IDEAS: Journal on English Language Teaching and Learning, Linguistics and Literature
Vol. 14 No. 1 (2026): IDEAS: Journal on English Language Teaching and Learning, Linguistics and Lite

Spiritual Symbolism in The Stone Roses (1989): A Barthesian Semiotic Analysis

Axello Balya Putra (Sastra Inggris, Universitas Bina Sarana Informatika, Jakarta)
Arshyafca Abyan Jatikusumo (Sastra Inggris, Universitas Bina Sarana Informatika, Jakarta)
Euis Meinawati (Sastra Inggris, Universitas Bina Sarana Informatika, Jakarta)



Article Info

Publish Date
07 Jun 2026

Abstract

This study examines spiritual symbolism in selected lyrics from The Stone Roses (1989) by The Stone Roses using Roland Barthes’ semiotic framework. Although symbolism has been widely explored in literary texts, alternative rock lyrics have rarely been analyzed through Barthes’ concepts of denotation, connotation, and myth, particularly in relation to spiritual meaning. This qualitative study analyzes four songs: “I Wanna Be Adored,” “Waterfall,” “I Am the Resurrection,” and “She Bangs the Drums.” The findings reveal recurring symbols of water, resurrection, rhythm, and adoration that construct a myth of spiritual self-awakening and collective transcendence. The study positions the album as a poetic text that encodes modern spiritual identity through secular rock expression.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ideas

Publisher

Subject

Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

IDEAS Journal is published twice a year in the months of June and December (P-ISSN 2338-4778 and E-ISSN 2548-4192); it presents articles on English language teaching and learning, linguistics, and literature. The contents include analyses, studies and application of theories, research report, ...