Figurative Language as a Conveyor of Meaning in Coldplay X&Y Album

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the types of figurative language, their semantic functions, and their contribution to meaning construction in Coldplay’s X&Y album. Employing a descriptive qualitative approach, this research analyzed the lyrics of twelve main songs and one bonus track from the album using document analysis and qualitative content analysis. Data analysis followed Miles et al.’s (2014) interactive model, consisting of data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing. The analysis was guided by Knickerbocker and Reninger’s (1963) classification of figurative language, Perrine’s (1992) theory of figurative language functions, and Leech’s (1981) framework of meaning. The findings revealed 88 instances of figurative language categorized into eight types: metaphor, symbolism, hyperbole, personification, simile, irony, synecdoche, and metonymy. Metaphor emerged as the dominant type with 43.18%, followed by symbolism (17.05%) and hyperbole (15.91%), demonstrating that Coldplay predominantly uses metaphorical expressions to convey existential, emotional, and philosophical themes. Furthermore, figurative language functions to express conceptual, connotative, affective, and thematic meanings, allowing abstract concepts such as hope, alienation, identity, and human relationships to be communicated more vividly and effectively. The study also highlights the pedagogical value of X&Y as an authentic material for teaching Semantics, particularly in understanding figurative expressions, contextual meaning, and the relationship between linguistic forms and semantic interpretation. Therefore, this research contributes to the study of figurative language in song lyrics and provides meaningful insights for English Language Education, especially in the development of semantic learning materials.