ATHENA: Journal of Social Culture and Society
Vol. 3 No. 4 (2025): October 2025

The Construction of Symbolic Meaning in the Lyrics of “Bingung” by Iksan Skuter: A Semiotic Analysis

Nandito Dwi Anugrah (Unknown)
Fadhillah Arrizky Heriansyah (Unknown)
Khaerudin Imawan (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
25 Jul 2025

Abstract

Music plays a significant role in conveying social criticism through meaningful lyrics. This study aims to analyze the construction of symbolic meaning in the lyrics of the song Bingung by Iksan Skuter using Ferdinand de Saussure’s semiotic approach. Employing qualitative interpretive methods, the research uses lyric analysis and audience interviews to understand how listeners interpret the song’s message. Analysis of the lyrics reveals various symbols in Bingung representing social injustice, stereotypes, commercialized education, media manipulation, and the existential paradoxes of modern humanity. The song highlights how individuals often experience labeling, social pressure, and inequality across multiple aspects of life. The semiotic approach reveals that the signifiers in the lyrics represent a complex social reality, while the signified conveys criticism of prevailing social conditions. Therefore, the song serves not only as artistic expression but also as a powerful tool for social critique. This study reinforces the understanding that music can serve as a powerful communication medium for raising social awareness, particularly through works by independent musicians such as Iksan Skuter.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

athena

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Social Sciences Other

Description

Athena: Journal of Social, Culture and Society is a peer-reviewed academic international journal that publishes original research on a wide range of topics related to social, cultural, and societal issues. Our goal is to provide a forum for scholars, researchers, and practitioners to share their ...