<![CDATA[This study aims to describe the significance of nine song lyrics in Braga MGNDW’s album Kembara Jiwa through heuristic and hermeneutic readings and to formulate the central matrix that binds the album as a whole. The study was conducted in Gorontalo in 2026 using a qualitative descriptive approach. The corpus comprises Senandung Pembuka Jalan, Jalan Hidup, Nasib dan Takdir, Kembar Jiwa, Sedih Akan Pergi, Kelana, Subuh, Pulang yang Paling Pulang, and Rayakan. The researcher and data cards functioned as research instruments by recording lexical elements, indirect expressions, hypograms, variants, models, matrices, and significance. Data were collected through careful listening, transcription, documentation, and lyric verification with the band. The analysis proceeded through heuristic reading, hermeneutic reading, identification of actual and potential hypograms, and formulation of variants, models, and matrices. The heuristic findings show that the lyrics employ diction related to journeys, wounds, hope, longing, home, mother, light, and acceptance, supported by metaphor, personification, natural symbols, and semantic oppositions. Hermeneutically, the album constructs a progressive narrative of departure, self-formation, struggle with fate, relational harmony, transformation of suffering, perseverance, contemplation, homecoming, and acceptance of life. The individual matrices converge into a central matrix: the existential dimensions of human life. Kembara Jiwa therefore positions local song lyrics as poetic texts that represent the inner journey through which human beings understand, confront, and give meaning to their lives.]]>
