Jurnal Ilmu Bahasa, Sastra dan Pengajarannya
Vol. 5 No. 1 (2026): Jurnal Ilmu Bahasa, Sastra dan Pengajarannya

A STUDY OF DENOTATIVE AND CONNOTATIVE MEANINGS IN THE SONG LYRICS OF NDARBOY GENK

Anang Prasetya (Program Studi Pendidikan Bahasa dan sastra Jawa, Universitas Muhamamdiyah Purworejo, Purworejo, Indonesia)
Yuli Widiyono (Program Studi Pendidikan Profesi Guru, Universitas Muhammadiyah Purworejo, Purworejo, Indonesia)
Zuly Qurniawati (Program Studi Pendidikan Bahasa dan Sastra Jawa, Universitas Muhammadiyah Purworejo, Purworejo, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 May 2026

Abstract

This study is motivated by the richness of meaning found in Javanese song lyrics, which may lead to various interpretations, particularly in the songs of Ndarboy Genk. Song lyrics function not only as entertainment but also as a medium for conveying emotional, social, and cultural messages through denotative and connotative meanings. The problem addressed in this study concerns how denotative and connotative meanings are represented in Ndarboy Genk’s song lyrics. This research aims to describe both types of meaning in five selected songs, namely Balungan Kere, Koyo Jogja Istimewa, Ojo Nangis, Anak Lanang, and Lanang Tenan. This study employed a descriptive qualitative approach. The data consisted of words, phrases, and sentences in the song lyrics containing denotative and connotative meanings. Data were collected through reading and note-taking techniques. The data were analyzed using a semantic approach by identifying, classifying, and describing meanings based on their contextual usage. The findings reveal that connotative meanings are more dominant than denotative meanings. Denotative meanings are used to convey literal realities directly, while connotative meanings express emotions, inner conflicts, social criticism, and Javanese cultural values. The use of figurative language further strengthens the connotative meanings within the lyrics. Overall, Ndarboy Genk’s songs represent values such as hard work, simplicity, responsibility, and the worldview of Javanese society. This study concludes that the song lyrics contain rich linguistic and cultural meanings worthy of semantic analysis.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

jibsp

Publisher

Subject

Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

Jurnal Ilmu Bahasa, Sastra dan Pengajarannya is a journal that publishes the results of thoughts or literature reviews in the fields of language, literature, and teaching (education) of Indonesian, regional languages and literature, English, and other foreign languages so that it is possible to have ...