is a short period of time and date herAy AuDate herAy: Refers to entering into a romantic AuNow you bring her around AuBring her aroundAy: Means introducing the new just to shut me downAy partner to the narrator or to the same social circle AuShut me downAy: Means trying to silence or invalidate the narratorAos feelings.
AuShow her off like sheAos a new Refers to an object of pride or a prize, often symbolizing trophyAy someone who is valued or flaunted.
AuI wish that you had thought AuThought this throughAy: Means considering the this through before I went and consequences of actions beforehand fell in love with youAy AuFell in loveAy: Means to emotionally invest in someone.
Exploring Lexical and Contextual Meaning in Olivia RodrigoAos Song Lyrics in Sour Album (Tri Ramadan.
E-ISSN: 2548-7639
Tabel.
8 Traitor Contextual Meaning Lyrics Contextual Meaning AuBrown guilty eyes and little AuBrown guilty eyesAy: Refer to the person showing white liesAy signs of guilt, possibly through their eyes or body AuLittle white liesAy: Are small lies that are often told to protect oneself or avoid conflict.
AuI played dumb, but I always Means pretending not to notice or understand knewAy The narrator admits that while she acted like she didnAot know, she was aware of what was going on all along.
AuThat you talked to her, maybe This line refers to the person talking to someone else did even worseAy .
he AuherA.
while they were still together.
The Aumaybe did even worseAy suggests that there may have been more serious actions involved, like emotional or physical infidelity.
"I kept quiet so I could keep She stayed silent about her suspicions or discomforts to youAy avoid causing conflict and keep the person in her life.
AuAinAot it funny how you ran to AuRan to herAy: Means immediately seeking comfort or her, the second that we called it companionship with someone else once the relationship quits?Ay ended Aucalled it quitsAy.
AuAnd ainAot it funny how you The person claimed to be just AufriendsAy with the other said you were friends? Now it person, but now sees their actions as contradicting that sure as hell donAot look like itAy AuYou betrayed meAy This is a direct statement of the emotional core of the song feeling deceived or let down by someone who was supposed to be trustworthy.
AuAnd I know that youAoll never She resigned to the fact that the person who betrayed feel sorry for the way I hurt, her will never apologize or acknowledge the hurt they yeahAy AuIt took you two weeks to go off AuTwo weeksAy emphasizes the quick timeline in which and date herAy the person moved on to a new romantic relationship after the breakup.
AuGuess you didnAot cheat, but While the person didnAot technically cheat, she still feels you're still a traitorAy betrayed because their actions talking to and dating someone else so soon still feel like an emotional AuNow you bring her around AuBring her aroundAy: Refers to introducing the new just to shut me down, show her partner in the same circles or spaces.
off like she's a new trophyAy AuShow her off like sheAos a new trophyAy: Suggests flaunting the new partner in a way that diminishes AuI know if you were true.
AuTrueAy refers to being honest and genuine in the thereAos no damn way that you relationship, how the person could fall in love so could fall in love with quickly with someone else if their feelings for the somebody that quicklyAy narrator were real.
AuGod.
I wish that you had Wishes the person had considered the emotional thought this through before I consequences of their actions before she became went and fell in love with youAy emotionally invested in the relationship.
AuWhen sheAos sleepinAo in the AuSleeping in the bed we madeAy refers to the new bed, we made, donAot you dare partner occupying the same space where the narrator forget about the way you and the person once shared intimacy.
betrayed meAy LITERA: Jurnal Bahasa dan Sastra.
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LITERA: Jurnal Bahasa dan Sastra
E-ISSN: 2548-7639
ye AuYou gave me your word, but AuGave me your wordAy refers to promises or assurances that didnAot matterAy the person made to the narrator, which they broke.
CONCLUSION
This study reveals the intricate interplay between lexical and contextual meanings in Olivia RodrigoAos song lyrics from the Sour album.
Through detailed linguistic analysis, it is evident that Rodrigo employs simple yet emotionally charged language to convey complex feelings and Lexical meanings provide the foundational understanding of the lyrics, while contextual meanings expand upon this by interpreting the emotions and situations embedded in the songs.
Each track analyzed such as Brutal.
Jealousy Jealousy.
Hope Ur Ok, and Traitor showcases a unique blend of vulnerability, societal critique, and personal reflection.
These lyrics resonate with listeners by capturing universal themes of love, self-doubt, envy, and resilience, making them a rich medium for linguistic and emotional exploration.
Moreover, this study emphasizes the value of song lyrics as a tool for language learning and cultural analysis, demonstrating how music transcends boundaries to communicate profound human experiences.
Future research could further explore the role of song lyrics in different cultural contexts or examine how other artists employ language to connect with their audiences emotionally and intellectually.
Through such analyses, we can continue to uncover the power of music as a linguistic and artistic medium.
REFERENCES